More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

cbradford wichita ks — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 16:10:49 GMT

what,about the law of the land? why should we support one more person who doesn't follow any law.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

emory dotson, richmond virginia — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 16:19:01 GMT

I have had the opportunity to travel the world as a merchant seaman. In my estimation, virtually everybody who could come to America would come to America if they could. It is time we as a nation decided how many people our country should have in total, and what the composition should be. We should decide, not special interest groups, who should be allowed, and under what conditions they should be admitted. I believe that all persons entering our country to work or imigrate should have to post a bond, prove that they can speak English with a high degree of proficiency, have a provable method of earning an income, and have a college degree. We don't need more stoop laboreres in our country. I recently read that the total percentage of illegal labor in our country is 4.9 percent of the working population, yet contributes only 2.2 percent of the value of labor in our nation, uses approximately 37 percent of all social services in border states,(including medical, education and police/court services), yielding a huge net negative effect on our country. Why do people crossing our borders illegally believe they have a right to our society.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Gary , Hickory, NC — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 16:31:59 GMT

Its terrible that the countries these people come from are so bad they can not make a living there. Yet we are the bad guys because we can not be the social net for ever struggling person in the world .

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Harold Strauss — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 16:36:34 GMT

It is sad what these people go through, but we must give priority to the safty of this country. People who want to come to the United States should feel welcome. However in this day and time we need to protect this country from people who would do us harm. The only way to safeguard our country is to allow the proper screening process to work. Additionally, superb training for our Border Patrol people, and equip them with dogs as an extra measure of safty for them. I've seen photos of Border Patrolmen at the border detaining large numbers of illegals. I ask myself,"if they break one law,won't they break another"! Too many illegals with inadequate BP personel is a prescription for trouble.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Yvette, Philadelphia, PA — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 16:37:21 GMT

I personally don't care about hispanics trying to immigrate into the US unlawfully. They should all be deported back to their native countries, no considerations given at all. As far as Cubans are concerned, its time the US closed it's borders to them as well. Do away with the ridiculous political asylum scam that they have adopted. Miami Florida has turned into Havanna, Cuba. It's absolutely appalling and unfair to the other immigrants that have been trying for years, filling out paper work and paying money to enter the US legally. If those illegal / political Asylum refugees don't apply for citizenship legally and live their lifes and adopt our American Culture and learn the English lanuage. They should all be deported back to thier countries. I am Hispanic, born in Puerto Rico, us Citizen by the priveledge of Commonwealth. I was raised in the US and my primary language is English. I love the US, it's my home and when I die I want to be buried here. My son is a US citizen by birth and his only language is English and I'm very proud of that as well. We respect and love America and we feel that all illegal immigrants and political asylum migrants to deserve to be in America. I say Deport them all, America is for Americans, it's no longer a Refugee Camp and country where you can come to dump your ignorance and non Patriotism.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Oz, Miami, Florida — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 16:51:17 GMT

Great article. It is sad that peoples of other countries do not enjoy the same priviledges that Cubans enjoy. Instead of making it difficult for immigrants, perhaps if it were as easy for all to come here legally, it would make things a lot better for everyone in terms of the "illegal immigration" dilemma and the so-called, "fight against terrorism". I fear however, that in the end, the racists will have their way...and the witch hunt begin.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Steve, Miami, Fl. — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 17:10:16 GMT

Limiting immigration numbers NOW is the ONLY sure way to save this country's future. Federal, State & Local services can't hope to keep up. My grandparents were immigrants, my wife is a naturized citizen. Immigrants are GOOD! Uncontrolled imigration and Amnesty is BAD! Visit www.numbersusa.com today!

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Adan Jimenez, Falfurrias, Texas — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 17:26:36 GMT

I believe it is high time to change the law allowing Cubans to apply for asylum once they arrive in the U.S. and utilize the advantage offered under the so-called Dry/Wet Foot policy. They should not enjoy this advantage while others do not have this privilege.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

anonymous — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 17:35:05 GMT

GREAT article!! Cubans do deserve special treatment as they are fleeing the most brutal of dictators and are by far the most successful, immigrant group in our hemisphere. This won't last long - as the tyrant is now nearing the end and the Cuban people may finally be free.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

JAW - Charleston, SC — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 17:40:05 GMT

Libety and Justice FOR ALL........

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Alex A, Mpls, MN — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 17:45:03 GMT

I must not be too bright, why is their a debate about letting someone do something illegal? It seems simple to me, if you come into the country through legal means (like my grandparents did at Ellis Island) you can stay, if not it simply means that your first act entering our country was by breaking the law...out you go. I also think that there should be no discussions about changing immigration law until our borders are secure. I'm sure the cost of securing borders is less than the cost of processing and deporting illegals.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Robin Poon, Houston, TX — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 17:45:25 GMT

The Cubans are allowed to apply for asylum as they cannot, generally speaking, apply to come to the USA (unless they play soccer or meet some other diplomatic exemption). OTher nationalities may apply to immigate legally - but choose to do otherwise, becaue of cost or waiting times. Because our laws guarantee them certain social benefifts (and COngress is trying to add another, with the CHIP expansion to low income adults), we simply cannot afford to open our borders to all.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Chris, Orlando, FL — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 17:50:37 GMT

This country needs to be like a hotel NO VACANCY!! Send them all back back home, lets empty our jails and send them all elsewhere. It's time america quits taking care of eveyone else's problems.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Marisa Martin, Miami, ,FL — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 17:52:45 GMT

I understand we need to limit the immigration in our country but as far as the Cubans, we have to remember they are coming from a communist country with worse living conditions than any other.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

John — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 17:53:13 GMT

Send them back like you would any other illegal.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Joe Radmacher, Kansas City, Mo — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 17:55:24 GMT

It would be great if we could open our borders to all law abiding, hard workng individuals. We don't have the resources to accomplish this task. It would be nice if these countries would work on improving the ife of their citizens so they were not compelled to leave and come the the United States. All of us that were born in the United States should be very grateful. These people are just looking to improve the conditions of their lives. I don't have the answers to this problem but I wish the best for anyone who lives in such terrible circumstances that they have to risk their lives to come here.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Pamela, Jackson,TN. — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 17:59:06 GMT

It is way too little and way too late folks. All the talk in the universe wont change this mess now.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

carlos, miami,fl — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 18:01:00 GMT

my parents,my brother & I left cuba in 1969.Since my dad wasnt a communist he lost his job as a bus driver,when he requested to leave the island they put him to work on a labor camp cutting sugar cane for over two years(we would see him once a month.Since 1969 he had the same job(printing foreman)until he retired in 2000.Both my brother & I are profesionals and bilingual,I also seved in the military.I'm glad the puerto rican lady was not in charge of immigration back then.And by the way I too have a son soon going to college.He speaks,reads & writes in english,SPANISH& french.I don't want him working in burger king once he graduates

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

S.Dukovich Everglades City,Fl. — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 18:01:40 GMT

moderation! but it all ready seems to be past the point of outta controll!why must we be the worlds babysitters?whos going to babysit us when our system as we know it explodes due to overload,there is no infinity

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Fred Beduhn — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 18:01:44 GMT

Times have changed. We no longer need more immigrants. It is time to tear down Lady Liberty and close our borders. We can not take care of the world!

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

John Birckhead — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 18:03:47 GMT

Why should we abide by the laws if we look the other
way for illegal immigrants even if they are cuban.

How can any judge enforce the laws of this nation on
Americans if they can't enforce them on illegals.

Why would I have respect for our laws. Why would I
repect any politician or judical member of this nation.

I never will until we straighten up.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Bill C., Odenton, MD — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 18:04:14 GMT

The hugh reason why many hispanic immigrants have such a yearning to come to the U.S. is because of jobs. The reason why many don't have jobs in their own country is because of corrupt politicians and businessmen. If many would stand up against this corruption, they wouldn't have to break U.S. laws by sneaking into the country and could maintain their family and culture in their own homelands.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Grace Lanaris — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 18:04:49 GMT

Dear Yvette from Philadelphia, I feel great sadness for you. You are ignorant. This country is not made of "Americans" only. If you go back in history, you will see that this is a country of immigrants, not just "americans" who are born here. And do you think Puerto Rico was always part of the United States? Years ago puerto ricans were also considered "aliens" not "americans". Please get informed before writing nasty comments. Grace, New Jersey

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

John Birckhead Charlottesville, Virginia — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 18:05:58 GMT

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Tavo Castro — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 18:06:47 GMT

As a son of legal immigrants and an active citizen of our great country, I have to say that most of our citizens do not even deserve the privileges of citizenship. They do not serve in our armed forces, they do not dedicate even the slightest bit of time to public service, they don't even vote. In my experience immigrants, legal and illegal, whom I have met, show the greatest appreciation for the wonderful promise our nation symbolizes. Many of my fellow citizens, however, have trouble naming the fifty states, couldn't point out Washington D.C. on a map, and couldn't tell you the difference between the legislative, executive,and judicial branches of government. So many hypocrites, wrapping their ignorance around our sacred flag, shouting, "Keep America for Americans!", when they're too lazy to even fill out a ballot. I say let's keep this country for those who would give their life to protect it, for those who give their time to serve its public, for those who take a stand and actually vote. And hell, if they just so happen to be somebody who came here illegally, so be it. I'd rather have somebody here who loves this country, than some pathetic excuse for a citizen who takes it for granted. As Andrew Jackson once stated, "The brave man inattentive to his duty, is worth little more to his country than the coward who deserts her in the hour of danger."

Truer words were never spoken.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

John Herrera, Miami, FL — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 18:07:29 GMT

What a lot of you ignorant people don't know about why Cubans come to the US is not for economic reasons as the rest of Latinos, it is for political oppression. Not for money, but for freedome of speech. Not for a brand new car, but for the opportunity to be free. Cubans are not the only people on earth that receive asylum. Imagine being thrown in prison for speaking negatively against the US gov't policies or against President Bush. Imagine have you next door neighbor working for the government as a "spy" and reporting you to the "authorities" for speaking against Castro and his regime or against "The Revolution". Cubans are a proud people and would never leave there Island under normal circumstances. Look at your statistics and read how Cubans are the most successful and most educated Latinos in the US. Miami is a beautiful thriving city that many envy. And for that Puerto Rican guy who thinks he's Captain America, shame on you. I am half Puerto Rican and Cuban born and raised in NYC and now live in Miami. You are American because the USA took over your Island by force. Your people never had ANY say. They still don't. Puerto Ricans go to war and die for American, but can't vote for the President who decideds their fate. Puerto Ricans have US Citizenship and take it for granted. Puerto Ricans rank as one of the least successful and educated of all Latinos. Don't be a hypocrite. Because when people look at you, they don't see a Puerto Rican - they see a LATION. Get off your high horse and stop thinking you're better than the rest of the Lations because your song was born here and speaks english.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Robert Estrada, El Paso, Texas — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 18:07:52 GMT

We ust enact a fair and equitable guest worker program. We have ticking time bombs south of the border, and we must have a working safety valve for at least some of these people to make a living. In the end, all the vast majority want is to work and make a decent living for their families back home.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Chitsa — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 18:09:02 GMT

Allowing immigration to the USA will not solve anybody's problems. Most immigrants would willingly stay in their countries if they were guaranteed the right to freedom and to earn a living. Infact there is already a trend in young, educated and well to do immigrants to return to their countries of origin. The soultion is adoption of fair trade policies by western "developed" nations, and supporting local enterprise in developing countries, rather than heaping massive amounts of foreign aide on corrupt regimes, which end up spending it on the western economies.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

John Herrera, Miami, FL — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 18:10:17 GMT

What a lot of you ignorant people don't know about why Cubans come to the US is not for economic reasons as the rest of Latinos, it is because political oppression. Not for money, but for freedome of speech. Not for a brand new car, but for the opportunity to be free. Cubans are not the only people on earth that receive asylum. Imagine being thrown in prison for speaking negatively against the US gov't policies or against President Bush. Imagine having you next door neighbor working for the government as a "spy" and reporting you to the "authorities" for speaking against Castro and his regime or against "The Revolution". Cubans are a proud people and would never leave their Island under normal circumstances. Look at your statistics and read how Cubans are the most successful and most educated Latinos in the US. Miami is a beautiful thriving city that many envy. And for that Puerto Rican guy who thinks he's Captain America, shame on you. I am half Puerto Rican and Cuban, born and raised in NYC and now live in Miami. You are American because the USA took over your Island by force. Your people never had ANY say. They still don't. Puerto Ricans go to war and die for America, but can't vote for the President who decides their fate. Puerto Ricans have US Citizenship and take it for granted. Puerto Ricans rank as one of the least successful and educated of all Latinos. Don't be a hypocrite. Because when people look at you, they don't see a Puerto Rican - they see a LATINO. Get off your high horse and stop thinking you're better than the rest of the Lations because your son was born here and speaks english. United we stand, divided we fall.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

David Powell, Ocean City NJ — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 18:12:28 GMT

The Cubans wil be the one bunch the Libs want out. "No Human Being is Illegal" unless it is Elian Gonzales, then stick a machine gun in his face.... f'n Hypocrites.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Mark Smith, Woodbridge, Virginia — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 18:13:40 GMT

In response to Emory Dotson, Are you living here in the present or remember the cost of college 20 years ago?
Americans here spend $50,000.00 dollars and 4 years for a college degree...and your stupid statement that " have a provable method of earning an income, and have a college degree."
And even if they had a college degree it's not worth a lot over here. You should do a search to see how many US Citizens in your town have a 4yr college degree. If it wasn't for the stoop laborers in our country the cost to build would have sky rocketed especially when it comes to building the roads, Federal monuments, Govt buildings. Right Now Prince William County in Virginia is debating how to cut services to illegal aliens over here.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

jBsq, Chicago, Illinois — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 18:15:50 GMT

The article is a basic tranparency into the daily lives of the immigration issues we face within the United States of America; and, basically, it is written in a manner that provides the simplicity as well as the complexity of our society. The responses above typify a cross section of our society, too. It is sad that many who want to shudder the entry points, legal or not, have little compasion for our fellow human kind. History always allows a society to exam where it can elevate social concerns; as well as, provide the insight to where indeed the ultimate downfall will prevail. Narrow vision almost always leads to downfall. God helps us all.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Faustina Espinoza — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 18:16:55 GMT

Unfortunately, for the dark-haired, brown-skinned latino in the "Great" U.S. of A, the time has come to watch our backs more so than ever before as we are being stereo-typed as uneducated, illegal "aliens," regardless of our birth-right. I hope, no, I pray, one day, like the native americans, we latino beings will be able to get "them" were it hurts - in the pocket. I'm sure that will bring "them" to thier knees. God is great.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Pedro, New York, NY — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 18:20:11 GMT

I do not understand why so much hatred is directed at people like me. I come here to work hard for less money than would be paid to someone slightly taller and of a fairer complexion. But I do not mind. I work hard to provide for my familia, and to insure that my 7 little ones (all american citizens thank you) will grow up to be productive members of our society.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Yvette Cela Rowe, Miami, Florida — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 18:20:19 GMT

I came from Cuba in 1966 at the age of twelve and will be forever grateful to the USA for the opportunity granted me and my family. I've lived in Miami, Dallas and West Palm Beach, and each city has afforded me a different re-action to my naturalized status, some good, some bad, some indifferent. My family has worked hard to become part of the American dream; we pay our USA taxes but will never forget our roots. My problem with immigration is rooted in the misconception that all imigrants are illegal, don't pay taxes and will never learn the English language. The ones that arrive in US soil with a political need versus an economic need are usually lumped with the undesirables. And my question is, how many of the critical, US born individuals can boast of a non-imigrant background? We still have "Little Italys", "China Towns", and "Ukranian Areas". Give us a legal chance.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

William, Louisville, KY. — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 18:20:59 GMT

It is hard to swallow that AFTER 9/11, Presidente Jorge Bush wasted untold billions of our money on his creation - "Homeland Security" (remember Katrina?). Since 9/11, Jorge has purposely presided over the largest increase in illegal immigration in American history; if children and older family members are counted, the actual number of illegal aliens is almost 33 million, i.e., 10% of our entire U.S. population. Strangely, historians will chronicle Bush's cry as - "Surrender the Alamo!".

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Bill, Warner Robins, GA — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 18:23:09 GMT

The benefits cubans have should be retain, God blees them. This is not a disaproval or approval of political views of other countries, they a sovereign nation after all.
Af far as other countries is concern if there was a more affordable way for poor nations citizens to apply for temporary visas they would do it.
We should make easy for other to apply and to receive working visas for low skill workers.
Not a pass to citizenship, perhaps a pass to legal residency with special stipulations to citizenship.

??????????? just an idea

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

William Marshall, San Diego, California — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 18:24:23 GMT

Here in San Diego, we are on the front line of this problem. I have 1st hand experince with 'migrant' workers. In 1993, I got a call from the IRS stating that if I didn't pay my back taxes for the previous 3 years for work I did in Oregon, I would be prosecuted. I never worked in Oregon and went through hell and high water trying convince the IRS. It turned out that a Mexican 'migrant' had my social security number, stolen from my home in 1989 buglary. I was told that this person had been arrested, then released, and had since disappeared, only to surface in Wisconsin, where he used my SS# for 5 years before the IRS caught on. This so called migrant worker was wanted for felony fraud, yet when they caught him again, they let him go back to Mexico because of jail overcrowding. Guess what, last year, the same thing happened to me again! This type of crime is rampant. And we are supposed to have sympathy for these criminals? It is time to enforce our borders with armed forces, as these fraud artists will continue to rip us off every chance they get.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

anonymous — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 18:27:51 GMT

I'm not too upset about the El Salvadoranian woman who will most likely be deported. She got into this country with FAKE PAPERS!! How does that evoke sympathy? I understand that Cubans come here illegally, but would you want to stay in a country with one of the most horrible dictators in the world? You have to help those regular folks who are doing what they can & still aren't able to make ends meet. Sad that if you are not in Castro's inner circle, you get no milk, meat or money...

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Randy Legarda — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 18:28:09 GMT

Illegal immigration should not be condoned. Those who came illegally should be sent back. We are paying for their upkeep. Imagine the free medical, free education and everything else that taxpayers like us are paying for these people. They should pay their own way, like most of us.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

bo pensacla — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 18:31:16 GMT

im not cocerned with the people wanting to come here and live what gripes me is we need to make them pay into our systems of taxes and social security so the people who have worked all their lives wont be robbed of the system they supported

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Tony B, Roselle Park NJ — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 18:33:50 GMT

Scary to read all the ignorance in these comments

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Alex orlando, fl — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 18:37:39 GMT

yvette from philadelphia what you wrote has brought laughter to my day. You are saying that all shold be deported and that you are a citizen because of common wealth and on top of that you have the nerve to say that you are Puerto Rican? For those who dont know this the people of Puerto Rico decided to become a common wealth in order to live off the food stamps and welfare this country provides to its citizens. Puerto Ricans are the group that uses and abuses most of this countrys welfare system. More than any white, black, cuban , or any other ethnicity. Its the people of Puerto Rico who are lazy, fat and dont want to work and abuse of my great country. Puerto Rico is full of criminals, their government is broke and they are all coming here to steal from this government. Before you criticize cubans who out of all the hispanic groups have worked hardest and given most to this country, check yourself!

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Juan Tamad — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 18:38:51 GMT

Illegals,La Raza and all other pro illegal organizations cliams that Us will be in trpuble if we don't have the illegals working on low paying jobs. I say they are completely wrong. We have millons of people from other nations that are educated and will be very happy to come here LEGALLY and have the jobs they are doing. Since majority of the illegals can't speak english and not educated, they end up working under the table. There is a huge tax that are not collected. Also when this illegals are no longer able to work it will become a huge burden for thr feds to provide health care and housing. I say lets bring workers from around the world and have a nation of diversity not Mexicanity.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

B. Turner Boston, MA — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 18:42:30 GMT

My question is why do our politicians have so much trouble with a simple issue the majority have spoken clearly about and is common sense. I think the first bums we should kick out is the nuts in Washington. You notice they have no problem catching tax evaders. Once we fix that problem the immigration issue will be settled.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

dennis a Lowell ma — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 18:42:42 GMT

When are we going to learn that the border must be closed.Who is paying for all these Cubans to come here anyway?? We are!!!! I am tired of supporting the Mexicans and Cubans.

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April, Chicago, IL — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 18:43:27 GMT

There are reasons why people leave their homeland and it's not because they want to leave their culture, their families, or their country behind. They leave because they are poor, they can't feed their families and they hear America is the land of opportunity. They come here to earn more in 2 hours than they would in a month in some of their homelands. What we need to do is support these countries so they are sustainable and help create opportunities for them in their own homeland. The majority of immigrants are not thiefs, are not murderers and are not lazy. They are here for an opportunity that the US can provide that their homeland cannot. Unless your heritage is Native American, remember your ancestors once too came across to the US looking for the land of opportunity. And until you've been in situation where you can't receive proper healthcare or are unable to feed your family, you have no right to judge these individuals, because I'd gather to bet if the role was reversed and Mexico was the better country, you'd be crossing the border looking for the same opportunities they are looking for here.

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Gabriel Andrade Victorville, CA — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 18:44:16 GMT

My mother came to this country legally (1961) alone and did not speak a word of english. from her came almost all of my relatives to this country to in clude 6 children of her own. Out of her children two serve in the marines and in two wars (iraqi freedom as well) and now three have there own businesss and five of her six children are multi property owners. Other then my mother we all live here in this great country of ours. My mother never drove a vehicle and speaks speaks broken english. She move back to Ecuador because she does not have to deal with the racism we have adopted here that we call patriotism. Since I serve in the marines I travel enough to see how great we have it here, and I would not cjange that for the world, but I cannot change the way I look, so even though I have serve our country proudly and own two properties and my own business. I am still call a wet back or beaner and told to go back to my country. Since I now live In Ca I really do not want to go back to Brooklyn if that is the country I need to back to.

From a US citizen proud of his country and his heritage. And yes my children are learning spanish but that does not make them any less patriotic.

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Managua, Nicaragua — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 18:49:37 GMT

More Americans should go to developing countries and help create an economy that can employ its citizens. It's what I did. It is actually easier to be an entrepenuer due to less start-up capital being required and low labor costs. Look at the amount of economic aid the US throws away on, at best, inept governments and institutions. Give it to entrepenuers like me and let us help take away the need for these people to seek out economic opportunioty in the US. Most people would prefer not to have to cross the ocean or desert for a job. Until the US adopts this type of strategy, everything else is just politics. As for the seperation between Cubans and other Latin American immigrants, you have to let the politicians have something to contemplate.

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Winston De'c Ifill — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 18:51:30 GMT

I am in agreement with Yvette of Philadelphia, my wife, my three small kids and my self are in this situation at present. We came to this country nine years ago on a work program in the hotel industry, we both are highly experience managers.
Our work visa expired and are now in the processed of being renewed. The point i am trying to make here is, it took us Thirty Seven Thousand Dollars todate in legal fees to live and work here in this country, with three US born kids I could face deportations if I loose my job because of the immigration law, where we could only work for those that sponsor our visas.
But we have a group of so call asylum seekers who could run down to the border and get a free passage into this country as easy as one, two, three.
This is three months now we been waitng for our papers back, our jobs are on the line and the money we had save for a our first morgage is going if not gone. So, what's left for us to do, maybe go back home to the UK where my wife is from or Barbados where I am from. and what about my three kids, who is born US citizens? yes we are like every one else, we want to make this country our permenant home.
W. De'courcey

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Ryan Starr, Indianapolis, IN — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 18:56:49 GMT

UNITED STATES CAN NOT AFFORD TO BRING OVER ANY MORE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT. WE NEED TO FOCUS ON THE POOR HERE IN THE STATES. ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT NEED TO SOLVE THEIR OWN PROBLEMS IN THEIR OWN COUNTRY. DO NOT BRING BURDEN HERE IN UNITED STATES.

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Judy West Chester, PA — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 18:59:54 GMT

Many of the comments here are related to immigrants and their English skills, or lack thereof. One of the first comments here was from someone who wants to only let in immigrants who have graduated college. It's a good thing we don't have a policy to deport current citizens who can't spell basic English, or most of the people leaving comments here would be deported!

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evan, miami FL — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 19:00:05 GMT

If you are willing to risk your life dying at sea to runaway from your problems, how about risking it to standup and fight for them on your homeland?? Just a thought I love my country but it has not always been a place for freedom for all you do not have to go far back in our history to see for yourselves the blood people shed for their due rights. So STOP trying to tell Americans about what it is like to have oppression some of us are well versed already. Thanks

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Happy Nudist — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 19:04:26 GMT

"GREAT article!! Cubans do deserve special treatment as they are fleeing the most brutal of dictators and are by far the most successful, immigrant group in our hemisphere. This won't last long - as the tyrant is now nearing the end and the Cuban people may finally be free."

Actually, Cubans are the most successful "Latino" immigrants. Asians, comprised of many nationalities, are more successful than Latinos.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Susie, Albuquerque, NM — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 19:07:14 GMT

How interesting it is that "Latinos," "Cubans," "Mexicans," "whites", etc. constantly get grouped into one. Not all whites are racist; not all Mexicans are hard workers; not all Cubans are depressed; and not all Latinos are dark haired and feel as Faustina and Pedro do. This is America and those of us (regardless of race) that are successful are successful for one reason: We and our families have legally been in this great country for generations, have proficiently learned English, have gotten a good education, and care about this Country and obey its LAWS! The legal immigrants of past did not get a hand out nor did they want one. The days of the proud legal immigrant is over -- we now have illegal whiners and protestors and at the first sign of this Country enforcing its laws, we get screams of racism. As a dark-haired 50 year old third-generation American (of Mexican descent) I have never been discriminated against by my government, my employers, my educational institutions or my peers. I am saddened and embarrassed by this new group of "self-entitled" Latinos. If you have seven children Pedro, I hope you had health insurance to pay for their births. If you did not, then you have already taken more than you deserve from this Country. Many Americans like me pay for health insurance for our families. The rising costs of our health insurance is because we are paying for illigal immigrants who do not have it. Perhaps that is where the "hatred" comes in. Maybe you should work a little harder on controlling the size of your family -- especially if you are making low wages. How can your seven children be productive citizens if you get deported? You brought this hardship on them, not the U.S. government. It is the same for many U.S. citizens who commit crimes and are sent to prison. Their children and families are left to suffer. Is the U.S. government to blame for the incarceration? No. The U.S. needs to enforce its current immigration laws, secure the borders, and never again offer amnesty to persons who entered this country illegally.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Yeraldin, Austin, TX — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 19:07:21 GMT

People do your research before commenting in such subjects. There is too many aspects involved when this people come into this country. To be an immigrant, specially in this country, is one of the toughest things one could ever go through. Do not be ignorant and talk just because you think so, when you in fact are ignoring the matter as a whole.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

BILLY BKLYN N.Y. — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 19:07:27 GMT

YEAH ! KICK THEM OUT TO. THERE NO BETTER THAN THE MEXICANS COMING IN ILLEGALLY OR ANYONE ELSE.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Nicole Lloyd, Huntington Beach, CA — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 19:08:06 GMT

For God sake I hope someone does something to stop this - the Government certainly isn't! What a shame for those of us who live in beautiful California and have to see all the scum that has come here - it is really disgusting and is bankrupting our State and invading our communities with crime, filth which looks like a third world country. Most all of these illegals don't even speak English - WE ARE SICK AND TIRED OF IT!!!!!

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

C De La Rosa, Plainsboro, N.J. — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 19:11:18 GMT

The Imigration status afforded to Cubans should not be revoked. These people are escaping from a country run under Communist law by a slime ball of a dictator. They come to this country to escape political oppression.They risk their lives to escape that pigs rule. God Bless America.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

anon Chicago, IL — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 19:13:13 GMT

Wouldn't it make more sense to build a system to legalize non-criminals in order for them to work legally and pay into the system? It is ridiculous that people claim we don't have 'the resources' to deal with these people - Bush just requested something like $150B to continue the lost cause in Iraq. The Cuban priveleges are clearly political as it is certain Darfuris, Burmese, Zimbabweans etc. are worse off and get no consideration. Last I checked, the cold war was over...

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Texas Bench, Dallas, Texas — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 19:15:40 GMT

To Yvette who said all hispanics should go back to thier native countries, well, ignorance breeds ignorance and this person confirms by show of ignorance. Most hispanics, as you call them, are from what is known now as Texas, New Mexico, Ariz, Cal etc. We white people stole this country from the Indians and Mexicans. Face the truth you idiot and take out the fig out of your own eye.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

D Joe, Dallas Texas — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 19:17:27 GMT

If you think this is human drama of our time !
Guess you have not heard about Burma and their human right violation !
Please spread the news do something proactive, and try to save this small country from the current nightmare.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

GK, Wash D.C. — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 19:20:58 GMT

Libety and Justice FOR ALL........

Citizens and LEGAL Immigrants

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Ruben, ST Louis, MO. — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 19:22:30 GMT

I just wanted to eat my lunch and read a good story on here but WOW!! LOVE EVERYONES THOUGHTS, i dont want to get back to work now, i wanna read more of this.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Charles Larson, Orem, Utah — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 19:24:08 GMT

Sorry, but a Cuban "refugee" who is attempting to enter the U.S. from Mexico is not coming from Cuba -- they are coming from Mexico. What is their status upon arriving in Mexico, anyway? Can such a person legitimately claim that they are still being oppressed by a communist dictatorship when they have already successfully escaped from Castro? Conversely, if the Mexican government regards these escaped Cubans as having illegally entered their country, why should the United States be expected to step in and resolve Mexico's immigration problems?

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

911truthdotorg — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 19:24:38 GMT

I don't believe it! The Cuban guy who drove me home from the car dealership a half hour ago told me he did the same exact thing!! I'd never heard of that!! What a weird coincidence!

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Jason Smith — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 19:27:21 GMT

Those of you railing against Cubans coming to the USA illegally are in need of a reading comprehension test. US law state that Cubans that apply for asylum can enter the US legally. LEGALLY. Are you saying you would violate American law and send back these Cuban asylum seekers? Gosh, I don't know if I can trust you now that you've suggested breaking one law...

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Jesse — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 19:29:29 GMT

All of this argueing back and forth is a small part of what makes America great. I believe that another thing that makes America great is all of us, together. We have all of us together made our Great Nation into what it is today. What everybody seems to forget is that the only true Americans are the American Indians, the rest of us, all of us.... well think what you will of yourselves. Just remember America is great because of all of us. Everybody that has commented on this issue is right. There truly is no right or wrong. You have people who are dying of starvation who are crossing into this country illegally, but then again how many people can this country take before this country itself can't even support the people it has now. I'm not pro or con, I'll just wait to see which roads our God guides us down through. Good luck to all of us.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

BA, Houston TX — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 19:29:35 GMT

I think it's funny that all these people who are against immigrants coming into this country talk about PRIVILEGES? Aren't all the people in this country technically immigrant descendents? So based on this theory those who came from other country except Mexico and South and Central America should get privileges? Additionally if you want to get technical about it shouldn't Mexican's get "privilege" to what used to be theirs to begin with a long time ago? I think Americans are so guided by the media that they fail to see the reality of the situation. First of all yes there are a ton of ILLEGAL Immigrants here from our neighbors south of the border but what you have overlooked is the fact that all those illegal immigrants have produced offspring probably more than your regular Anglo American because lets face it according to statistics they have more kids. All those kids of the supposed Illegal’s are now LEGAL AMERICAN CITIZENS which by the rules of this country have every right. If you multiply the # of Illegal’s by the 3 or 4 you have allot of not so illegal Mexicans.. by now since this problem has been going on for so long you could probably say some of those kids have also had kids so you can multiply that number again? I imagine you can probably do the math of how many AMERICAN from illegal immigrants are probably here. This is NOT including all the LEGAL Residents who are here who also have kids and who's kids also have kids. They pretty much side with the Illegal so it's safe to say they're in this group. Based on these facts and figures you can derive that there are millions and millions of Hispanic people who are legal much more than those who are illegal that are going to start to make a huge impact on our government and our economy. A long time ago back when this country was Mexican "officially" whites outnumbered Hispanics but things change and Mexicans adapted and so did Americans now the numbers are changing and Americans aren't so easy to adapt to what we call "RIGHTFULLY OURS" in other words what wasn't ours to begin with that we took and now we criticize those who came to this country the same way all the ancestors of people in this country came, I ask people to reflect on this and really think about this issue and all the underlying facts, Look at the # of people in our military that are of Hispanic decent? Look at the # of people that are in the workforce that are of Hispanic decent? Don’t look at the # of illegal immigrants because the other # is what you should be concerned with

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

tom h., tecumseh, mi. — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 19:29:58 GMT

I think it's great to a point that immigrants want to
come to this great country of ours and many of them
have and want to be productive citizens. Yes there are
welchers that suckle off the welfare and social svc
programs we have. But whose fault is that? I hope a
or some individuals who work these svcs and legis -
lators who drafted and voted many of the requirements
into being read this(many may not work the system any-
more)You have to look at yourselves in the mirror! But
we as AMERICANS are just as responsible, because we
probably voted many of the legislators into office. If
not us, maybe those who preceded us. What we need to
look at is what we as citizens can do to help and
assist the good ones that want to come to America and
be productive citizens, not just workers, but to take
part in their new communities(PTAs,town councils,etc.)
Many say; Not my job, what's in it for me, that's what
social services and job corps is for, isn't that why
we pay them?, etc. One of them might ask you how to
get to the county government building or where they
can find a certain building or place. It only takes
a few minutes to try and send them in the right direc-
tion. Because it can make you feel good inside y'self!
I know times are hard for some of us, being nega -
tive towards someone isn't going to solve the prob-
lem, all that does is give them an ill feeling towards
people. You can go away after helping them, knowing
that you didn't instill ill feelings toward yourself.
It just might keep Paco from ripping you off, 'cause
he might remember you as the one who got him and his
family in the right direction someday....

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

DL, Colorado — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 19:30:17 GMT

How sad it is to know that the real issue of immigration is not being addressed. How many other nationalities are coming to this country and seeking assistance? Let's take a look... Chinese, Croatian, Phillipino, Canadian, Indian, Pakastani, Japanese, and the list goes on. Yet we are focusing on the Hispanic immigrants only because they are the ones that are more visible. The statue of liberty reads "give me your tired, your poor..." but I guess that only meant certain people. America was founded by a melting pot of different cultures. We shouldn't just close the gates on certain people. I agree something should be done with the mass numbers coming to America but I believe it should be done evenly with all nationalities.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Ale Coruna — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 19:33:22 GMT

Juan - your comments are pointless, i could not follow the rant.
Open the borders to all immigrants, we need new people in this country to replace people like yvette and juan tamad.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

lory, chicago, illinois — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 19:33:36 GMT

sad to read how ignorant and careless americans can be

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Martin Pere, Miami, FL — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 19:36:05 GMT

I would like to say that this country was made of immigrants that came in different stages of this country's history. Whether Anglo-Saxon origin, French, Irish, Italian or Latin America all of them have paved with their hard work and desire to improve their lives this nation as we know it today. I don't agree with the anti-immigrant tendency nowadays specially towards Latin Americans when they do most of the labor that nobody wishes to do on this country. I don't that the youth in this country when they finish high school go out with the desire to become fruit collectors in the fields on California or Florida, nor dish washing on restaurants that all of us eat and enjoy.
The citizens of the United States should realize for once that the Xenophobia they have is unfounded because all of the them at one point are descendants of immigrants. If one ethnic group has the right to complain are the Native Americans that were not colonized but conquered like in medieval times and forced to loose their rich culture to adopt a more barbaric so called better culture that would preach something and by force do something else.
Cubans are a different case, Cuba Since their struggle for independence from Spain was the target of the United States of America government and the powerful class that rule the country at that time. Due to the involvement of the USA in that era to assure economic privileges in a rich country as Cuba they illegally invaded Cuba and with the help of the liberation army defeated the Spanish forces. Followed that they imposed a puppet government and for the remaining 50 Republican years of Cuba they kept playing politics there until the dictator Castro took power and stopped that trend in Cuba of US intervention. That led to the creation of legislation during the president Johnson administration of a law that would allow Cubans to freely enter this country as political refugees. The US was forced to do it due to their stand against Communism and because we are the land of freedom. Also as a way to repay to the Cubans the errors committed over 50 years of political intervention in the island. Besides if Irish and Italians had made New York into a great city. Miami is Miami thanks to the hard labor of Cuban immigrants and other from Latin America.
I agree that there should be an organized and legal way for immigrants to enter this country. But please dont make the Latin American immigration the target of the Xenophobic movement expanding thru our country. We are the big Melting Pod and that makes us the greatest nation in the world

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

belinda, athens, al — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 19:36:07 GMT

I suspect they are "Batistians."

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Aikel — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 19:39:26 GMT

I love THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICAN BUT SOMETHING IS WRONG THE PERSONS WHO ARE IN THE HEAD OF OUR NATION ARE ACTING REALLY WRONG. PLEASE DO NOT DESTROY OUR NATION DO ALL THAT YOU HAVE TO DO FOR ALL OF US. WORK THINKING IN OUR FUTURE . GOD BLESS AMERICAN LAND THAT WE LOVE.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Mary Rivera, Broadlands, VA — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 19:42:04 GMT

I agree completely with Yvette from Philadelphia. The US needs to stop letting folks in the country no matter where they come from. Enough is Enough.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Padraic, Austin TX — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 19:44:57 GMT

I have to say that I am disappointed in - but not surprised by - the reaction to this story. This is a nation of immigrants. It has been since it was a collection of european colonies.

And Randy? I would just like to say that the only health care I've ever received without a bill attached was when I was provided because I was either a military member or a dependant, not afterwards. What free health care am I paying taxes for?

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Chad Thatcher San Antonio, TX — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 19:46:08 GMT

I was a Deputy Sheriff in S. Texas along the border. I know firsthand the problem with illegal immigration. It is not just people from S. of the border who come here ILLEGALLY! The U.S. Border Patrol catches people from the Middle East as well trying to cross our borders. The landowners in S. Texas are fed up because the ILLEGALS leave rtash all over their property, when you attempt to make a traffic stop on a vehicle full of ILLEGALS, they drive away at a high rate of speed putting the lives of others at risk while most often driving a stolen vehicle. They cut fences. They carry loads of illegal drugs across our borders also. I served in the military and would suggest that to stop this problem, we should have armed military personnel lining the border, as there are to few border patrolmen to do the job.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Don- Northern Va — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 19:49:38 GMT

Even my dog understands after training ,to sit or get in the pen. The illegals that come here and then shipped out only to come back again arn't getting the message. I for one am for LEGAL immigration and especially for the workers program. I feel good to see the hard workers getting a days pay but the trash peope that come here for what ever they can get, bothers me a lot. And for the Espinoza persons that wrote about the brown skin latinos getting back at the USA people wrote a pretty simple paragraph.I ask you, who are you trying to hurt and bring them to their knees. I get out of your message that you hate america .( why are you here )? Bringing them to their knees would only give you less. An why would you want to hurt the people that give you what you have? It sounds like you came here illegaly, are not educated do not give to our society but you get what we have. The thing about ,, god is great! You sound like a person from the muslim faith. Get off the God stuff and pull your self up from the bottom of the barrel. Talk about God on Sundays and get a life.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Chad Thatcher San Antonio, TX — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 19:54:26 GMT

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Eddie deRoulet, Houston, TX — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 19:55:09 GMT

You know how often the talk of illegal aliens come up in my workplace on a daily basis? none, nada, kaput...it isn't a blimp on my radar. we worry about illegal immigrants "stealing" from the US via work, social and health services when we have millions of US citizens doing the same thing. They don't speak good enlish, they don't work, they don't make a significant contribution to our country......yet, we do nothing about it. We let it roll on and on....if the illegal immigrant works and stays out of trouble, I don't care if he/she is here.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

dwest40@cox.net — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 19:57:39 GMT

Hey Judy West from Pa ( That's my mothers name, are we related?) The spelling you may be talking about is what the commputers spits up even though it was spelled right from the beginning so, I wouldn't relie on the miss spelling to much. Besides that , I don't see a spell check for this.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Robert Schroeder, Alexandria, Louisiana — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 19:59:34 GMT

Give my your tired, poor, and hungry masses yearning to be free! People, this is what has made this country great. Nativism has been around since the time of the "Know nothings". There are no native americans. Even the "native americans" are immigrants that migrated across the ice bridge from Asia. Two branches of my family have been here for 150 and over 200 years respectively, but even we are immigrants from old Europe who came to the US to seek a better life. To expect Miami not to have a Cuban culture and heritage, is as ridiculous as expecting St. Louis of 100-150 years ago to be largely a German speaking city. Go even further back, one of the most vicously persecuted and discriminated against group of immigrants in our history, were the Irish! They were the lowest of the low and were segregated to their own gettos. Now imagine Boston without the Irish. It takes a lot to leave everything you know and go to a country where you do not even know the language to get a new life. These people come here to work hard and make a new life for them and their families and this is why this is the greatest country in the world. These people do not arrive to our shores as American's but they often become our country's best Americans and what makes us strong!

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

John DOee — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 20:05:16 GMT

The :day later " she is on aplane to florida? I live here and can't get on aplane the next day without ID how did she get tic without pics? how about TSA without ID how stupid are we to stand in line at TSA
now I"m saying I'M cuban at the checkpoints

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

G. Mitchell — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 20:06:30 GMT

Anyone who come to the country illegally should be deported immediately (Including Cubans). We must enforce the laws of this country or more and more people will come. All of these people coming across our borders put a great burden on law enforcement,judicial system, school system, Medical facilities, hospitals, housing,etc....
The U.S. can't be a dumping ground for all other poor or third world countries. We should encourage other countries to improve the lives of it's people so they will have a better life where they live. We can't accomodate millions and millions of illegal immigrants. We are the only stupid nation that allows all of these illegal immigrants to cross our border without enforcing the laws. If we enforced the laws then we would not have this problem.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Mark — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 20:06:54 GMT

What I would like to know is when Castro dies, will the Cubans that are in this country go back to Cuba, or will the rest of them want to come over here?

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Sally Wright — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 20:08:06 GMT

Well what do you know....a Mexican can masquerade as a Cuban and get in the country as a refugee...is that a glitch or what? Why not an Arab looking Cuban do the same thing?

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

vincent r demito 342 greenwood avenue collegeville,pa 19426 — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 20:08:31 GMT

Go ahead keek hiring the illegals to do all you cheap labor.You are not saving nothing.Thats right nothing.It cost you more every year for turning your backs on this problem then you think.Tax payers are paying over 200 billion dollars a year for the problems and free servives that all illegals are getting.They are distroying this country,thanks to are great senetors and President.If they really care about this problem and beleive me it is a problem it would of been taken care of by now.This is our home.You go ahead try to break a law and see how far you will get.We have millions of people with out health care.But,not if you are illegal.There is only one way out of this mess.And that is stop giving them work.American people are sometimes supit and greedy its all about the dollar.We have a law on the books for illegals why arn't we following the law.They are all laughing at us all.Under there breath they are calling us stupit Americas.Wake up people before it's to late.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Bob Sams — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 20:08:50 GMT

If it is OK for illegals to break the law, is it OK for everyone else to break the law? If an illegal says that they break the law to 'take care of their family', is it OK if I break the law to take care of my family?

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Nestor, Miami Fl. — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 20:09:27 GMT

Facts:
1.- There is a COMMUNIST rule in Cuba.
2.- There is a commercial EMBARGO from the USA against the island.
3.- Facts 1 and 2 are a nightmare for the Cuban people (Cuban government learned to take advantage of it long time ago). Cubans are leaving Cuba not only to come to the USA but whatever country in the world that can provide them some cultural similarities and opportunities.
4.- Dry feet/wet feet policy kills people by stimulating them to illegally travel across the very dangerous Florida Straight to the USA using fragile and inappropriate rafts in the hope to reach the freedom land.
5.- The REAL AMERICAN PEOPLE are the Indian tribes (example: NAVAJO, SIOUX, CHEROKEE, SEMINOLE, MICCOSUKEE, ... ) others are just immigrants (second, third, fouth generation …)
6.- St. Augustine, the nation's oldest city, was founded by the Spanish. Texas was part of Mexico until 1836. California was annexed to the USA in 1850 after the conclusion of the Mexican-American war in 1848. Miami was claimed by the Spanish in 1566 and officially incorporated as a US city in 1896. The Spanish language was spoken there before English in all these sites.

My Wish List:
1.- The establishment of normal relations between Cuba and USA.
2.- The disappearance of the communism in Cuba.
3.- That People can get in their own countries the opportunities they can get in the USA.
4.- That everybody could come to the USA through a legal process.
5.- That there would be enough american-born people eager to do the hard and dirty work the illegal immigrants do.

But the most important: THAT PEOPLE OF ALL RACES AND CULTURES CAN KEEP BUILDING THIS WONDERFULL COUNTRY BEYOND THEIR OWN INTERNAL CONFLICTS AND DIFFERENCES. We all are human beings and we all deserve to get the fruit of our hard work. THIS IS THE STORY OF THE USA, AND WE HAVE TO BE PROUD OF IT.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Jorge Padilla, Bayamon, Puerto Rico — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 20:11:45 GMT

Mr John Herrera let me start by saying that Puerto Rican were and are still a model of democracy in Latin America. When Batista and Machado were dictators in Cuba in 1940's and 1950's we had Luis Munoz Marin the man responsible for operation bootstrap and the modern Puerto Rico. Yes Cubans have made progress here based on the flow of the 1960's of only profesionals for example educators, politicians, businessmen, engineers, doctors and all the elite Cubans that came here, the poor did not arrive here. You don't see elite people from other latin american country coming here because they live well there they had no reason to flee. If Argentinas elite where force to leave in 1959 to Miami they could of built Miami also with thier skills and that goes with any latin american country. When you have the cream of the crop coming here to plant the seed in Miami well you will get positives result. As to Puerto Ricans Mr Herrera let me remind you that when they started coming here from Puerto Rico the very poor and desperate were the ones to arrive. Put the shoe on the other foot and reverse the situation about the poor in Cuba in 1959. These poor Puerto Ricans had children and they had children also it goes back to the 1910's. But apperantly you are ignorant to the great achivement and the opening of the many doors that we gave to Cubans here and in Puerto Rico. Remember Maurice Ferre the first latino mayor in Miami ( Puerto Rican 1973 ) his father came to Miami in the 1920's being an architectural engineer he said to his brother Luis a Ferre ex governor of Puerto Rico why Miami did not have a downtown with tall buildings. Well the rest is history. He was the father and pioneer of what downtown Miami is. Read your history and see who was Rius Rivera in the mambi war in the 1880's and 1890's in Cuba. There are hundreds of thousands of example of Puerto ricans in the U.S.A. that had made it. We even have two astronauts. I really could rub it in if I want to but you know the true at the end always wins. It just jealousy.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

John, Tucson, AZ — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 20:11:55 GMT

I am a mexican american that lives on the mexican border. It's appalling to see some of the things that people who are from Mexico do. They don't respect us as citizens of this country and they don't respect the U.S. They cross our borders waving mexican flags, and adorn their cars with such. Some of my friends are school teachers on the border, and you'd be surprised at some of the stories. Kids don't want to learn our culture, they don't want to learn the language, and appears they are here only for a free ride. Most of these people are on unemployment for 6 months of the year, and claim unemployment twice over with stolen identities, or fake documents. They say that it's good, because they do the work Americans don't want to do, which is fine...but I guarantee most of that money ends up back in Mexico. Our economy doesn't reap the benefits of so called cheap labor. Alot of people who come in on visitors visas end up having there children here, without paying one cent. This practice is increasing. There is a big immigration problem right now, legal and illegal...People who have lived in Mexico there whole lives now find themselves being Lawful Permanent Residents with a green card and all, only to continue living in Mexico, and to collect unemployment from the great U.S. of A.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

MJ California — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 20:15:57 GMT

As I read the blog of Grace, I feel sadness for her. Not in the way she criticizes Yvette of Philly, but for her lack of understanding of the total immigration issue. The courts say that states cannot enact immigration laws because it is the Federal Gov'ts responsibility, there are "Sanctuary Cities" across the US that do nothing to ask a person's legal status even if they are picked up and tossed in jail for a crime, such as the gang bangers in LA. I agree that the US population is made up of immigrants. Most of them did it leagally through the proper channels. Then there are the ones that got amnesty in 1988 through Ronald Reagans bill. Ted Kennedy at the time said that "this will be the last time that we do this". During the latest debate, he said the exact same thing. I am with Yvette, get control of the borders and all of the loopholes in the laws and start to enforce the ones we have. If the past Administrations had enforced them, we wouldn't be where we are now. I am waiting for a candidate to step forward to say they are going to enforce immigration law as it stands. How can the police departments and the Fed. Govt stand there and say they are only going to enforce the ones they like and not the rest. They made the darn law, let's see them enforce it. Hey Grace, get in touch with what is happening in the border states before you jump on someone that probably is living in the same mess we have here in CA. Plumbers and electricians are making the same wage today that they were in 1990. That's because the illegals have taken over the jobs and are willing to make less. Most of the construction trades are the same. Pull your head out of the sand Grace and find out what is happening in the rest of the US, not just New Jersey.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

LAST BORN, DOWNINGTOWN,PA. — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 20:19:07 GMT

WHY NOT CUBANS TOO ? THE TERRORIST'S BEEN COMING
ACROSS THE BORDER W/ THE MEXICANS FOR 6 YEARS NOW,
SINCE THEY SUPPOSELY TIGHTEN UP THE AIRPORTS..NOW
IS THERE REALLY ANYBODY OUT THERE WHO DOESN'T BELIEVE
THAT SHOULD APPAULD NEXT TIME CONGRESS GIVES ITSELF
ANOTHER PAY RAISE !!!!!

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

MRG, Raleigh NC — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 20:21:44 GMT

I find it tremendously ironic that so many of the people posting about this article and denouncing Cubans' rights to emigrate to the US legally via the asylum clause are themselves (judging by their surnames)hispanic. Apparently it was okay for their families and ancestors to be given a chance at the American Dream but not okay for everyone else striving for the same goal.
While I agree that we have a serious illegal immigration issue, primarily from Mexico and Central America, please do not lump all hispanics and their reasons for coming here together. Cubans are indeed, as previously mentioned multiple times already, leading hispanics in terms of assimilation into American culture. You'll be hard pressed to find a Cuban immigrant who, within as little as one generation, is not a completely legitimate, fully-integrated and contributing member of society. To compare a Cuban doctor or lawyer (most new arrivals are professionals) who is emigrating out of desperation over the political situation in Cuba with a migrant laborer who in some cases is barely literate, is like comparing apples and oranges.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

J S Macbeth,Florida — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 20:22:48 GMT

America is a nation of people who have or decend from people who have chosen for political, economic or other reasons to make The USA home. America has and will continue to need immigrants to further grow the economy and provide enough people for our armed forces. To all you selfish, ignorant spoiled and self rightous citizens that have a problem with new arrivals on America's shores, regardless of what language they speak, I ask you: 1.Where did your people come from? 2. Who many of your ancestors arrived under less than ideal circumstances? 3. Would you have the courage, heart or guts to take the often perilous journey here? This "last one in shut the door attitude" is bigotted and un-American.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Brian C - Hartford , Ct. — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 20:24:04 GMT

Every country that has let a disproportonate quantity of immigrants (legal or illegal), has faced exceptional social problems. France, England, and the Netherlands, are examples. Immigration policy must be planned for the long term effects it will have on the nation and its society. We cannot and should not have policy exceptions based soley upon the poor terms people live in other countries. -If they have a problem, then THEY should fix thier government, the way we did in 1776. As far as illegals, they obviously try to bypass any of the policies inforce. By definition they have no right to stay, nor any right to voice opinions as to this nations immigration policy.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

jc,lace,boston — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 20:28:03 GMT

I love how everyone talks about imigrants just being Latino. How about all the illegal Canadians or Irish people etc living here. No one says anything about them..Hmmm wonder why

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Frances Manion Coolidge AZ — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 20:28:12 GMT

If people were coming here simply for jobs or better opprotunities, then why is it so many of then refuse to come here legally? It is because they do not want to wait their turn. We have become a HAND OUT nation and NOT a HAND UP country. Illegal means against the law. Period. I don't care which country you came from, or what language you speak. I think aliens should have to pay the price to learn our language, not us! There is no other country on earth you can go to and not have to learn the language on your own. There is no one to help you out. You either learn the language and the customs, or you suffer for it. Another thing that really really bothers me is the flying of one's home country's flag. If they want to fly it, that's fine, I understand the love they have for their home, but the American flag should be flown OVER it. If AFTER coming here, they break a law, then they should be subjected to either our punishments, or their home country's punishment which ever is more severe.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Jon Stillwater, Seattle, Wash — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 20:28:35 GMT

As a native American I think we should get our land back and all non natives should leave and apply to enter and abide by native land. How hypocritical of you that are here now to deny those the same chance to steal resources from others that your ancestors did. Perhaps the Latin Americans can move in and put the Europeans onto reservations.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Dallas Johnson, Houston, Texas — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 20:29:44 GMT

I stood in line at the US Embassy and paid the fees to get my adopted daughter to the US. After we arrived I stood in line at the INS (ICE) office for her green card. I am in the process of getting her citizenship and I have paid all the fees and stood in line for it all and I am a born US citizen. No favors for me, so I say, "no favors for the illegals". If the US does grant them work visas or what every then I want my money back. I have nothing against immigrants, but do it by the law and not by breaking the laws of this country.
D. Johnson

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Don -Northern Va. — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 20:35:17 GMT

I have no prob with the immigrants here legally but the one thing that bothers me most is that the new people in my neighborhood park on the lawn, put trash out like refridgerators, builds extensions on the house that do not go with the hood and grow these stupid looking plants that I never seen before. All this wears on the neighborhood for resale. Thank goodness that the community is coming together and reporting multiple families living in one house and rules are being made for parking on the lawns that makes the hood look like a auto garage. My hood now looks like crap in some places but is now getting better. All most of us ask is , obide by the laws and rules or get out! I can say that the citizens of this country at some point will be one large community with it's northern and southern neighbors and that's a fact. We will become one america and I'm not sure if I'm against that. We may be dead and gone but it will happen. All that needs to be done is get rid of the crap that goes on in the southern country with law enforcement. Education is the only way and it can be done by even getting the minium education for everyone's kids. Face it , It must and will happen for security reasons

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

LIZ , bosto, ma — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 20:36:27 GMT

WHAT ABOUT ALL THE ILLEGAL CANADIANS, IRISH ETC..NO ONE TALKS ABOUT THEM..EVERYTHING IS ABOUT LATINOS..WONDER WHYYY..

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Anonymous — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 20:38:20 GMT

Why doesn't someone ask the American Indians how they feel about immigration? At least when the Hispanics come into our country they aren't burning our towns and killing our women and children and forcing us to not speak English any longer like our ancestors did when they came here. We have no more right to this land then they do.

From the other comments it doesn't seem like the "American" people have changed much from the time we arrived here All of the people we view as different that won't conform to our ways and customs they feel a need to banish them and make them suffer in some way. It's really too bad and embarrassing.

Also, something to keep in mind is that our own government is the one establishing services to help everyone and make it so enticing to come here in the first place so maybe we should start looking internally instead of being angry at the immigrants.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Irish Lass, Kansas City, MO — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 20:38:23 GMT

Is the USA the land of the free and the home of the brave? What is written on the tablet the Statue of Liberty holds? This country is made up totally of immigrants except the few Native American Indians our fore fathers did not kill. We should all be ashamed of the way we have treated our neighbors to the south. How much of the USA used to belong to Mexico before we took it away? We are not without sin and we will be judged. I feel we should help our neighbors in Mexico. Our big corporations are moving plants down there to obtain cheap labor and take jobs away from you. Billions of dollars are going to the war effort and we cannot clean up New Orleans and Mississippi. Just what is wrong with that picture America? It is a sad day for this country I love so very much.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Maximiliano, West Palm Beach — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 20:38:24 GMT

Mr. Jhon Herrera,
Cuban like other Immigrants come here not only because of political reasons, they come to the US for economic reasons just like any other immigrants. Well, why they choose the US when there are other countries in Latin America where they can be free as well. Get over yourself your intention to come to this country illegaly is not better than the others.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Martin Perez, Miami, FL — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 20:44:18 GMT

Don- Northern OF VA. Please lets keep this debate free of inappropriate comparisons. No need to compare any human being to a dog. Learn to respect others. AS the great Mexican President Benito Juarez said once "Your rights end when your neighbors begin". Lets be polite and civilized about our comments no need to put down anyone.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

d GARCOR — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 20:47:11 GMT

Thank you for putting into words the humanity of the immigrants plight... it gets so tiring and said listening to individuals like Glenn Black and Lou Dobbs make these situations seem so unhuman... just because of their prejudisms... and that they get to poison the mind of so many that are afraid of the unfamiliar... it is sad that illegals are becoming the scapegoats for terrorists... most terrorists fly to the US with a Visa approved by our Dept of Homeland Security the majority are not jumping fences, walking thru the desert, or swimming across the Rio Grande to get here...

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Born of Immigrants. — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 20:48:02 GMT

Yvette is just another ignorant America First lowbrow. I’m by no means a bleeding heart liberal, but this country was founded by those who where persecuted for political, religious, and other social issues. To deny Cubans, not to mention the Chinese, Russians, Jews, etc to apply for asylum would be to deny the very basis of our country. All these people have assimilated, built communities and have enhanced the America we all love and the freedoms we enjoy. The problem is the illegal criminal element that wants to enjoy these same privileges. Not to mention if we really want to fix the problem, let's look in our own back yards at the inner city and dirt poor plains, which breed criminal activity, not honest workers who just want to better themselves.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

LaNell, Naples, Florida — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 20:52:45 GMT

How did we get to be such a land of opportunity?? One that so many will risk so much to come here? It is not that God Blessed ONLY the U.S! The examples I can give are Cuba and Colombia...stand your ground and fight for your country and democracy, a normal way of life. That is what my father did, my ancestors on both sides of my family. That worn out phrase, is never more true that Freedom is NOT Free. And sorry, but there really is little room left in this 'Inn'.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Predator, Smokey Mountains, Tn. — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 20:53:11 GMT

AMERICAN needs to be concerned with our security FIRST !!!
How many Cuban spies or future terrorist have come here ???

How many more MS-13 members are sneaking un here ???

How many more of those spanish speaking South American Iranians are going to sneak across our border !!!

How many spies & future terrorist has Hugo Chavez from Venezuela sent here ???

There is only so much room in America...there is no need to have a person standing on every square foot of American soil !!!

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Olga Shibtini, Bridgeport, CT — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 20:55:40 GMT

Let us remember that no one in this country can call him/herself a true American other than the native Americans. Everyone else is either the descendant of immigrants or is an immigrant him/herself. I came to this country from Cuba when I was 9 years old because my father had been a political prisoner. My parents had their homes in Cuba, it was not an easy decision to make, but we had to come for the freedom that we all enjoy. My brothers and I are all professionals and we pay our taxes and vote in every election because we treasure our US citizenship. Most of the Cubans that have come to this country have done it out of desperation, not because they feel like leaving their family and homeland behind. As for Miami and the stupid and ignorant remarks made by some of the readers, JUST WHO DO YOU THINK HAS MADE MIAMI INTO WHAT IT IS NOW???? The Cubans have contributed to the success of that city. We don't live off welfare and yes we are proud of our heritage just like all Italians, Irish, Polish, etc. My son was also born here and I am married to another immigrant, who came here legally and who is also an American citizen now; and I'm proud to say that my son speaks three languages, Arabic, English and Spanish.

While I understand the frustration of the immigration crisis in this country, we all need to realize that most, if not all, the people who come here (legally or not) do so in search of a better life; whether it's because of political persecution, ecomomic problems or religious freedom.

I wonder what would have happened if all of your ancesters were turned away, many of you would not be living here.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Greg Bailey, St. John's, Newfoundland — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 20:56:37 GMT

I believe that anyone entering the US needs tyo go through the proper channels, but at the same time, i don't think you should kick somebody out just because where they came from. Isn't that the big idea behind the US of A? a country of immigrants, where anyone can start a new life, regardless of race or creed? it seems that the race part is being ignored these days. Oh well, for all you immmigrants out there, you can come to Canada. we'll accept you

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Don Quixote, Cd. Chih, Chih, MX — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 20:57:18 GMT

I think we should allow more immigrants into this country, not illegally but fairly and with no reservations. If immigrants came to this country illegally then they should be allowed a path to remain here. Finally, Will from KY, the Alamo was a Mexican fort on Mexican soil, before the illegal immigrants from the U.S. STOLE it, and TX, from the Mexican gov't. I imagine all the Euro-Americans are scared the same thing will happen to them. What goes around comes around.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Dave Karc, Los Angeles, CA — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 20:59:39 GMT

They should send back all illegal immigrants...
like they did on Riverside, NJ (and is now almost a ghost town)it cost my parents 150k in unrentable apts. While the witch hant goes on against WORKING people, other al yihad comes with a nice green card to bomb our pride.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

MadDog, West Central Florida — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 21:00:07 GMT

I'm not exactly sure whey this discussion is still live. It's is very simple. If you are here without proper visa and other documentation, you do not belong here and should be deported immediatly. I also feel that Cubans have had a free ride long enough and it is time to require proper visa and documents PRIOR to entering this country. If you are "legal" welcome to America. If you are "illegal" go home and run for president or dictator or stage your own little coup so you can run your country properly.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

ALEX — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 21:08:25 GMT

ITS A SHAME WE LIVE IA A COUNTRY THAT WANTS TO SEND ALL TYPES OF IMMAGRANTS BACK, DONT FORGET, ALL OF YOU WHO SAY ARE AMERICANS CAME FROM THE MAYFLOWER, WHY DONT YOU ALL GO BACK.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

ALEX — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 21:09:09 GMT

I AM CUBAN AND PROUD BORN IN MIAMI, DONT ENVY US

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Clova Taylor Bridgeport ct — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 21:14:55 GMT

I came from Jamaica and worked Three Jobs as a house keeper/baby sitter for a number of years to support my four children and sick mother in jamaica as soon as its was possible i became an American citizen and filed for them it broke my heart leaving them behind buti am grateful every day for the opportunity, my youngest daughter attended a Catholic Prep School and High School in Jamaica ,when she got here she was twelve years old and she was in 2nd form in high school , thats 8th grade Junior High here, the Teachers told me she would be held back a Grade she had to be placed in 7th grade, I asked the School to give her a test and she passed every thing so they had to place her in the 8th grade in the first year she became the spelling champion for the whole 8th grade ,we did not have much but she continued to study and always got good grades, finally she graduate and went to High school , for some unknown reason when she entered High School things changed and she Got a lot of peer pressure , she made the honour role a few times but she was so unhappy when she tried to apply for financial Aid and did did not get it,i could not afford to pay for college so she joined the Army right out of High school, i was scared for her but very proud , she served 8 years and is now working the computer fields, we make sure we vote every election we pay our taxes and we have never committed a crime, one of my son is an accountant and the other a male nurse my oldest daughter still lives in Jamaica and work in Finance for the Jamaican Govt she visit often but choose to live in Jamaica, if i was not so old i would apply for service in the Military because i love this country and plan to live the rest of my life here, God bless America and the opportunity it has to offer, My conclusion is that any one who choose to be law abiding and work and pay their tax and not be a burden on the Government is a true American, Not some one born here and chose to be Lazy and commit crimes, not serve this country or vote .

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Harry, Phoenix, Az — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 21:18:13 GMT

PLEASE READ: All comments must be approved before appearing in the thread; time and space constraints prevent all comments from appearing. We will only approve comments that are directly related to the blog, use appropriate language and are not attacking the comments of others.

The ones typing in broken English even broke this rule by attacking other post. It's Freedom, not Freedome and son, not song, etc.. HaHaHa How did these poor illegals pay for their Computers? Or, was it the Midnight Open House Stores.

Anyway, I was born in the 1930s when we had immigrants but could still leave our doors unlocked. Not any more. Now, they are telling women to walk in pairs on TV.

Like the man from Calif, I received a letter from IRS in 1995 about money I earned in Chicago where I retired from a Steel Company. This money was earned at a Mexican Auto Shop. I wrote IRS that I never worked for those people. The reply I got was thanking me for my change of address. If they weren't notified of my change of address, how could they have sent the letter to me in Arizona? HaHaHa

As for the illegals that have broken the law and will continue to break the law, I have no worries for myself but do have for my Grandchildren and Great Grandchilden. Why don't they band together in their own Country and fix their Government instead of banding together here and ruining ours.

Since the 1950s, I have seen this country go down little by little and when all these illegals get old, our Government will really go broke caring for them on other people's money (Taxes).

Also, take a look at what both Parties are offering for our next President. Surely we can do better then that. My beloved Country is suffering and it's going to get worse.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

mike, nj — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 21:31:52 GMT

Anyone that lives or has lived in the southwest of the US knows that influx of illegal immigrants has closed down hospitals, sent crime through the roof and caused a lower standard of living. It is simply dismissive and self-serving when those who defend illegal immigration pretend the opposition is racist and ignorant to the benefits of undocumented workers. We have gotten to a point in this country where we no longer need the ellis island type immigration and we can choose to be picky about who we allow entrance to. I sympathasize with those who have family members they want in this country but, unless they apply legally, you're argument is far too baseless and subjective. We used to have large workforce who worked low-paying jobs......they were called teenagers.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Qbannexile — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 21:47:25 GMT

There is a law that protects Cubans. It is called the Cuban Adjustment Act. This act was passed by the Congress in the 1960's. Why? You ask. Because John F. Kennedy out of ignorance betrayed the Cuban people when he didn't send air cover that was promised to support The Bay of Pigs Invasion. This denial consolidated Castro into power and led to the Cuban Missle Crisis in 1962. During the missle crisis Castro was egging the Soviets on to launch a nuclear weapon on American soil (39 years before Osama). As part of the negotiations with the Soviets, the Soviets promised to withdraw the missles from Cuba in exchange the U.S. promised to never invade Cuba. Almost 50 years later the same totalitarian regime still Kills, imprisons, mames, tortures and denies it's people all basic human rights like free speech, freedom of assembly, custody of your own children, property rights, freedom of religion (though if your a christian in the US your loosing that right here too.) But the liberal media will never expose the Castro's. They've had a love affair with them since the begining. They love seeing the 1950's cars, when they go to Havana. This tyrant has exported terroism all over South America and Africa. Shot down American Citizens over international air space. I wish We Cubans did not have special status.... I wish we had a free homeland. Viva Cuba Libre...God Bless America Always.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

David — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 21:48:12 GMT

So tired of people talking about the law of the land. The whole issue is that these people are escaping a place where laws are oppressive and deadly. I wonder how many laws they broke by simply talking about America, or about equality, or freedom. Yea those law breakers. Blackwater troops kill innocent Iraqi children because there are no laws. People immigrate here because of the laws back home. So what if they are "breaking" the law to get here. It's an oxymoron. I only get angry at the racism involved. Lightskinned Cubans get here, most of the darker ones don't and the "communist" excuse really is nonsense. Haiti is far more messed up and the people there are pushed away as a matter of course.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Fed up in America — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 21:52:00 GMT

I chuckle at the responses from both sides of the aisle on the issue of immigration. The politicians that are in favor of open borders have ulterior motives that are founded in the quest for more political votes and the hard line border fence proponents are trying to justify their own worth to their constituents. In terms of dollars the negative impact of illegal immigrants is staggering and it is the tax paying citizens of this country that ultimately shoulder the burden. If you think this is not true just visit a hospital, welfare office, or other entitlement office. The greater majority are there with their hand out looking for help. Now understand, I am not taking a position on either side, but the reality is the same for both positions. The illegal immigrants cost each taxpayer approximately 37% of their tax burden. The greater question (since the reasons for immigrating eminate from their host countries) is what would happen if the roles were reversed. Would Mexico, Nicaragua, Costa Rica or the other Central and South American countries welcome Americans by the millions, with no visiable means of support? Would they feed us, clothe us, provide us with room and board even? Absolutely not, in fact we would be target practice in every country. We would have no rights, we would have no avenue for justice and we would be considered expendable parasites. Since we live in America though, the world considers us an easy mark and our politicians prove this to be true every day of the week. It is time to draw a line in the sand. It is time to expunge the country of every illegal alien and if they have an American born child (to gain citizenship), revoke the rights and entitlements that they sought to cheat their way into. We need politicians with grit, balls, and a determination to fix the system in America and if a few people get their feelings hurt or have to say a few more prayers for people that are deported, so be it.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Mike D. Cincinnati OH — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 21:55:08 GMT

Maybe, just maybe, we should worry about the harm natural born citizens are doing to this country than the harm migrant workers and political refugees could do. BTW, all the rhetoric in the world won't change what is and will happen on this issue.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Sam Leonard — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 21:55:30 GMT

It's really very simple, obey the law of the land or leave.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Maria Limon, Austin, TX — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 22:01:06 GMT

I would simply like to ask people to recall that the first "illegal immigrants" were the pilgrims.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Janet — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 22:06:03 GMT

To those of you who think that Texas was "stolen" from the Mexican people. Check you history books again. "Texans" (latina and white) won their independance then chose, by a majority vote, to become a part of the USA. If you think that Texas was "stolen" from Mexico, then Mexico was "stolen" from Spain. Please get your facts straight before spouting nonsence.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Rudy — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 22:11:14 GMT

I am Native American, here in the reservation, alcoholism, poverty, drugs and unemployment abounds, we are in bad shape here, nevertheless, I have not heard anybody says anything. Where is the answer to the expression "We should take care of our own first"? May God bless you all for having heart? You have a lot of nothing to complaint. I am an educated man, veteran and happy to be an American (I'm not complaining) you are.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

K Torres — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 22:16:14 GMT

If they arrived in Mexico, Why can they receive policial asylum as they are no longer in danger from their goverment as they are in Mexico. If they arrive on the Mexico side they should stay there. It is safe.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Steve Johnson — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 22:16:51 GMT

The US is lowering it's standards more and more. By coddling and accomodating illegal aliens and Latinos, they have put profit in place of patriotism. Illegal aliens should be sent home. Since most Latino families begin at about age 15, they will surely overpopulate the US. Be legal. Get a skill. Aliens...Fix your own country and stop sponging off
of ours. The US government has voted to give these people our hard earned Social Security and want to sing the National Anthem in Spanish. This is unconstitutional and disrespectful to American tradition, culture and language. Diversity is overrated.

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Lisa Warton — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 22:19:56 GMT

Being a minority or illegal allien doesn't make you noble or victimized and does not entitle you to anything.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Stephan Harwood, Moab, Utah — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 22:19:56 GMT

"...we saw the underlying human story that's not always covered in news reports."

Actually, it's the underlying human story that's ALWAYS covered in news reports. It's not jut covered, it's wallowed in. As a writer, photographer and former videographer, I can attest that distraught people are basically used as 'lens candy' for dramatic effect.

If we're looking for untold stories, try the stories of legal immigrants from countries other than Mexico and Cuba, like Winston De'c Ifill (10-01-07, 2:51). Tougher to get tear-jerk footage though.

This cheap dramatization distorts our immigration debate, and obscures a major fact, which was also noted by the retired merchant seaman Emory Dotson above (10-01-12:19). Basically everybody wants to come to the U.S. In Mexico, surveys indicated that perhaps 1 in 5 people is actively trying to, or thinking about doing so.

Obviously, everybody who wants can't come in. To prevent that may sound selfish, but in the end, it's a lifeboat-capacity problem.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

michelle — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 22:20:27 GMT

All immigrants that come to America should learn english period. Keep your culture but embrace ours since you want to be here. Unpatriotism is not acceptable. Keep your flags off poles , the star spangled banner is the flag of this country. Conform and respect this beautiful country or get the fkk out!

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

maria california — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 22:22:02 GMT

we have a HUGE problem with no real solution. I can only say that everyone so far has only part of the story correct. all illegals are not MEXICANS, or for
that matter LATINO. We have got to get a grip on our
own social problems first, no illegal can receive
welfare benefits or for that matter general releif
(many of the homeless are on that program). Much of
the legal (all races) population does not have any type of health insurance. The strain on the services is not the complete fault of the MEXICAN (sorry Ilegal). By the way illegals can and do file a tax return to pay their taxes, I not saying all of them. But to all of those who really beleive that all you have to say is GET OUT and they are gone.... welcome to LALA Land, oh wait the mayor and owner mr. moneybags says he can not aford to pay legals and make a profit sorry...... I think we have to come up
with a better solution don't you think?

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Tony Mcallen, TX — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 22:27:16 GMT

I wonder if the native americans that were here originally felt that immigrants should be allowed to enter their land without permission. Oh thats right, they didnt approve, yet they came. Paybacks a ..... My mom was born in Mexico still I and my two brothers have served in the US military, two of us in Iraq. I doubt 'Americans' who are against immigration can say the same. I guess the American Dream isn't taking anymore applications.

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Linda — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 22:29:43 GMT

I recently received an email that said it all: "Ask the Indians what happens when you fail to control immigration."

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Wen D — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 22:36:46 GMT

We'd like to save the world but... We cant handle the population explosion of millions of illegal immigrants mulitiplied by how many ever kids they have in their culturally large families. I'm also tired of flipping the bill for the non-english speaking illegal ahead of me in the grocery check out lane who's paying with food stamps and WIC. Lots of people are tired of looking for a job in the paper and finding out they have to be bilingual all of the sudden because of the astronomical influx of illegal immigrants who speak no english. Contractors are tired of being out bid by a team of illegal immigrant workers who are happy to work for hardly anything because they live in a single bedroom house with 3 other families and split the bills and send the rest of the money back to Mexico where besides oil it is the countries largest income. Americans- whether white black brown yellow or blue in the face from screaming all have a reason to be concerned. Its not racism- its economics!

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Lois , Overland Park, KS — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 22:37:05 GMT

Cubans cannot come in legally as they are NOT allowed to leave the country. If the government gets wind they want to leave or are trying to leave they and their family can be taken prisoner and taken to a labor camp. We need to get over the "legal" and "illegal" labels. And what a shame that Yvette is proud her son does not speak Spanish she did him a disservice by not teaching him. Think how it would help his career, his ability to help others and his ability to learn other languages. It is the ignorant person that does not speak more than one language. Go to Europe, people there speak on average 3-5 languages. There is no reason we as Americans cannot learn from them and try to increase our own linguistic skills. As others in this forum have stated - Cubans are one group that have come into this country and worked hard and not lived off the system. They are too proud to do that. Their families help them when they arrive and they work hard to make money and work. Miami would not be the city it is now if it were not for the Cubans that came here and built it up.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

T Gallen, Churchton, Md — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 22:39:06 GMT

I would love to go up to the biggest, fanciest house in town, move in and live off the owner, but this is NOT possible. The owner would protect his property and his possessions, throw me out into the waiting arms of the police and I would spend years of my life, paying for my unwanted intrusion. This is the reality of life or at least it should be. Many of the people who are objecting to illegal immigration are hard working folks who can see that they are quickly losing what they have because their taxes are sky-rocketing supporting programs which don't benefit them, their jobs are going over seas or being devalued by an illegal work force which doesn't require a living wage as he does and whose quality of life is going down the tubes, day by day. This country may be rich but fewer and fewer people are getting to hold onto those riches. A lot of the freedoms which we cherish are going by the wayside, try speaking your mind and see if you aren't arrested for it, or fired. There is a class of people in this country, who work hard, obey the law, pay their taxes, and don't benefit from social programs. These people are losing their country and the government's response is, "You just have to dig deeper and support MORE people". Do you think any politician is losing his or her job due to illegal immigration. Not likely. And the rich are getting richer abusing illegal, foreign labor. What happens when the goose that laid the golden egg is dead? I hope it is not within my lifetime but it probably will be. I agree with those who say STOP illegal immigration, send back, the criminals who are here and LIMIT legal immigration to a select few. It's sad that there are Castro's and Sadam Hussein's and Bush's and other petty tyrants to deal with. At some point, we'll have to deal with ours, too. Invading another's homeland is NOT the answer.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Zeus, Chicago, IL — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 22:41:24 GMT

All I have to say is what comes around goes around.

Europeans came to this continent and violated every Native American treaty and soverign nation. Trespassing on native land, massacring native people, stealing what was theirs and now....what calls themselves Americans are complaining of other people doing the same. GEEZ....now you know how it feels.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

J. Elias, Long Beach, CA — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 22:48:18 GMT

I agree with B Turner of Boston, but all this hoopla about illegal aliens, do not seem to be a real correction, if we can remember, USA has stopped his relationship with Hispanic America, so bad to the point, that it has created a new line of mini dictators, namely Venezuela, Bolivia, Ecuador and so others, wich in time are going to be a real head ache for this country and his generosity when this people try to escape, therefore it is likely to spect more and more illegal inmigration, we complain about the mexicans that are the most visible inmigrants, but there are others, from other parts of the world that are not touched, maybe because they are white, wear a turbant, o simply because they belong to an enemy coutry in Europe or Asia

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Garys — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 22:51:22 GMT

The Cubans in Cuba know exactly how to exploit this law, and rehearse all the questions and emotions, go their, you will see. See how many leave and go to free, democratic Haiti, much closer, Honduras or stay in Mexico. It is a totally discrimitive policy, and they will take advantage as long as the U.S. allows it. Lift the embargo, allow them to breath and compete internationally, and we rid of this problem.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Who cares, USA — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 22:51:37 GMT

deport them all

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Peter Peralta — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 23:02:00 GMT

I just arrived from Cuba; and by Latin American standards they are much better off than their counterparts, all those going thru the revolving doors of the Mexico-US border were not and I repeat were not ,political persecuted; they are migrants just like the rest of other hispanics. Castro is the best excuse for these cubans to remain in America. My opinion: Send them back.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Angie, Tampa, Fl — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 23:07:19 GMT

After reading the comments that are posted regarding this article I was utterly appalled. To give background info, I am half Cuban and half Puerto Rican and I have served in the US Military. I have been to Cuba twice. Most if not all of the people who have listed something on this article, has not been to Cuba. You don't know what it's like, you don't know how the air feels there. I will tell you, that if you or I lived there for any period of time longer than 2 years you would flee that country as well. It is sickening to read about people that would just want to ship back people because of their nationality. The day that Cuba is free, what happens then? They aren't from the US, so we still ship them back? Do you not remember US is made of immigrants? As an American, I was taught Spanish all throughout middle school and high school, and it wasn't because I was already Hispanic did I learn that. Most jobs today ask for Bilingual personnel. This country is so great because of the people we have in it. I stand in front of an American flag everyday, I wear a United States Military uniform everday, I come from a Cuban-Puerto Rican family. I fight for everyone in this country regardless of their nationality. More people should be able to understand, we call ourselves Americans built on land that was built by people of different kinds of nationalities.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Maria G, Garland, Texas — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 23:25:03 GMT

Anyone can be ignorant, it is a person's choice to do something to change that fact. But is anyone truly an American? I think not! But yes, it can be simple to deport us all but that's a choice the law has to make! So instead of complaining make sure you go out and vote for the right people to get our asses out of here. But of course there is a reason that they don't because like it or not we are part of the economy in the US. We as people will never fully be satisfied at all, we blame blacks for crime and unemployment, hispanic for using food stamps and medicaid, and native AMERICANS for being drunks and gamblers, and so on! What it comes down to is that we all are racist is some way but don't want to admit to it! Whatever happens in the future one thing is for sure, we cannot change who we are and where we come from because at the end of our time we will all end up in the same place! Proud to be an "alien"! Your damn right I'm out of this world!

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Jose, Austin, TX — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 23:27:05 GMT

How odd to see how caucasian by far want nothing to do with hispanic inmigration. The say they have to do it the legal way like their parents did thru Ellis Island. Racists, if hispanics had it as easy as your grandparents did, just show up at Ellis Island and become legal citizens at the spot. The Statue of Liberty is right, as long as you look like her, with a caucasian face, you can apply her welcome words. Texas and California (before it was forced by way of US invading Mexico to give it to the US) had more than 95% of Latinos, now in both they are minorities. However, any new Latino trying to get back are criminals. Actualy, it's only a misdemenor offense to transit into the US without reporting at the border, like any of us have ever gone over the speed limit or parked illegaly. Many are trying to make it a criminal offense. As a Chicano it hearts me to witness so much racism, I guess I should be used to since I grew up in here... Before 9/11 it was the same and now is the political correct reason.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

OSVALDO ,MIAMI,FLORIDA — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 23:31:15 GMT

first of all yvette YOU are one ignorant Latina B/C THATS WHAT U ARE YOU SAID UR PUERTO RICAN THEN U SAID UR AMERICAN WELL LET ME TELL U SOMETHING PUERTO RICANS ARE NOT WHITE OK THEY ARE LATINOS U SEE I AM CUBAN OK AND IF WE HAVE SPECIAL PRIVILEGES WELL THATS HOW LIFE IS OK SO B/C PUERTO RICANS ARE US CITIZENS DOESN'T MAKE U SPECIAL UR STILL AN IGNORANT LATINA. HAHA ITS FUNNY B/C THAT OTHER LADY SAID HOW MIAMI IS HAVANA,CUBA WELL IF U GO TO MIAMI U WOULD NEVER WANT TO LEAVE OK THATS WHY MIAMI ITS MIAMI, WHERE DO U THINK MOST THE MTV MOVIE AWARD TAKE PLACE???MIAMI WHERE DO CELEBRITIES PREFER TO BUY MANSIONS????MIAMI SO GO TALK TRASH SOMEWHERE ELSE OBVIOUSLY U DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT UR TALKING ABOUT. AND CUBANS ARE NOT THE ONLY IMMIGRANTS IF U LOOK CAREFULLY HOW OFTEN DO U COME ACROSS A CUBAN IN UR STATE???WE ARE RARE EXCEPT IN MIAMI HOW OFTEN DO U FIND A MEXICAN IN UR ARE EVERYWHERE U LOOK RIGHT ? SO GO READ A BOOK AND SHUT UP

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Florida Gal — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 23:33:29 GMT

Oh great. Now Cubans are coming to Texas too. Someone explain to me why Cubans have been in South Florida for 40 years and it STILL looks like a 3rd world country in Little Havana!
Call me a racists if you want. It's not about race. It's about a different culture. The fact is that some of these people are rude and inconsiderate. They come to our country and then want everyone to speak their language and take on their culture. Actually, they don't even respect their own language (not my words: read The Latino Wave by Jorge Ramos) as they think it's ok to butcher Spanish with Spanglish. You can't even get a job in South Florida unless you know Spanish.
People better wake up. Ramos says that we'll be "reconquered" back to an Hispanic Nation in just a few decades. Then who will be the voting majority? Then will the whole nation will be third world?

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Zak, Houston, Texas — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 23:36:06 GMT

Were suppose to set an example to the world being we are the most powerful country. But we have lost sight as people. We as a country fear anything different. And time and time again we have developed isolationist view points. If you risk your life to come from Cuba and make it successfully to this country and can prove you have no criminal record than you should be allowed to stay. On the other hand people from Mexico or any other Latin American country that have the means to secure the passage to the U.S. legally should do so. As for tearing down lady liberty thats plain ridiculous. She represents more than immigration she represents the right of the American people which she represents to life freely and prosperously. We should never be so cruel as people that we would deny that right to other people around the world. "that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

LD Bruce — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 23:36:58 GMT

The answer is to change where they are from.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Guiseppe Amalfitani, Houston, TX. — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 23:37:00 GMT

Every one is entitled by the now current law to be admited or denied the entrance to our country, the cubans by law if they reach US soil can be accepted in the states. Unless Commander Castro dies this law probably will change.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Andrew, Los Angeles, California — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 23:37:25 GMT

Remember you are all passerbys!
With that, I would like all to know that you should keep quiet about immigration and the flight of peasants. If you are so bothered by your president Bush then do something about it. All of you would rather crucify a helpless immigrant attempting to take advantage of a better situation for themselves than take on the real illegals. The American Government has sold out this country to much bigger and more evil players the world would ever see. Granted I love my iPod and flat screen but before you accuse anyone else, take a look at yourself.
As for me I am going to the corner and have myself some great mexican cuisine with my cerveza and shot of tequila with friends and family and watch the sunset. Adios Amigos.

A real american, Californense...

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Abner — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 23:39:45 GMT

Our Country is the greatest for its freedom, opportunity and economy. It is important to wellcome new migrants into the US. They bring cultural diversity and work force to keep the wheels of our country moving!

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

frank hill las vegas nevada — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 23:47:24 GMT

why are not the officials of the countries ever arrested for stealing--corruption. It is not the rich that come to AMERICA--it is the poor who drain us and it will continue until these poor third world countries leaders are held accountable for the mismanagment and trouble they cause. String up the leaders who cause this proverty.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

DAVID SCOTT,SUNLAND, CALIFORNIA — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 23:58:54 GMT

FROM N.Z. ARRIVED, AND OVERSTAYED, MARRIED A U.S. CITIZEN, KIND OF ILLEGAL. GREAT COUNTRY. UNDERSTAND WHY PEOPLE WANT TO COME. FEEL PAIN FOR THOSE THROWN BACK AT THE BORDERS, AFTER THEIR LONG JOURNEY. DONT HAVE AN ANSWER. BEST WISHES TO THOSE THAT MAKE IT.
THE KIWI.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Max Bialystock — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 00:00:14 GMT

I read all the comments, and nobody acknowledges that the 45 year old U.S. embargo on Cuba is a major cause of the economic conditions from which Cubans flee. The only reason for the embargo is Bush's need for votes from Miami. Neither Cuba nor Castro pose any threat to this country, yet we perpetuate a 45 year embargo, which has failed to dislodge Fidel, but burdens the Cuban people.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Slim Pickins — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 00:09:28 GMT

We should have kept the quota system for legal immigration. And we should stop illegal immigration. We pay for the illegals three times. 1st for thier labor. 2nd in the Social services they consume. Thirdly in the economic consequences of cheap illegal labor. IE Unemployed and underemployed Americans consumming social service dollars and not producing or consumming while paid wages leave the country to prop up Mexican and Central/South American economies. Which costs the US industry and jobs.Then there is the crime the urban gettos, drug use , smuggling, prostitution,gangs

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Illegal Immigrant, Fort Myers, Florida — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 00:10:30 GMT

cbradford wichita ks, says he supports people who doesn't follow any law. Does he know that Cubans and other immigrants pay out of their own pocket for USCIS procedures and by the way does cbradford pay any taxes at all that we know of...if so can he prove it?

I believe emory dotson, richmond virginia would only select white...am I guessing wrong? by the way, is she or her family up to the those same standards she wants from other people?

I agree with Harold Strauss, we need more secure borders and more training and equipment for our agents...and additionally better human treatment for people trying to cross illegally...remember they are human too.

oh Yvette, Philadelphia, PA..Yvette, miss boricua...next time you are selling your food stamps remember to buy a ticket back to your island...you are deported. Don't defend this country too much, they only see you and your many children as wet backs as well.

Adan Jimenez, Falfurrias, Texas is mad because he was not given the same privilege as those for cubans...please pray that more cubans escape from communism. You know what communism is, don't you?

Chris, Orlando, FL, we didn't know that all illegal immigrants occupy all U.S. jails? in fact, only a small amount of illegal immigrants are in jail, the rest is legal immigrants (all races) and the mayority american citizens..should we deport them too to satisfy your desire for empty jails?

Fred Beduhn, did you ask the rest of us if we don't need more immigrants or is just your personal opinion? I believe your own president won't agree with you...we need more immigrants or should I get you an application for you to harvest during next tomato season? I didn't think so.

Juan Tamad let me give you my own definition for racism...racism is when Juan Tamad calls all hispanic speaking/hispanic looking people illegal immigrants or mexicans. By the way, tax is collected but not claimed...your goverment collects huge amounts of money on taxes from illegal immigrants, but they can not claim any refund from it unless they apply fro an ITIN..nevermind, since you din't take the time to study before responding, I'm not going to waste my time explaining you all this..you would never understand..remember racism.

dennis a Lowell ma, you are not paying a dime for them...is that clear?

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

TRAE MILLER, TEXAS — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 00:13:25 GMT

A POLICY NEEDS TO BE PUT IN PLACE TO PRESS ILLEGALS INTO THE ARMED FORCES. TWO YEARS MANDATORY SERVICE. IF YOU WANT TO LIVE HERE PAY UP FRONT WITH COMITMENT TO UNCLE SAM. GIVE THEM AN M-16 AND SEND THEM TO IRAQ OR AFGANISTAN. IF THEY DON'T WANT TO DO THAT SEND THEM WITH OUT THE M-16!

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

ALL PEOPLE IN BORDER STATES. — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 00:19:01 GMT

JUDY FROM PA. WHAT WOULD YOU KNOW ABOUT IT IN YOUR WEST CHESTER,PA SUBURBAN NEIGHBOR "HOOD". TRY LIVING WITH 10% POPULATION UNABLE TO EVEN COMMUNICATE AND LIVING OFF OF YOUR HARD EARNED DOLLAR.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

tara jefferson — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 00:21:53 GMT

i belive that all of hispanic and cubain and puerto rican and african american and who ever else..should have the freedom as well and live here in the United States. Yes, we are all different but that's not a bad thing. Some cultures where they live isn;t a very nice place to live probally. What ever happened to freedom rights and we are all equal???? What happened to this world?????? Love everyone peacee

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

MikeInIndy, Indianapolis, IN — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 00:23:01 GMT

If they are willing to do things legally, work for a living, speak English and stop sucking off hard-working Americans, sure, bring 'em in. If they're here illegally? Get rid of 'em.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

NDH — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 00:37:14 GMT

For all of you who has come here on a free pass or has come across the border illegally, you did not go to mexico nor did you go to cuba. the official language in the U.S.A is English. Miami Florida is not cuba, that means English. IFyou want to live here you could have the common courtesy of speaking ENGLISH!

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Karla, Fort Lauderdale FL — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 00:37:53 GMT

Couple things. Cubans have absolutely NOT made Miami into a great city. To attribute the "success" of Miami to Cubans and other Hispanics is a gross misrepresentation at best. The wet foot/dry foot policy is also unfair and completely outdated if castro is so terrible then why aresnt the Cubans doing more to get rid of him? Could it be because they know the minute he loses power they lose their free pass? That being said only one poster on here has managed to figure out whats really going on. Mexicans have gotten hip to the gip. If I were Mexican and I knew all I had to do was say "Im Cuban" and I knew it would guarantee me entry into the U.S., then guess what Im cuban today baby. Im surprised the figure is only 11,000 wait till more people figure it out.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

beth cummings — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 00:42:15 GMT

Before criticizing the people trying to get here from Mexico and South America...saying they are breaking the law....realize this..our country's immigration quotas are unbalanced and seem to be based on racial predjuces.There are NO quotas allowing Mexicans to enter illegally.And very few for other Latin Americans.That is why they CANNOT enter illegally.WHen you take into consideration how much Mexican workers have contributed to the sicces of our economy for the past hundred years,it seems IMMORAL that we do not allow them legal entrance into this country.But still we harbored them for almost a century to ensure that our agricultural economy kept flourishing and our factories stayed open.
ALLOW THEM A QUOTA SO THEY CAN ENTER THE COUNTRY LEGALLY!!! (This process would also make it easier to keep out criminals and drug dealers. )

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Mike M, Loxahatchee, FL — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 00:43:22 GMT

What about the countries from whence these people came? Mexico is certainly the most visible source country of illegal migration. Rather than try to "fix" Mexico, its government feels it is entitled to push the responsibility of providing support for a huge percentage of its population off on the United States. It has gotten to the point that Mexico's greatest source of national income is in remittences sent home by Mexican citizens illegally in the U.S. Indeed, absorbing the over-population of the third world is not in the best interest of the United States' long-term future.

As for the Cubans, the law allowing them automatic legal status is long obsolete. The Cubans who managed to escape Castro's Cuba in the 1960's were mostly true political refugees. However, ever since the Mariel boatlift fiasco, today's Cuban "refugees" are only coming for the easy ride and the quick buck.

America needs to tighten the many loopholes in the Immigration and Nationality Act, step up enforcement not only along the borders, but throughout the country, and put our neighbors to the south on notice that they need to get their acts together and work at making their own countries more livable for their people.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

B cummings — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 00:44:44 GMT

YVETTE!!!PALEEZE!!If America was only for Americans there would only be NATIVE AMERICANS here!!!! This is a country of immigrants!!! We should be proud of that heritage!!

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

POLLY SHORT, SUN CITY, ARIZONA — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 00:52:43 GMT

As a legal immigrant in 1969 I arrived here with diplomas in General Nursing, Midwifery, & Operating Room Technique BUT I lacked enough hours in Psychiatry (I believe I lacked an hour equivalency) I went back to Nursing School leaving my 7 year old son in care of my mother who was visiting & my husband. Before I went back to Nursing School I worked as a Nurses Aide & called myself the "Enema Bandit" that was all I did for about 40 hours a week. I was told at the nursing school I was a "Band Aid" nurse & also told I would fail the National State Boards - instead I passed with a 97 percentile because my original training was so good. Thank you Johannesburg General, & Groote Schuur (Peninsula Maternity Hospital) in Cape Town. My professor of cardiology was Chris Barnard & somone had the nerve to call me a Band Aid nurse - Hello! I really did well with my nursing career here - I never looked back - Oh! by the way I did my degree in Nursing Administration by correspondence through the University Of South Africa - I was also told that did not count by my Psych Instructor - I PASSED WELL despite her comments. I also continued on to get my Bacheor's in Nursing Administration again & was working on my Master's when my husband died & I had to shoulder the whole shebang of taking care of my son & seeing he got educated. Do I regret anything I ever did - NO & the best thing for me was coming to the USA - I do think we need to cull illegal immigrants making sure they have a reasonable education & that they pay taxes etc.,. Me, I am proud to call myself American & I love this country with a passion no matter how hard I had to work to get registered as an RN it was worth all the hardships & humiliation I went through to win my freedom from the oppressive Nationalist Government of South Africa - they did not only discriminate against people of color but also people like myself who honestly thought all people were born equal - I was called a Communist & all I was was a simple liberal! Hello out there immigrants are good for our country.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

YanildaBatista — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 00:56:02 GMT

people we need to learn that America was made up of immigrants!

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Ken C., Seattle, WA — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 01:06:53 GMT

OK, what hasn't everyone figured out. The Cubans are coming to the USA from MEXICO. They're not in CUBA anymore. So, if they are so bad off in CUBA, then why can't they live in MEXICO??? SHUT THE BORDER!!!!!! STOP the special privilege!!!!

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

S. Giles Pittsburg, Kansas — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 01:07:16 GMT

Pat Buchanan and Bill O'reilly are the only ones who has told the truth about what going on in this hysteria about Hispanics coming into this Country,If you were not a brown people nothing would be said. What is truly happening is the fear of America becoming a minority majority, But after reading all of the comment,I realize that they have nothing to worry about,(divide and concur) If we could ever come together, the Lord only knows what could happen. S.Man

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

El MasChingon — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 01:14:11 GMT

Well, it seems as if the most articulate and well written comments have been made by Latino's, I am the grandson of an illegal alien, I have served in the military and worked for Uncle Sam for a total of 28 years, To all the ignorant ,nativist, Big Dummies out there, We are here to stay, our kids are half-white(race-mixing) and we aint going nowhere, so get over it!!!And I Love the USA, and hate our President!! Adios Foolios!!!

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

An American Vet, Montana — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 01:17:26 GMT

Take a look at Latino editorial cartoons and see what is written about this country by those who seem to think they're entitled to it. It AIN'T YOURS!! Got a problem in your country? Fix it! We did a little over 200 years ago. No, it's not easy, but not wanting to face that doesn't mean you dump your problems on my lap and get all offended when I don't want them!

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Debi Dana — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 01:17:29 GMT

Why not help the Mexican government upgrade their own country so that their citizens can find decent work there and make a living to support their families and not want to leave and come to U.S. ? In otherwords, reproduce what we have here, so that others can stay in their own countries and have the same advantages through their own country. That way they can enrich their own heritage and be proud of their achievements and not want to come here. I'm with Managua on this one.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Krishna Swami — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 01:28:49 GMT

Cubans are milking USA.
Miami is high crime area.
Cubans are the most unsuccessful minority.They dont deserve to be in the US.They are like the Polish illegals, who come here on tourist visas and never go back, then use our social services.

Something needs to be done about Cubans,Polish,Irish and Mexican immigrants.And fast.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

B. RODRIGUEZ, TX — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 01:29:48 GMT

OH YEAH, TOO MANY IGNORANT AND SELFISH PEOPLE. THEY FORGOT WHERE THEY CAME FROM. IF YOU ARE NOT NATIVE AMERICAN, YOU ARE NOT FULL AMERICAN. YOU COME FROM AN IMMIGRANT FAMILY, WHETHER LEGAL OR ILLEGAL. AND YES I AGREE WITH SOME PEOPLE. MANY OF THE SELFISH PEOPLE MAKING IDIOTIC COMMENTS HAVE NEVER SERVED IN THE MILITARY OR HAVE DONE ANYTHING FOR ANYONE, ESPECIALLY FOR THIS COUNTRY. IT IS SICK TO SEE THESE PEOPLE ACT THIS SELFISH. JUST READ THERE NAMES. THEY ARE NOT NATIVE AMERICANS, WHOM WERE ROBBED OF THEIR LAND BY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

An American Vet, Montana — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 01:32:23 GMT

I keep reading references to the great "melting pot", like we're all heated until we just ooze all over. Get it right, folks. It's "melding pot". To meld is to join together, like inseparable. Remember the Pledge of Allegience? "Indivisible"? Why is it that those who cheat and lie and sneak their way here to take something that isn't theirs want to hold so tightly on to their own baggage? A country divided cannot be "indivisible". No multi-lingual nation has lasted over time. No multi-cultural nation has lasted, either. This is not to deny the heritage we all carry. I love my roots from Britain, Ireland and Europe. But I'm American first and forever. This is whom I serve and honor. This is where I PAY TAXES, and help support the whole, not drain it off.

BTW, that "Liberty and Justice for all" is supported and defended by laws. Those who break the laws lose the Liberty part and have to face the Justice part. Quit trying to grab one and deny the other.

And while we're at it, those of us who have worn or do wear the uniforms of this great nation have sworn to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States "against all enemies, foreign and domestic." If you're breaking the law of this land, guess which group you've chosen to be in.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

A.L. Houston, Texas — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 01:38:48 GMT

As a second generation American (of mexican descent), I can see both sides of the issue.... I myself have relatives that both protect and abuse of this country's benefits....ALL of them born here!!! The few Cubans I know that have come here have continued to work any job AND go to school/college at the same time!!!! while my 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and now 4th generation American relatives (both Caucasian and of Mexican descent) continue to either abuse this country.....Why not decide on citizenship status based on what one brings to the table i.e. education or profession, AND a history of what one does while here in the States....and not how they got here or from where!!!!! We could send the immigrants back to their countries but where would we send the natural born citizens that are not productive as protectors/laborers/etc.?!!!!.......

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Sherri Sladek Stratford Texas — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 01:50:16 GMT

When are we going to wake up America? It is way past time to close the borders, account for who is actually here- criminals amd non-criminals, deport those who are here illegally back to their home country, and then provide for an honest, fair and comprehensive immigration reform bill. This is as easy as one, two, three. You cannot remain in the U.S. if your first act on our soil is breaking the law. period. Where would we get the money to do all of this? We would still come out ahead by using the money that the Federal, State, and local government pays to subsidize housing, healthcare(medicaid), education, the increase in expenditures for police, roads, uninsured motorists, and social services and indingent care. Then factor in the amount of taxes that are not collected from illegals and "presto" you have a way to pay for a border fence, increased border patrol agents, and the cost of rounding up, processing, and deporting millions of "Illegals". If the system is going to be fixed in a fair manner, then stop doing what we are currently doing, and really fix the system. Sherri Sladek- sick of this in Texas

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Vic Adams — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 01:51:09 GMT

Viva Cuba libre!!!Cuba si, Castro NO, NO, NO,NO!!!!!I was myself a political refugee from Communist Romania; I am now a PROUD and loyal US citizen.

God bless USA

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

George, San Antonio — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 01:52:35 GMT

How sad it is that we call our nation the "land of liberty" in concept but live a reality that is far from that. So many of the previous comments show that those who were immigrants or offspring of same have been swept into the hypocrisy of politics.

Only Martin showed any knowledge of real history but did not go into enough detail. If we base our beliefs on our American History lessons of "Manifest Destiny"
without thinking about the actual genocide of the only true native Americans that made it work, this hypocrisy may not be understood. Even the proud DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution)and their offspring were immigrants.

Our country was built on the backs of waves of poor immigrants from Europe initially, with Africans and Asians following with even less status because they weren't Caucasian. Latinos from the Caribbean & Central America came in the latest wave. That wave started when the Spanish American war was started by the CIA predecessor when it blew up the USS Maine.

The US saw that Cuba and Puerto Rico were trying to free themselves from Spain for decades and coveted the sugar and bananas, so it took them from Spain.

Cuba became the pawn of corrupt politicians propped up by many US special interests, including the mafia which filled Havana with casinos and brothels long before our own "sin city", Las Vegas was conceived.

Puerto Rico was an entirely different story. The Jones Act made it a commonwealth and free associated state which made its natives second class American citizens that fought in all American wars heroically starting with WWI. In return, they have had their representative in the House that has a voice but no vote. So, Boricuas were not typical immigrants even though they were treated as such.

When Castro started his revolution in the late 50's, he refused to become a typical "Banana Republic" puppet of US interests like Trujillo in the Dominican Republic, Somoza in Nicaragua, Papa Doc in Haiti and other rightist dictators throughout Central and South America. So, he was declared a communist which suited him fine. That was why the embargo that has crippled Cuba's development was implemented just to spite the guy who would not be our dirty little dictator.

Do you think that the hypocrisy of politics that makes Cuban immigrants welcome while others are treated like lepers is just what our founding fathers intended when they wrote the Bill of Rights and the Declaration of Independence?

All of you proud Americans that did not learn the lessons of history or have forgotten them and cannot apply them to life today should be ashamed. Those of you that have Hispanic, Irish, Italian or whatever foreign roots should read the history of your people and the racism that they faced when they first arrived in our melting pot of a nation. Maybe it will provide some perspective that you obviously need.

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Mary Pennsylvania — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 02:05:13 GMT

Sorry, but it seems to me that I would rather allow Doctors from Cuba then criminals from any other country to enter. Cubans have a 98% Literacy rate and most are college graduates that have something to offer our society. Many of the other people who come here are a huge burden. Most Cubans find jobs and eventually integrate and pay taxes. They have the lowest birth rate of all hispanic populations and the highest college educated children of the Latino population. So, yes, we need to be particular who we let in, I personally don't mind Cubans because they have something to offer besides ignorance and a burdon to society.

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R Meyers Arcade NY — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 02:09:22 GMT

From the beginnings of the USA, those that broke the law were punished. Many sage and respected persons have invited people to come to this country legally. They invited these immigrants to become part of this english speaking society. Some how, many of our policy makers have not studied or chose to ignor our forefathers. If you wish to become a legal citizen of the USA, welcome. Please embrace your new country and do not demand nor expect special treatment. To our policy makers, PUNISHMENT for LAW BREAKERS IS CORRECT! DO NOT punish the public you work for. Your demands for multiple language tests and instuctions and the demands that illegal entrants to the USA be given medical tretments paid for by legal citizans and now drivers licenses is not proper. Whats next more free college for murderers and other felons? How about taking care of the silent,hard working US citizen.

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Alfredo Aponte, Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 02:20:46 GMT

Puertoricans are born american citizens, just like New Yorkersare born american citizens. More than 225,000 Puerto Ricans have served in the Armed Forces. Puerto Ricans have lost 63 soldiers in Irak and Afghanistan, more than 17 states of the Union. We are not counting those who lost their lives in the l, 2 World Wars, Korea and Vietnam. We have paid the price of being part of the United States. Puerto Ricans have chosen to be a Commonwealth of the United States, since 1952, in a democratic elections. We have a right to be living in any state of the Union we choose. How dare you from Orlando, criticize our people, you who run away from your country, instead of staying there and fight for what we have fought. Shame on you!

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Virginia Manning — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 02:24:57 GMT

We don't even take care of our own people and we are taking in outsiders???? Send them to Iraq to prove their loyaltiy!

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A Cuban in Tampa, FL — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 02:26:57 GMT

Yvette,
If you had any brains at all you would be ashamed to even sign your name to the comment you made. You are too ignorant to even realize that you are one of the main reasons people don't like hispanics. English is your primary language yet you can't even spell in it and you have the nerve to think you're better than others?
I am a first generation American born to Cuban Exiles and I have never met a hispanic of any origin who would brag about having their child speak only English. I was born in New England and while English has obviously always been my primary language, every single child in my family has been taught to speak Spanish. At least the Cubans that are coming here are Doctors, Engineers and Teachers and not low skilled workers.
It is absolutely scary how ignorant most people are regarding the Cuban immigration issue. Does anyone even realize that all the US had to do to get rid of the Cubans in the US was to oust Castro? The Cuban exiles would have started swimming back the very same day. These people didn't want to come here because they wanted to make more money or a better way of life. They were told from one day to the next that their money was no longer valid anywhere in the world and that everything that they had now belonged to the "revolution" including their sons. These people who came here and who were allowed "special immigration status" were the Doctors, Lawyers, Priests, Engineers, Bankers, Landowners and regular working class people who worked hard and had their homes, money and properties taken away from them. They were given their "special immigration status" by this country because it was the fault of the US that they had to leave Cuba in the first place. That is where we differ from other Hispanic immigrant groups.
Anyone who has any doubt whatsoever about the honesty or integrity of these "so called asylum seekers" should either go spend a month living in Cuba and see how long it takes you to decide to risk everything to get here where at least you are free to write a blog about how much you hate everyone else.
I am a first generation American born to Cuban Exiles and I have never met a hispanic of any origin who would brag about having their child speak only English. I was born in New England and while English has obviously always been my primary language, every single child in my family has been taught to speak Spanish. I can't think of any person who speaks a second language that would not teach it to their child.

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Maggie, Miami Fla. — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 02:29:43 GMT

"We are all stocked up here"...I think what Yvette (P.R. lady) was trying to say is that the country is for americans (american citizens) not just for anglos. We would be naive to believe that the country will revert back to only white folks. This discussion is about laws, policy, and resources. If you want the borders open vote for candidates that support that. But if you still live in this country is because you like it's standards and laws. So why would you allow strangers to come in and break our laws and then get rewarded for it. If the US is so bad and racist, don't come. And Ms Grace Linares, as to your comments allow me to educate you, P.R. became a commonwealth as a result of the Spanish American war, back in 1898, and puertorricans became citizens thans to the Jones act of 1917. If any puertorricans had the means to migrate to the US before then, and if they were called aliens so was everybody else in the country. But everything has to evolve or it will perish, this is not the US of the 1900, when it was a few and resources were abundant, times are a changing my friends. Don't we learn from history, Rome anyone?

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Deborah Hernandez, Fort Worth, TX — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 02:37:45 GMT

We don't always find the criminal background of all Cuban imigrants. Many of them slip in as rapest, murderers, etc. They get their citizenship and live off us. I work in an immigration office. I see the abuse of the system daily. We as a nation have failed. We have to speak louder than the bleeding hearts. My family came here legally. They had the right documents. They learned to speak English before they arrived. We were taught we are Americans and never say or do anything against the country that welcomed us with open arms. The junk going on now is a crime and we have sit back and kept quiet. Now our own government is opening the borders to every Thomas, Ricardo, Gilberto, Mohammad, Rashid, Hashid and Rana that wants to come here. They have forgotten 911. Actually many of us have too. We need to demand English as our only language, every immigrant by law has to speak English, and every immigrant must post a cash bond to enter this country. If they are caught as an illegal then back to their own country and not on one of our commercial airliners, but on a transport plane with no perks. If they want to eat during the flight they need to come up with cold hard cash. Harsh words for you bleeding hearts but I am so sick of you defending the rights of outsiders that don't vote, speak English, or care about us a nation. Defend the hard working, making ends stretch, low paid American that speaks, reads and writes English.

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Sue, OH — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 02:40:55 GMT

Um, Pedro - your SEVEN little ones you identified are what undoubtedly what are known as ANCHOR babies. That is, they are only American citizens because of a foolish law that this wonderful country has that states that those born here are citizens.

And Faustina Espinoza - come back to reality. It is attitudes like that that make US citizens furious with the debacle that is our borders today.

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Antonio G. Zapata, Houston Texas — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 02:49:19 GMT

It's true, we must be wary of immigrants. We can try to ignore them, but they will continue to come in greater numbers. If we do not stop them, our way of life will surely end. They are ignorant and without morals. Look at the way they squander our resources! They kill and skin our buffalo without respect or regard for the rotting carcasses they leave in the field. They purposely spread their filthy disease. America is for Americans as somebody else said earlier, I think from Puerto Rico.

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Mark Wells — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 02:54:05 GMT

I am, like most American's sick and tired of all the "free" rides that most "NON" Americans get! Lets begin with the Cubans.. Hmm.. another sad story. So what, so you lived in a country that was communist and life was bad, look around the world there are MANY comtries just like Cuba, do you see them trying to get to the USA? Hmmm.. Should we, can we ,take EVERYONE in that lives in destitue conditions?And once they get here with nothing but a bag then what? You mean to tell me in 20 years or longer these SAME people that had NOTHING suddenly are very well to do with many being wealthy? Where did they get their seed money for a business? where did they get the education? Hmm.. seems fishy. I would bet that the US GOV dolled out ALOT of monies to these people. And whom is their customer base? Let me see.. Other individuals spending the MONEY they got first hand from the US GOV. Let me see, if they are SO smart, so intelligent and with a great business model then why could they NOT be successful in their OWN countries??? Hmm I know.. their OWN country did not give them unlimited resources and protection in order to do so. I once liked to go to Florida, I havnt been in 15 years and I DONT plan on going back. Why? Its nothing more than a bunch of Cuban " aheem, refugees" living high on the hog for most part, you have to have a great for of income to live there anyway. Been to Miami lately? Better pack a spanish language book and a sidearm before you go. Illegal's.. We dont NEED them here, I am tired of the bogus crap from their reported "groups" saying they are important to the economy. How do you figure... they only work low wage jobs, why? Beacuase they are dumb enough to take them and the business's that hire them know that. Sure, they can work for minimum wage. They're 8-10 of them living in the same houeshold renting a house owned once again by a current or former illegal alien. they live 8-10 or more per household, if they're any women living there as well, you can bet there are also a few small children residing at the residence. What does this equate? They are playing and manipulating the system the US GOV has for its own citizens. Free healthcare, welfare, education and community services. Who pays? the AMERICAN TAXPAYER PAYS. Ignorance breeding ignorance. And now we have those here legally but on short term having kids. Be responsible!! Your NOT a citizen so DONT HAVE KIDS! Ohhh but wait, thats your GAME right? Yes.. It is.. get to the USA and have KID after KID after KID.. Anchor babies!!!!! Oh the screams about a $3 dollar head of lettuce, high food prices etc make me sick. Face it, there will NOT be high prices because the market WILL NOT ALLOW it. Why? It knows better.. All this will do is WEED out the producers and business's that rely 100% on CHEAP, illegal labor. Once these entities are GONE the market with the real players will thrive once again and prices wil lbe current and in-line. These business entities KNOW this. But, they like CHEAP labor.. Business's that engourage and use ILLEGAL labor SHOULD be put out of business anyway! They are a negative influence to begin with. Face it, if YOU have to use ILLEGAL, CHEAP labor you dont deserve to BE IN BUSINESS!!!!!!!! I once was a sympathetic person to many plights of certain groups of people. My one trip to Mexico changed all that. We are being USED!! In 100 years or less the USA will be nothing much more than what a 3rd world country is. Why? Look around, the same individuals comming from a 3rd world countries now are the majority. The same people that created their ORIGINAL 3rd world country just created another one out of what was once the greatest nation on earth. As Forrest Gump once said... "stupid is as stupid does". The GOV. could stop alot of this by changing the law. Only persons BORN to a US Citizen should BECOME US citizen.. Meaning ONE parent had to be a citizen. Only CITIZENS should be allowed the services this country provides. Wonder why most people feel as me? Because the same people, BIT the hand that tried to help them... We have our OWN people that are in need and we should see their needs are met first and forhand before anoyone else is served! Ill charter a bus to help deport the illegals.. Im sure im not the only one that would chip in to help out. Who knows, activley begin to deport them and I am sure the rest will leave on their own, just like they got here. THATS how you deport illegals. Kids and ALL!

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Irv P. ,Huntington Beach, CA — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 03:02:53 GMT

I am not a "Hard Liner" about immagration. I realize that at this mooment in time that illeagal immagrants take many jobs that our teens or young adults wouldn't never would accept. But- I think this should be controlled now not tomorrow. We need to catch up from the "Big Flow" the last 20 years. My theort- why dont; we invade Cuba- we made up the Iraq reason to invade- with out a strong Cuba and Cina in business growth mode- who would stop us. Once we take control we would pour dollars and new businesses- you will see a mass exit from our country. We should invade- northern Mexico and call it a U.S. Territory then tax Mexico etc etc. I think you get my point. Ok this may be far fetched. But considering what is happening in Iraq- I don't think this is that far from reality.

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john phila pa — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 03:16:54 GMT

yea right--jus like my neighbor so proud about how he paid 3000 dollars to have an american latino to marry him so he could stay here so proud how he "got over" the immigration laws has a 10 year old daughter born here that he does not consider american has contempt for this country and can't wait to retire take his company pension and social securty and move back to the dominican republic--hog wash take -take-take gettin real tired of this

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anonymous — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 03:18:56 GMT

I was born in Miami in the 50's but due to the influx of Cuban migrants the non hispanics are being treated like outcast in our own country. We are forced out of jobs due to not being able to speak spanish. It's a sad situation that you are not treated farely in you own country by in Cuban Immigrants

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Manny Sifuentes Ramirez — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 03:31:29 GMT

God has no borders..........I here no complaints when we are building their million dollar homes or picking the fruit. Nothing wrong with people coming to America to make an honest living and taking care of their families. Welcome Cubans, Mexicans, Chinese, Europeans, Hondurans, Aficans etc....................

U.S. Navy Veteran,
Mexican American

Manny Sifuentes Ramirez

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B CUmmings — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 03:31:54 GMT

I cannot get that comment about 'only Americans should be in America' out of my head.....how rediculous.Lets think about this a minute , people....Native Americans,Mexicans,Latin and SOuth AMericans...all the same DNA ,all of them here since the beginning of time, long before the borders were here.They have more right than anyone to be here!!!!foR CENTURIES they traversed the lands from ALaska to the southern tip of South America freely!! Stop polishing your swastikas and hemming your hooded robes and learn about the history of this continent!!!
The day this country closes its borders to immigrants is a day we should all beashamed of!!!

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Avanelle, arlington, texas — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 03:33:35 GMT

I am a redneck from Texas. I am married to a man that was born in Colombia. He loves this country and so do I. At one time, he was probably considered "illegal" before all of his paperwork was completed. We must have compassion. I know a lot of "illegals" from Mexico and these people just want a chance. They work very hard. Most of them are very good people. We should all thank our lucky stars and God every day for putting us in this country.

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Rob, Dallas, Texas — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 03:38:09 GMT

In the military I got the oppurtunity to visit Panama as well as a few trips through the balkans. I've seen these places and know what these people are going through in a second hand manner. The main issues I have are not with the poor souls who simply follow the inscription on the statue of liberty. My wife is a LEGAL immigrant from Honduras. In her lifetime she saw American companies come in and buy out the industries that support their economy and bottom out the wage scale to where it becomes unlivable. At the same time our jobs are evaporating and everything we buy seems to be stamped made in Mexico, Gautemal, El Salvador, Honduras, China, or Taiwan. Yet I don't want you to get me wrong, every educated American knows that if you spend money on a product made overseas (i.e. your Ford Fusion) then that money goes overseas and locked away in Corporate America's coffers. These Companies are reporting record losses becausefewer and fewer Americans can afford their goods. We're also producing a substandard working class here at home. More and more of the American youth showing up on my jobsites have no respect for authority, very little drive, and a pisspoor work ethic. So I guess what I'm saying is if you live in a house built with illegal labor, drive an American car that was made in Mexico, have a closet full of clothes made in Guatemala and Honduras, and never spanked your kids because it would "hurt their self esteem"; THEN SHUT UP YOU'RE MORE RESPONSIBLE THAN THE ILLEGALS. TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR ECONOMY. DISCIPLINE YOUR KIDS. TEACH THEM TO WORK FOR PRIDE FIRST. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!

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Sherri — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 03:56:28 GMT

I think what makes America great is that it is a country comprised of people of different ethnic backgrounds, however, that does not excuse illegal immigration. No matter how you argue it, it is wrong to enter a country illegally regardless of your home country's political/economic situation. That is really not the American people's problem. If you seek political asylum, apply for it legally. If you want to emigrate here for economic reasons, apply for it legally. It may not be an easy thing to achieve but coming here illegally is not the answer. Another thing that bugs me is the fact that some immigrants (they may be legal or illegal) refuses to learn english-that is the official language of America! It's great that you want to keep your native language but it's also important to learn english too. Many people in this country can not speak spanish and it's not our fault when we can not communicate with you. I point out Spanish b/c that is the language that is becoming prominent in America.

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Craig Wilson — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 03:57:08 GMT

If we are going to get on a high horse and start sending all immigrants and their progeny back home, we need to decide which Native American tribes we are going to turn over all the land and money to... since every damn one of us who isn't Native American is either an immigrant or the progeny thereof.
Oops... forgot... we're not supposed to mention that. Sorry WASPs. Us injuns'll try to remember our place from now on...

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Jose C, Houston TX — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 04:46:38 GMT

It is sad that we have this vitroil of comments. Stereotype and prejudice are the order of the day and I really feel sad for my fellow latinos. Most commentators who are against immigration wouldnt trade any minute of their lives to be in a desperate immigrants shoes, those who have become citizens take it for granted. For my commentators who are anti-immigrant I am sure came from somewhat priviledged(not wealthy) background, because you didn't have to deal with prejudice or Jim Crow laws because of the color of your skin. So if you haven't lived it there is no way that you can say or put it into words because it will always seem like its you against them. I am a hispanic immigrant and like many sons and daughters of the nation I was fortunate to serve in the gulf war as an airman. Thereafter I got to fly for Continental airlines. I still have incidences where many refer to me as though I am a janitor at a grocery store where I shop at "Hey Paco, clean up on aisle 7" or some people jumping the line and apologize for doing so because they thought I worked there. No one sees us as well deserving citizens of the country. To many we (hispanics) we will always be the manual laborers not Airline Pilots, not Lawyers not doctors. Thats why I say this is all stereotype and hype because one group thinks its being engulfed or infected by other group. Pure racism I may add.

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Richard Greeley CO. — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 04:54:05 GMT

I would like to help them all out but as an American citizen in the construction trade I can't make enough to pay my own way. If we would just punish the people who hire illegal workers they would not have a job here no matter where they came from and the playing field would be just that FAIR!

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Janisio — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 05:27:00 GMT

Never be mean.

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OLIVIA HART, OLYMPIA, WA — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 05:36:18 GMT

Reading over these numerous e-mails I realize that several Americans here are extremely racist. Lest we remember that this land belonged to the Native Americans---and everyone here immigrated here...with exception to the African...slave that was stolen and forced to work for nothing....

Wake up people...if you lived in worse conditions...wouldn't you want to live a better life too. I am tired of hearing about the "lucky ones here"...that believe closing borders to ethnice minorities ---- is the answer.... After all being white and college educated (or not)gives you an easy entrance... STOP THE RACIST COMENTARY AND GO TRY SOME FOOD,MUSIC OR CULTURAL EXPERIENCE..... people are people and I for one admire anyone willing to loose his/her life to contribute to our greater society.... terms like "they" "these people"...and let's get more dogs.... is an sickening.... get out of your trailers....and into church...perhaps then you will become enlightened ..after all you don't complain when you fresh picked produce arrives at the dinner table----resulting from cheap (illegal) immigrants picking these for you..so you can pay pennies for the ripe food....your precious hands would never dream of collecting yourself---for the hours would be hard and long...and the pay an "insult" to your sensitive disposition.....

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AMC, Philadelphia, PA — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 05:41:05 GMT

It's a shame the amount of hate that these comments have put forth; even more shameful is that they are written by uneducated Americans. However, that is part of the greatness of this country, freedom of speech and the right to an education (or lack of-which is obviously seen in some of these remarks).
These messages don't seem to really be addressing the illegal immigration issue, more so they seem to be addressing a hate towards latin immigrants and a percieved notion that they "take" all our resources. I am for immigration, I happen to know that they are hard workers-yes they are doing jobs that the rest of us don't want to do! Whether they are here for political or economic reasons is irrelevant, trust me, where they come from, most Americans would not be able to survive, let alone make the long, terrifying journey to start a new life in a strange country. Most immigrants (from my experience) are usually better neighbors, more so than Yvette from Philadelphia! As for "abusing" our services, give me a break! I know more uneducated Americans(not pointing the fingers at any races...) that live off abusing the system because they are too lazy to work, or get an education, and choose to breed more lazy children to sponge off the system and overcrowd the jails. That is what we should we worrying about. Yes, our taxes support the services and we elect our representives(well, at least I vote)and it is draining our country-how about restructuring the tax system so it's not the low and middle income workers that put the higher % of money into the system and let the high income earners contribute more accordingly? Take that to the President... unfortunately, I don't have a proposed solution to the immigration problem, but I certainly hope that the elected officials can find a solution that will put all of us in the middle "happy" ground, because I certainly don't believe in condemning honest,loyal, hardworking people to return to the dire conditions that they have tried to escape. It is certainly our responsibility to TRY and help good people and yet still be able to provide a great country for its own citizens. For those of you that are so quick to kick them out or to speak ill of people from another country, karma works in strange ways - educate yourself and change yourself or one day life is going to play a cruel trick on you.

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Douglas,Central America — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 05:48:31 GMT

I already have a taste of the American Dream, live it there from 1985 to 1999, got divorced and come back to my country. I'm marry now and have 2 daughters. But the point is that during the 14 years that I lived in California, I never worked less than 2 jobs. Never got food stamps or fail to file my income taxes before April 15. I even owned a restaurant. The first year that I lived there make the decision that I need to learn English ASAP. Of course I don’t write it the right way or speak it the way that you may like it. I have 2 children’s living there, a daughter that is 23, already have a Bachelor degree and work for a mayor Bank in Chicago. She works since she was 15. My son is 21 and very soon will finish his bachelor degree too. Also works since He was 15.
I want to go back, but need to wait until I’m able to bring my wife and 2 daughters with me (legally), will cost me $10,000 with fees and traveling expenses, not considering the money that need to be expend to fine a place to live and all the little things that everybody needs. But I’m worry to see that a lot of people are upset about the immigrants. I remember that I work many years for a newspaper on the Home Delivery department, started as a driver and work my way true District manager. Oversee the work of 25 drivers. None was white. All where mostly Latinos or Asian. Immigrants, legally or illegally, do the jobs that nobody else wants to do. Sorry if you don’t agree to that, but will you wake up everyday at 3:00 am to deliver newspapers for a low pay check just to make end meets. And I meant everyday, Sundays, holidays, rain or shine.
America is a great country and I’m going back because I know that my little daughters will have a better life, the only thing that make me feel better if that they are fairly white of their skin, so I hope they will not have problems while they are growing up.

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Dude, LA, CA — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 06:02:38 GMT

What part of illegal any of us don't understand. To have a better life at the EXPENSE OF OTHERS IS EVIL! We are not a welfare society. We have problems of own. Legal immigrants follow procedures and wait for years and years. I say all illegals in this country should begin their path to citizenship by serving in the military in one way or another to prove their worth. This should be the law. My son is an active US Marine fighting for this country. Zero tolerance on our borders. Period. I certainly don't want this country to end up just like the illegals. My philosophy is: garbage in, garbage out. And that's a fact.

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Rick M. Rochester, MN — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 06:04:09 GMT

"Give us your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free." That's what it says in Lady Liberty. Well I think it's high time to change that plaque to include something that gives directions to some other nation to babysit these immigrants for a change. WHY is the WORLD so dead set against us when it comes to Bush's foreign policy, BUT they STILL want into our country when thiers gets too rough?

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Bill — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 06:14:27 GMT

Isnt it funny how we say the Cubans are running to the US from communism. What are the Chineese doing??????

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bluesun — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 06:19:15 GMT

It is clear to me by the comments in here and the debate around this country that the United States is turning to a racist and facist country. You are all a bunch of hypocrites!

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freeworld — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 06:33:42 GMT

Here is the ironic thing that most of you racist fools dont even know. Most Cubans tend to vote republican, they are also very heavily involved in politics and very close to the white house, you dont notice because cubans are predomnatly white skinned. Morons.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

John McKendry,born USA,live in SE Asia — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 06:50:19 GMT

If you give a man a fish,he will eat it, and wait till you give him another.Teach him to fish,and he'll take care of his hunger, his families,& hopefully make a job outta it.American's need more people out there helping other people & countries learn to support themselves, wherever they are ,be it the USA,or somewhere else on the globe.remember,we all on this small planet together,and we all better start asking why we got into this mes to Begin with?I do not think no wis the time to worry about borders,but solving the issues of the world,all nations must unite,but I think that is apipe dream,as long as hatred of different on the outside,human beings,and,ignorance are the rule of the day.WE need to send all the greedy politicians to a live in a 3rd world country,and take their passports away for 2 yrs,when they come back to the US,I hope they change their way of thinking,Spending all the taxpayers money,on the industrial military complex,that is IE:getting all these defense contrator's rich.When are American's going to wake up and smell the roses,War's are only good for making rich people richer,Ie the like of Bush and his corporate buddy's,Cheney's puppet Bush,keeps corporation's like Blackwater,Halliubrton,ect ect;coffers full of billions of US dollars,US citizen's hard earned & paid taxpayer's money.let solve our elected politicians problems,like I proposed above,and start getting to the root of the problem greed,it's outta hand.Esp. when your killing our brightest and most patriotic group of US citizens,without even a bit of remorse,only caring to look & see your bank account in Panama get bigger?????John

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

MAN, Miami, Florida — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 07:22:27 GMT

What is lacking in these responses to a real crisis is a greater variety of stories that in total would represent life as a whole of those that come to the shores of the United States of America. It is a life not necessarily different in the final analysis than any other life, but at least for the benefit of broadening the views of the truly less fortunate, those persons who are comfortably "wrapped in the flag of citizenship" by love of self or birth place.

I have not seen the story of those whose economic poverty could have caused them to fail to gain the opportunity to pursue educational and career goals. Then, there are yet those in the mix who would have violated immigration laws to obtain those goals such as working to pay for the cost of the education they would pursue. Or from what I learned as a child, the distant relative who stowed away in the bottom of a ship, and later pursued a life that ended as a successful physician in California. He himself made it possible in 1962 that his godchild could join the community as a law abiding citizen with her childhood sweetheart to whom she was wedded for a life time ending less than a year ago upon her husband's death. She had studied to become a nurse and joined the staff of a famous outstanding Los Angles hospital.

And yes, no wonder that I would have felt that I could do the same in a big city where the hospital would be the safest environment to work in at that time, as I pursued a bachelor's degree, and following later with a Master's and PhD. The advice of those that had come before me was that I should claim St. Thomas, Virgin Islands as my place of birth, my only great transgression. Thereafter, I was never to tell another lie, never fail to pay taxes, and to be best at patient care. Implicit in this "schooling" was that giving the best health care should always be my goal regardles of race, color, creed, religion, or citizenship. Some of the others that came served in the Armed Forces too! And all this happened in America. Long live this facet of America!

man

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Joseph Bernal, El Paso, Texas — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 07:43:49 GMT

OK FOR THOSE WHO HAVE VERY NEGATIVE COMMENTS REGARDING HISPANICS I NOTICE THEY DONT LIVE ANY WHERE NEAR A BOARDER AS FOR THE PERSON WHO SAID THEY LIVE RIGHT ON THE FRONT LINES IN SAN DIEGO. I WILL HAVE TO ARGUE THAT REALLY ISN'T THE FRONT LINE. I MYSELF LIVE IN EL PASO,TX WHICH MEANS I LIVE IN ONE OF THE LARGER CITIES IN TEXAS AND I CAN SEE MEXICO FROM MY WINDOW. IT SEEMS MOST OF THE COMMENTS ARE JUST COPIED FROM NEWS AND TV PERSONAL COMMENTS. IF YOU READ THESE COMMENTS WHICH REFER TO THE PEOPLE IN QUESTION IN A NEG WAY. THEY WILL ALMOST VERBATIUM MATCH ANY RASICST REDORIC THAT'S BEEN PROMOTED IN THIS COUNTRYS HISTORY. ie. irish, jews,etc. IT SEEMS PEOPLE KINDA JUST WANNA GET UP ON A SOAP BOX AND GIVE THEIR TWO CENTS. THERE ARE 2 LAWS CIVIL LAW, BUT EVEN MORE IMPORTANT THAN THAT IS NATURAL LAW. THE LAW OF LOVE AND PEOPLE NOT OF RULES AND REGULATIONS. THESE AREN'T STRANGERS, BUT PEOPLE WHO LIVE ON WORK IN YOUR CITY AND TOWN. WHO HAVE THE SAME HOPES,DREAMS, AND FEARS. ONCE YOU ACTUALLY GET TO KNOW A "ILLEGAL ALIEN" AND SEE THAT THEY ARE A PERSON YOU FORGET ABOUT COUNTRIES AND ABOUT BOARDERS IT'S ABOUT PEOPLE.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

rick,pomona ca — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 08:36:10 GMT

For those you really want change, start voteing non-partisan and indepentent (first on a local level,later on a national level. Fellow Americans the immigration issue is important.But mainly it is a distration from the real issues. Have you really paid attention to the billions wasted on the invasion.( EVERY TIME WE CALL IT A WAR WE IMPOWER IT ) How about health care, I am more afraid of our toys,produce,water and drugs, that those t.v.
ads want me start using. Not to mention all those cameras in outerspace. And the quite meetings between communication giants and our Goverment that are trying to take control of the internet. Do americans know what laws Gonzales passed before leaving office. Have you read Alan Greenspan's book admiting that oil was a major reason for the occupation.All imigrants should boycott the arm forces, until our Grandparents,Parents, Children are accepeted in America. Cuban Americans please reconsider your republican alliance.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

ELOY M. CEPERO — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 08:43:47 GMT

ALLOW ME TO SET ALL YOU "HIGH HORSE AMERICANS" ON THE CORRECT PATH TO CITIZENSHIP OF THE WORLD. THE REAL AMERICANS HERE ARE THE NATIVE AMERICANS. THE REST OF US ARE DECENDANTS OF TRANSPLANTED MONGRELS. EVERYONE THAT LIVES IN THE WESTERN HEMISPHERE IS AN AMERICAN. WE ARE NORTH AMERICANS. WE ADOPTED THE NAME BECAUSE YOU CAN'T SAY "UNITED STATIANS." WITH ALL THE RECENT INFLUX OF IMMIGRANTS, WE ARE STARTING TO FEEL LIKE THE NATIVE AMERICANS FELT WHEN THE OVERWHELMING INFLUX OF EUROPEANS ARRIVED AND DECIMATED THEIR WAY OF LIFE- THEIR HOLOCAUST. WE ARE SO AFRAID THAT TACO STANDS WILL REPLACE OUR BELOVED GREASY SPOONS, THAT IS MAKING US CRAZY. DON'T BLAME THE POOR IMMIGRANTS WHO WANT FREEDOM,OPPORTUNITY AND A BETTER WAY OF LIFE. BLAME THE WASHINGTON POLITICIANS THAT DON'T HAVE THE BACKBONE TO MAKE POLICY ON IMMIGRATION. IMMIGRATION IS THE LIFEBLOOD OF THIS COUNTRY, IT JUST NEEDS TO BE REGULATED PROPERLY. WHY DON'T WE PUT PRESSURE ON MEXICO TO GET INVOLVED? WE "TOOK" PUERTO DURING THE SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR OF 1898 INSTEAD OF GIVING THEM, THEIR INDEPENCE. THEY'VE HAD EVERY CHANCE TO BECOME A STATE AND HAVE REJECTED IT FOR A WELFARE STATE. WE WANTED CUBA IN THE MID 1800'S AND WERE UNABLE TO ACQUIRE IT. OUR DISASTROUS FOREIGN POLICY IN SOUTH AND CENTRAL AMERICA BY SUPPORTING CORRUPT GOVERNMENTS CREATED THE MESS WE'RE IN. BY THE WAY I'M AN IMMIGRANT, I LEARNED ENGLISH IN MY TEENS AND I'M RUNNING FOR GOVERNOR OF MEXIFORNIA. PLEASE VOTE FOR ME. ELOY, BRADENTON, FL.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Victor, New Orleans, LA — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 09:36:35 GMT

Immigration is certainly out of control, and there are many causative factors. It is by far not a one dimensional issue. The laws need to be enforced and the situation corrected. What I disagree with here is the cumulative and oftentimes perjurative "cath all tags" Latino and Hispanic. What is good for one Latino is good for another...however this is not the case. Ancestors of so called Hispanics or Latinos come from the corners of the world. For example, in South America there are many of Spanish, German, Italian, Middle Eastern, Japanese (as in the case of the corrupt former President of Peru, Mr. Fujimori). Latin Americans are sons and daughters of immigrants; Jews and gentiles, as well as, African, and indigenous people; their ancestors come from every imaginable corner of the world...Latin Americans are not a homogenous people as many are taught to believe. Policies should not be about them and us, because in reality, there is no such thing. My mother brought us children from Cuba, our Father had to stay back; he followed years later. I was 11 years old. My parents taught me to be proud of my heritage, but also proud and thankful of the opporunities our adopted new country provided for us, they taught us to serve and work hard. In spite of her challenges with English, my Mother contributes her time to the reelection of Republican party candidates in Southern Florida. I served in the United States Marine Corps for 30 years, decorated combat veteran, I speak 3 languages and understand a variety of others, I have worked, payed my taxes, and continue to do so. I have attained a 4 year degree, and have raised a family...the reality is that my Father taught me that "we never accept handouts and always work for what you want" Two of my brothers own their own company, and a third is a major contributor to his company...and yes, I vote. The bottom line is that is basically about cultural and family values, not about the language spoken in your country of origin. All people deserve the opportunity to be free of communist oppresion, however in my mind illegal economic immigration is another issue. In the end, do not blame those that are coming here (legally or illegally) trying to make a better future for their family. Blame those willing to exploit the cheap labor, and blame those unwilling or unable to enact and enforce the laws of this country. In conclusion, if anyone here ever questions the contributions that Cuban immigrants have made to this great nation, all you need to do is read; let the record speak for itself.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Ann, Eugene, Oregon — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 09:53:31 GMT

We left California because of the Mexicans. They have brought there gangs, drugs, disrespect for human life etc. By the way Martin Pere of Miami, If you tried to get a job doing what these POOR workers are doing becauce no ome else wants to do it, you would not be hired unless you speak Spanish. I know, I tried.They have field supervisers that only speak spanish, most of them don't speak English. Also just work in retail and watch the father of 6-10 kids pull that wad of cash out of his pocket to pay for their wares. Then go to the grocery store and get behind a family of them with there basket plied high and watch them pay for it with food stamps. If they are here illegaly they do not belong here. They don't seem to understand what melting pot means. Or, bith control either for that matter. We need to send the Illegals back and patrol our borders.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

James Wilson, West Memphis, Ar. — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 10:02:27 GMT

Why don't we just welcome everyone in the world to enter America. We can feed,house and provide medical care for everyone. Its gone to hell, anyway.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

larry poling — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 10:14:44 GMT

all the immigrants come to america to enjoy a life they could have in their own countries if they just stayed and fought fot it. america does not need cowards who are afraid to die for the right reasons and dying for the right reasons has its rewards. living a cowardly life hiding in another country and thinking you can run away from your cowardly self you find the corruption just follows you and you spread it where ever you go. its inside a person that corruption exist and lying to enjoy a better life taints that life and the lives around it.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

John — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 10:24:48 GMT

I feel for many people in the world because of the conditions they live in and I would want to come here too if I lived in some of those countries. But having said that we need to adopt an immigration policy that puts strict limits on the number of persons allowed in annually. This policy also needs to address work skills, education level, language issues, health issues etc... to ensure a high percentage of those coming to live here will be productive members of society and not a drain on social services via welfare, SSI, medicaid, medicare etc... We simply do not have the means to pay for it all anymore. Our national debt is staggering and our current policy fails to deal with these issues and the fallout from them.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

fcubans — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 10:55:08 GMT

Why do Cubans think it is the responsibility of the US to help them out? I hear the excuses all the times: we are oppressed, Fidel is a tyrant, we don't have anything to eat, my neighbor is an informant, etc. These are just a bunch of excuses for a bunch of cowards. Remove Fidel yourselves and quit relying on us. We are a nation of laws and if you break the law, like hiring a smuggler, you should be deported. I live in South Florida and there are plenty of Cubans in jail, Robbing, stealing, dealing drugs, and breaking many of our laws. Cubans think they are the most successful Hispanics, but in reality they are the most delusional ones.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Dr. Manuel L. Iravedra — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 11:09:02 GMT

Remember that it was US Money and political pressure on Batista which placed Fidel in Power. When Castro ultimately proved unwilling to play the game as he was told, and eventually revealed he had been a Marxist all the while, the CIA arranged and funded the Bay Of Pigs affair. Once the mostly Cuban volunteers landed, Kennedy withheld the promised vital air support, and this allowed Fidel's Air Force to strafe and destroy the landed troops and transport ships. These had already achieved surprising results, utterly out of proportion to their relatively small numbers. Remember the Battle of the Bulge? Air support is paramount. Why did Kennedy do this..? The Russians threatened to invade Turkey if the US didn't pull out, and Kennedy chose to sacrifice Cuba instead of the Turkish bases. The special treatment Cuban inmigrants get is a small way to pay back for Kennedy's betrayal of the Cuban Volunteers at Bay Of Pigs. Plain and simple.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

robert bobbitt 2326 ryan lane hudson nc — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 11:13:17 GMT

This country has enough problems without taking on anymore. Send them all back. Cubans. Asians. Mexicans GO HOME

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Sandi Wareham, MA — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 11:34:09 GMT

I have many friend that are immigrants. that being said I am so confused by the thinking of America they condone a war that was none of our business. But, ignore the realities of the immigrants place in our society. Simply stated by my 22 year old son if the immigrants left American wages would have to suppliment the lower wages paid to immigrants. Lettuce would become $5. a head and so on. They are doing what every American wants to do support our families they are not a burden they are keeping inflation still. Keep complaining eventually when the Government does move in sending them home you will be the first to complain about all the high prices of everything and inflation. Think before you speak comes to mind...

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Maria, Atlanta, Georgia — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 12:27:20 GMT

I am an American who came from Cuba with my family in 1962 seeking freedom, not an economic opportunity. We were solidly middle class in Cuba based on the work and efforts of my father, who started with nothing and ended up with nothing after Fidel took it all from him. We all became American citizens and have contributed to the economy and culture of this country. Many people, particularly Floridians, have forgotten that, before the Cubans, Miami was a seasonal town with 1 industry--turism. It was dead in the summer; I know because I lived there for three years and have visited many times since. Its too bad that many Americans are so prejudiced and ethnophobic that they cannot see the advantages of a multicultural, multilingual society as most European countries do. The US is one of the few "advanced" countries in the world where most of its people do not speak at least 2 languages. How shortsighted and unfortunate. No wonder they call us "Ugly Americans" and take our money while they hate us for our attitude.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

slovell — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 12:28:14 GMT

Want to rule the world then pay the price.
America can go into other countries and control trade , politics and dictate on everyhing else.
There is a price for that.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

john, West Indies — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 12:37:30 GMT

So much talk about illegal immigrant in a country that was taken by force. Tell me, who are the legal immgrants.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Dave Jung, Tampa. Florida — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 12:42:19 GMT

Given that without immigration America would still be a nation of Native Americans tribes, it seems somewhat strange that everyone keeps going on about the need to stop or stem it. Immigration by English, Dutch, French, Asian, Mexican, etc is what created, built and populated America to begin with. So which of these people who helped build this nation into what it is today do we cut off? Should we stop ALL immigration across the board? Are people from some areas still ok to let in? Is it just some "Types" of people we no longer want? How about people who already have family established here? Many people who "fit" a profile are welcomed still with open arms while others need to be barred, and Im not talking about middle eastern people only. Just food for thought.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Tony Martin, Ft. Myers, FL — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 12:44:40 GMT

To all you Cuban haters, a little bit of history for you. Prior to Castro, only 8000 Cubans resided in the US. We came to the US not looking for jobs, but because we were against a communist system that we disagreed with. Also if we weren't betrayed at the Bay of Pigs by President Kennedy, chances are you wouldn't have us here. There are approximately 1.4 million Cubans in the US and accordingy to studies done by Time Magazine and others, we have the highest per capita income of any latin country in the US. As far as the comments by the Puerto Rican lady, if it wasn't for the US supplementing Puerto Rico to the tune of 6 billion dollars a year, you would all strave to death. By the way, look at how many Cuban business owners there are in Puerto Rico.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Karen, Melbourne, FL — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 12:46:24 GMT

When balance in this country of Americans vs. non-Americans tips the wrong way, what do you think will happen? Can you say "Civil War"???

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Dave, Dallas, Tx — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 12:58:05 GMT

DEPORT ALL ILLEGALS! Deport them ALL!

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Stop Hypocrisy, Hammond, IN — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 13:01:30 GMT

I'm tired of hearing "they're breaking the law by immigrating to America." You know that when you speed you break the law. You know that you drank alcohol before you turned 21, or took something you didn't own from your workplace, or a store. These people are fleeing from hunger, oppression, tyranny, the evils this country was created to oppose. You can say that yours was a small crime (maybe committed many times?), but compare the reasons why you broke the law to why they did, and stop pointing out the splinter in your neighbor's eye while ignoring the plank in your own.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Pissed off Gringo, MIAMI FLORIDA — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 13:02:29 GMT

We fought for our land and made America what it is today. Now it your turn to fight for your land and stop sponging off of us.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

A. A. Menzel — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 13:08:01 GMT

This article is full of inaccuracies.

I am a former immigration attorney and also a Cuban. I was already in the United States when the Cuban adjustment Act passed in 1966. The purpose of the Act was to allow Cubans who had arrived to the United States under a visa waiver program instituted after the Bay of Pigs failure to become residents without leaving the United States.

The Cuban Adjustment Act had little to do with the Cold War. It was much more related to the Bay of Pigs fracas.

The Cuban exodus, except for those who had already left because of ties to the Batista regime, was intensified when the United States helped launch the Bay of Pigs invasion, but then refused the promised air cover, insuring its failure. Many Brigade fighters lost their lives, 5 were executed, and the rest were imprisoned for 2 years.

Naturally the reaction of the US government, and I have to say a highly moral one, was to admit its mistake and help those stranded in the island escape. We lived in Cuba in a hostile political environment, where civilians by the thousand were executed after a morning trial and an afternoon appeal.

Since then Cubans have made a success of themselves in South Florida and our elected Congressional representatives constantly work to have the Act remain in force until there is democracy in Cuba.

For all of those who don't like this state of affairs, I have only one thing to say. YOU SHOULD HAVE SENT THE AIR COVER.

None of us would be here if so, I assure you.

And I wish to remind all those Americans who dislike Cuban exiles and see them as members of a corrupt regime precedings Castro, that the Cuban exiles you are referring to are now in their late 70's and 80's and not running the show in Miami.

Most of us who are in our 50's and 60's and ostensibly run the economic and political workings of the Cuban American community were CHILDREN when we left Cuba. We bear no moral responsibility for what happened prior to Castro and will accept none.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Bigger Walls for America, Boston — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 13:08:57 GMT

Why are they leaving Cuba? I thought according to Michael Moore they had better health care??

I can understand illegal’s come to America to better themselves, I want a better my self to, but I don't go rob a bank. Illegal is Illegal!!!! They are not doing jobs that Americans won't do; they are doing jobs that Americans are told they don't want to do. Which is the fault of our government not the illegal’s, but how do I tell my children to respect and follow the law when my "neighbor" doesn't?

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Bill Crowley — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 13:09:35 GMT

I grew up in South Carolina, picked Tobacco, Cucumbers and Peanuts when I was 12yrs old. Lost both my parents by the age of 12. Raised by a brother who fought the Mexicans in Texas where we moved to have a job in a National Tree Trimming Company (Big Orange Trucks You Know ASPHUND ??)He went own to open his own Company hiring me and 2 other of our brothers. We worked dirt cheap and gave a honest hard days fair prices work for the customers. Needeless to say unless he wanted to hire a crew of Mexicans to cheapen his labor he would never grow into what all his competetion grew to be. By the time I was 17 before i went into the Marine core, I also cut Grass, Worked Construction and Fast food. Yeah I am White, Good Luck reapeating my story today. Look at the so called Equal Opportunity MAjor Construction Companies building our Tax PAyer Freeway projects - Htere is no Equal Opportunity, either you Speak Spanish or you dont work. After 8 years in the Military I have gone own to work construction for the last 13 years and see my Future is either to learn Spanish or find a new career. I have seen the crews turn to 95% Hispanic with lots of Biased muscleing from the Hispanics (Crews) to drive out any others that dont Speak Spanish or or Not Hispanic. Any way Bye Bye American Pie. try Cutting you Own Grass and Cleaning your own floors. Try ( Good Luck ) having you kid cut the neighbors grass or Serving Fast food during High School (good Luck)Viva Americana - Adious what ever

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Patrick McShane — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 13:10:23 GMT

We need to put a stop to the number of people that are let into this country or we will be in bigger trouble down the road, the sad part of all of this is our elected officials, they won't do anything about it, they keep making up excuses or just plain lie about what is going on, the Bush family are the reason all of the Cubans are here, just look up Orlando Bosch, or Felix Rodriquez or Luis Posada Carriles, check these people out, then you will see what the Bush family do for the Cubans and the Cuban terrorist like the three mentioned here.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Mark, Norfolk, VA — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 13:26:31 GMT

The US should be a beacon to the world of what is fair and free. Because of the embargo on communist Cuba, all Cubans get in free. It's fair because communisum is bad. So, North Koreans, chinese, Venezualens, should all get in free, right? All of these communist immigrants could very well be a burden on the economy. They don't learn English, they get paid under the table, they want SS, Etc. And we might be able to handle them without much of a problem. But when everybody wants this, we have a problem. How can we be fair and free or even offer a chance to apply for citizenship if we are broke?

Everybody should love the idea of immigration, but not be suicidel about it. Don't let in people who are out to bite into us and sap out every dime we've earned. Or, people who don't want to follow our laws.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

David,Seattle — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 13:28:02 GMT

Yvette, America is for Americans. And Puerto Rico is for Puerto Ricans. When that commonwealth becomes a state then you are equal. Right now it is the biggest welfare recipient in this country, drainig resources for the rest of us americans.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

crobinson,medina,ohio — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 13:46:54 GMT

We need to close our borders and stop letting all immigrants in. We need to make it mandatory that anyone wanting to become a US citizen that they speak our language. I am sick of all the money we spend on transfering documents into Spanish. We have many immigrants from all over the world. Why is it Spanish is the only one we have to change everything for?

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

doug alexandria, va — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 13:47:18 GMT

I wish the politicians would read these comments on these type stories, they would find 95-98% of US citizens want this flood of criminals(illegals) stopped. I was in construction at one time in florida, I had heard stories of Australia and checked on going there to live and work for a time, when I sent to the Aus embassy they sent me the requirements for immigrating there, they would only accept skilled professionals or people educated and trained in certain shortage occupations or they didn't want you!
Cubans know they can't float to US any more so they are using the Mexaican "freeway" to get here. A way to put a stop to this is that any Cuban that uses land means to try to enter US be denied political asylum, since they had landed in other countries with opportunities to work and live in either freedom or less government oppression, it is time for FFAIR and Rightmarch. org and minutemen. org to pressure the government to revoke this stupid asylum law, this Cuban connection and the flood of other criminals(illegals)is going to lead to race wars more deadly and violent then the black riots and anarchy of past years. Are the politicians so isolated from the pulse of the people? The underlying rage and boiling point of the American citizens is like a volcano just under the surface. I have a fear next summer when it is hot and we will start to see vigilante actions start to take place.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Ibis Flight, Little Rock Arkansas — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 13:49:18 GMT

It is time to de-bunk the myth that is the "American Dream". What I have seen is just as "poor" and sad here as in Mexico. People come here to work -yes. They are paid less- sometimes, but not always. The thing is they WANT to work.

I have a very small 4 person business. I check SS numbers religiously. But I am having a very difficult time finding people to work. Why? Because no one passes the drug test. Crack has become the kryptonite for the American worker.

Meantime, willing to work immigrants hear fairy tales of white picket fences, and cozy living conditions.

I can't blame parents for wanting better for their children. Given the same circumstances, I may be tempted to do the same. But prior to taking the illegal journey, I would encourage immigrants to take a walk on the poor side of the USA. Tar paper shacks with no running water and electricity only sometimes is as much a reality here in the USA as it is in Mexico. Low wages, no job security, litle work at any price is real. But TV doesn't talk about slums, section 8 housing and backroad starvation in the USA.

Back to my point.....I need workers, but I will NOT hire an illegal. Why? Because it is ILLEGAL. Meantime, I cannot find USA citizens who are dependable, drug feee, and willing to sweat when they work. All work is not air conditioned offices and paper-pushing. So the deal is....American believe that "dream" too. When they don't get a pro ball contract they feel put-up-on and wallow in self pity.

At some point, the famous USA work ethic disappeared. Our system is broken. I do not know the answer, but I live daily with the problem of no willing LEGAL workers.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

PEDRO — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 13:49:57 GMT

Anyone who agrees with Ivette is just as ignorant.
Randy Legarda, Legarda sure sounds foreign to me?
Cubans are not illegals, they are not breaking any laws, this law was ennacted for Cubans, someone must have realized they would add value to this Already Great Country.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Joni, Monroe Ga — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 13:52:46 GMT

Illegal aliens being deported back to Mexico do not have to face the problems a Cuban being deported back to Cuba does. We are all from immigrants except native American Indians. But most came here legally. We all have to work and pay taxes that supports our schools, law enforcement, etc. Illegals working here do not. They drain our resources at our expense. Get legal. I don't have a problem with someone wanting to better themselves but why come here and think you can do as you wish and not follow our laws and slam our country. Seeing people protesting against our country when they aren't legal to be here bothers me very much. Why are they given rights and considerations? I don't believe there is another country that would let me move there and behave in this manner.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

doug, alexandria, va — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 14:19:11 GMT

this is to pedro in NY with the 7 little ones, that are americans, that is the reason people are so against illegals, the lower wages and the amount that are paid in taxes social sec, etc, do not offset the amount of free medical care or other social services that illegals and people in your situation suck out of the system at the expense of the middle class taxpayer. People here are not against LEGAL immigrants, LOOK FOLKS THE BOTTOM LINE AND THE LAST THAT SHOULD BE SAID ABOUT THIS IS "WHAT IS RIGHT IS RIGHT AND WHAT IS WRONG IS WRONG" you can't use the oppressed people or better life rhetoric. ILLEGAL is ILLEGAL no matter how you paint it! I would stand beside any and all LEGAL immigrants and protest illegals, the people that should be most angry are the people that spend thousands of dollars and 5, 10, 15 yrs trying to get citizenship! My solution, which i have sent to cngress and senate members is being look at in immigration reform, that is I would support any immigrant illegal or legal that immediately be given amnesty and be sworn citizens after spending 4yrs successful and HONORABLE service in the military males and females. It would apply for all 18 yr to 45yrs old, those from 46 to 65 would be required to work for 4 yrs in public service. Part of this is that they be granted citizenship as long as they can speak and read at a 5th grade level and study american revolutionary history and how this country was formed and about patriotism and like when I was a kid be taught good citizenship in school and pass the GED or equivalent high school exam. Anyone too disabled or unable to make a living and pay into the system would not be allowed unless their families posted a bond to defray medical or social service costs That is simple, acceptable immigration reform and would be accepted by a majority of citizens.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Puerto Rican and PROUD, Buffalo, NY — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 14:24:06 GMT

Okay. I am Puerto Rican. I take great offense in folks describing me as fat, lazy, etc. Americans always assume the worst about everyone else in the world but themselves. And you know what happens when you assume?

All my life I was looked at as "American" -- blond hair, fair skin, blue eyes, Southern accent. As soon as they saw my last name (Munoz) they'd start talking to me like I was an idiot or couldn't speak any English, when in fact, I took AP English, scored a 105 IN AP AMERICAN HISTORY, and handled English better than all of my "American" classmates. Oh, and most of my cousins and I speak English, Spanish and French -- one also speaks German and Russian.

In a small town in Florida we raised a fuss because we wanted Univision in our cable system, even willing to pay for it. The local company said they couldn't get the signal, when actually they were blocking it. They said no one was interested, at least no one who could "afford cable and had a job".

Well, guess what? Next meeting it was out the door with doctors, surgeons, lawyers, teachers, senators, police officers, scientists -- all professionals, some millionaires, and all Latino. The company suddenly "found" the signal.

Moral -- ALL RACES have people that milk off the system. Plenty of white folks down south and here in Buffalo that are on welfare with 10 kids. Stop assuming that only HISPANICS are your evil.

Now that I'm off that high horse the more important situation is the following: NO ONE, AND I MEAN NO ONE in today's world should be coming in and out of ANY country without going through a process. It's simply a matter of security. Period.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Alexander Gomez, MBA, MPA - Chicago — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 14:39:11 GMT

I absolutely do not agree with the vitriol about border protectionsism. That populist and group-logic failed several times in our history and is not the reason we actually are competittive in relation to other countries in the technology fields, in the wars we have fought and won and in the entrance of color into our fabric of a country. As the son of a Cuban immigrant who came here with four kids and some bags and nothing else and worked 29 years taking only three days off working in a factory (streak of 15 years without missing a day - took three days off and then worked another 14 years straight)- his 7 children have become one of the coutnry's greatest video game designers, one of the world's more agressive artisits in terms of avant garde art, another son that has a company of graphic deisgn on two continents and soon-to-be two American children, another son that is a social worker, another son that was a paramedic, police officer, US federal agent and has won nationally recognized awards and even carried the Olympic Torch. His daughters have raised three American sons that have all played baseball and football and are productive in their own measures. All in all of the seven kids: 4 Mastesr degrees, 4 undergraduate degrees (soon to be five), thousands of people that were hurt, lost or in trouble saved, millions of dollars of revenue created and earned for our family and the others, two US military soldiers and all were baptised, had their Catholic communions and have sought to do nothing more than be free of communism, be able to enjoy life and live to grow. If you add in the inlaws: you start counting the Masters degrees and undergrad degrees in the twenties. Myopic vision, ignornace of culture and fables of hate spur out of control against the very fabric and ethos that is, was and always will be America - that of "Give me your tired..." That mantra was for all, not just some. Our safety is not predisposed from the tenets of exclusion, rather it is a function of inclusion. We were able to defeat the Germans in the Great War through the use of German scientists that sought refuge here. We were able to redefine American auto work through the use of Japanese technology and leadership after Druker taught them his ideas because we would not use them here in the US. We, as a nation have several sons and daughters run for office and hold them without issue because of the US policies related to immigration. Cubans are a proud people and before the communism - we had the first TVs in Cuba after they were introduced in New York, and the smae goes for washers, dryers, cars, and suits. We were a version of America that mirrored the US - including all the charms and pains associated with growing societies and corruption. I implore you all to take a second and trace back how the exclusion of people that only generate service revenue at the lowest levels (because they are paid lower than Americans), and use the most medical in the border states (hey, they usually in these lower jobs do not have medical insurance and thus work more dangerous jobs without insurance - do the injury math please) and finally cross-over to drain our robust economy (this is an silly argument versus the millions of Americans that have been generationally on welfare and other subsistence from the government). Our farmers get grants and receive funds to prop up cheese, peanut, lettuce, and fruit farms and all of those industries use immigrant labor to some degree. Our restaurants, hotels and ball parks are cleaned and staffed with servers, dishwashers and cleaners from other countries. Our schools are filled with teachers that are the sons and daughters of immigrants. The beat goes on - and you could learn something from someone who twice raised his hand to "protect the United States from all enemies foreign" and I hate to say this, "domestic." I have been on the front lines and you are all fooling yourselves if you think that immigrants do us harm in general, it not the color they bring but rather the absence of color some of you wish to espouse that harms America.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Tenisha farley Guyana- South America — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 14:48:42 GMT

Who in their right mind would turly want to live in the USA anyways. i'm form Guyana (it in South America) and i love my country USA bread haters!!
Read: 1Peter 5-6

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Sheila, Dallas, Texas — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 15:01:00 GMT

Why are we so close-minded towards immigration? Everyone in the US (yes, even "native" Americans) is either an immigrant or descended from immigrants. The United States exists because a group of European immigrants colonized this land on the hopes of a better life. How is that so different from the Hispanic, African, European, and Asian peoples who come here today looking for a better life too?

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Roy, Robbinsville, NC — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 15:15:04 GMT

that really gets to me is the fact that my mother was born in this country, workrd, paid in her taxes, raised 8 children, and then has taken care of my father for the last 17 years, (he is disabled), and all her children work and pay taxes.Now, my problem is this--she is old enough to recieve social security but she was a few quarters short-five- to be able to even ualify for any aid-medicare medicaid-SSI, retirement benefits, yet they can come over here, take all our jobs, get welfare, take our money without paying taxes, instead of put6ting it back into our economy, spend it in mexico tax and tarriff free, and now the U.S. government wants to allow them to draw OUR social security? what is wrong with this picture, yes, it has made me very bitter. the United States of America has been betrayed long enough by our government, and , people, it is up to us to make a difference on election day.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Jose castro — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 15:15:16 GMT

My name is Fidel Castro, and i am sending all my people to the US. They are highly educated, will be billingual, some serve in the US Military, They built Miami, make it what it is now a days. Everybody else who disagree are only jealous of my people. I am a dictator and will be untill i die. I have to make sure cubans are not treated like any other immigrants. The lady from pennsylvania(Ivette, puerto rican), is and idiot for not teaching his kids spanish, and by the way she is also jealous of cubans. We are smarter, and more educated than her people. I am Fidel Castro, the president of cuba. I will soon die but i will have enough Cubans in miami to be able to legally bring thier families to the STATES even after i DIE. Peace for you all.

Fidel Castro from Tampa, FL( i dont like miami, too many cubans)

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

mv, Berlin, Maryland — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 15:26:12 GMT

The problem of illegal immigration would continue like it is today or worsen if the demand for low paying workers continues. Why do we always put the blame of corrupt governments and illegal immigrants. We have to look closer to home where the vast majority of employers prefer to hire illegal immigrants that work 12 or more hours a day for a few dollars a day (they are not paid the minimun wage), receive no benefits, and live in conditions of poverty that are hard to imagine. Why are those jobs given to Mexicans, Central Americans and other hispanics? Because the "true Americans" including the afro-americans, prefer to live on welfare and pursue other not so honorable means of earning a living, before they "stoop low" to pick up crops, work building homes and roads, doing hard yard work, and all other kind of jobs that are considered unsuitable for the Americans. If there is no demand for these types of jobs, there would not be people entering illegally into the USA. Politics should work very hard on updating immigration laws NOW, they have been looking the other way and fighting each other, for years now. USA should also take a hard look on how they have completely ignored Latin America for decades.
How about building a fence on the USA-Canadian border too. Where do you think the terrorists, the people who pose a threat to the USA come into this country? It certainly is not thru the USA-Mexico border! The USA-Canadian border is completely unprotected and I have watched more than one program on TV that have clearly shown it. Nobody talks about the Canadian border, it is easier to ignore the facts and blame the mexicans... It is time to wake up America, don't do what the ostriches do, bury their heads into the ground when they sense danger!!!

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Joseph P. NY, NY — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 15:28:51 GMT

I read many of your comments. And it amazing the arrogence of people in this country. Except for the native Americans in this country, every man, woman, and child in this great nation of ours owes our citizenship to the immigration policies of this country. Our forefathers and mothers arrived in this country as a result of poverty, persecution, and a lack of religious freedom. However, it has become all too commen to say "not in my backyard" when it comes to another people. But think first before you make these comments. These are the same exact things that were said about the Irish, Jews, and Italians during the mass migration from Europe in the 1800's, of whom many of us are decended. So what right do we have a few generations removed to say another people do not have the right to pursue their dream of freedom. Have we become that arrogant in our desire to be the worlds conscious and judge, or could it be as simple as individual prejudice and racism. Remember, if our ancestors had not been allowed to immigrate to this country, then we would not be here to make some of the ascenine statements that are being displayed now.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

mv, Berlin, Maryland — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 15:31:10 GMT

Do you print comments only if they are "convenient" and do not open any doors to make us think about all the angles to the problems? Do not present only one angle of the problem, present all!! All comments deserve to be published if they are not offensive and the language used is correct and respectful. Remember USA is supposed to be the land of freedom and free speech and the rights of all citizens no matter the race or ethnic background, should be respected.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Laz - Florida — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 15:32:21 GMT

This matter is extremely complex. This is not the type of issue that has a simple solution. It is incredible how certain human beings can have such hatred for individuals they have not even met. I am a Cuban-American who arrived to the US LEGALLY under LBJ's Freedom Flights program (1970) at 6 years old with my parents and two brothers. I've always loved this country as my own. I would never allow anyone including other Cubans or Hispanics speak bad about it. Whether true or not I see it as the most righteous and best country in the world. I've been educated here (Bachelor's and Master's Degrees), own my own company employing hundreds. I am bringing up my children to love our country.
WHY WOULD SOME OF THOSE COMMENTING ABOVE HAVE HATRED FOR ME AND MY FAMILY. What makes me any different then those that came before me 150 years ago for the same reasons but from different countries.
God Bless the USA.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Chuck SW Florida — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 15:32:22 GMT

sooner or later , an 'innocent cuban' ,and or other is going to be an actual mid-eastern terrorist

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Steve Bossier City, LA — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 15:36:27 GMT

Prepare for the worst now, because it is definately gonna get worse!

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Chris, San Diego CA — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 15:38:08 GMT

Those who have posted below (probably Cubans) claiming that Cubans deserve entry are very wrong. I see the claims that Cubans are worse off than others due to the communist regime. This is UNTRUE. Cuba's population enjoys a MUCH higher standard of living than the people of, for example, El Salvador. The only reason the misguided "wet foot/dry foot" policy still exists is because politicians are scared of losing the Cuban vote in florida (we have seen how important the Florida vote is!!!). The immigration policy should be the same for Cubans as it is for everyone else. China is communist also and we don't freely let Chinese immigrants in.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

jane brown — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 15:38:58 GMT

Immigration has already been channeled, compliments of Bush, Fox and Martin in the North American Union plan. If you haven't read about it, just google it and see our countries borders plans: to be dissolved. One continent, one nation, one money ~ the Amero. This is future shock and will astound you. I have written to my senators, congressman and president at least twice and have heard nothing from any of them. 2010 is just around the corner, then we will no longer have any issues about immigration. Welcome to the Brave New World. It's going to stink.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

luigi tucson,az — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 15:42:21 GMT

ha,! you're bitching about cubans coming into U.S. thru mexico ,hey dumbazz, this country is bringing iraqis into this country to live here and you tell us why huh ???????????????????????

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

paul Fla. Keys — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 15:48:03 GMT

We stold most of the south west United States from
Mexico.(Rember the Alamo)Now we are getting the
pay back.I don't like it.But what goes around
comes around.
Do I have a suggestive answer?? no,but get law
makers and enforcers that are NOT lawyers,that
would be a possitive start.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

paul Fla. Keys — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 15:48:04 GMT

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Jorge Padilla Bayamon Puero Rico — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 15:50:19 GMT

Mr Tony martin again you and many Cubans are very ignorant of the Puerto Rican people. We do receive 6 billions dollars a year from the US mostly based on obligation. For example social security payments, Arm forces payments and pensions that the Puerto Rican people earn while living in the US. The Puerto Ricn annual economic butget is about close to 100 billion. The 6 billion send by the US reflex a mere 6% of our national annual butget. Our industries have thrive greatly for the past 60 years. Our Banco de Fomemto is the bank that lends the goverment it's money for its operation and services. Puerto Rico is the only Latin American country that his infrastruture is build from every corner of the island even in the mountains. Telecommunications,Transportation, Agricultural, Roads, Tourism, BioTech, Pharmacology, Manufacture Dairy products and services are only a few of our industries. ( Made in Puerto Rico) Banco Popular the 22nd largest bank in the US,,Goya Foods ect... That is why when you see that logo "Puerto Rico does it better" it give you a bad taste in your mouth. It is a very good time to be Puerto Rican my friend I really feel sorry for you and your people but you have to thank Batista for that and the Italian Mafia in 1940's and 1950's. Cubans bussiness in Puero Rico are a handful to this date. I live there and I know for that to be a fact. There are more Dominican business now in Puerto Rico than Cubans. Hey don't forget we open up the doors for you in Puerto rico, New york, Chicago and many other cities in the north east. Puerto Rico is and will be more progresive and democratic than Cuba even after Castro death, based on your history as being a homogeneous society. Do a search and you will see what I am talking about. Viva Luis Munoz Marin abajo Batista and his Miami mafia. Time to end the embargo and let all immigants a fair change.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Del Lopez, Wichita, Ks — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 15:55:02 GMT

If we want to deport all of the illegals, let's start with the 30,000 in our military with promises to become US citizens if they survive the war. We are more than willing to have illegals fighting our war and doing the jobs that we would not do. Freedom is not free! Have you served your country and would you go fight this war to preserve the liberties that you take for granted?? Probably not, you would rather have someone else do it for you, even if they are illegal.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Mr. Enough Already — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 15:55:36 GMT

Close the borders! Make it fair and legal. Guest worker program starts on the other side of the border! Want better medical? Deport the free-loaders! Call me a racist! I don't care! I'm married to an Asian; who came here legally; and both her and her mom took the citizenship test in English! Be an American for America; or go home!

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Martin, Longmont, CO — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 15:58:46 GMT

Wow! 90% of you who posted are staunchly anti-immigration. Yet this doesn't accurately reflect America's view as a whole. I assume that the anti-immigration viewpoint elicits more emotions, and causes you to be the more vocal side of the argument. You have been told that brown people are invading us, and ruining your way of life. You've allowed special interests to manipulate you to a view of racism and xenophobia. But these people aren't to blame for your plight. The blame lies between you and the corrupt politicians you send to Washington who listen to lobbyists over their constituents.

There are several resons why Latinos (especially Mexicans) deserve to be here, especialy in the border states. First, read the history of Texas and California. When our country was founded, the southwest belonged to Mexico. We stole it through war! Literally! Second, if you want Latinos to stop taking our social services without paying taxes, give them the opportunity to pay taxes. In my experience, their culture supports a strong work ethic. They would contibute to our society so much more if we let them. Third, it is a human rights issue. Yes, its illegal, but only because we changed the laws once the westen Europeans stopped coming over. They are looking for the same thing that my great granparents sought when they passed through Ellis island more than a century ago. A better life for their children than they had. Except instead of the statue of liberty saying "send me your poor, your hungry, your huddled masses yearning to breath free..." they are told "go home you are illegal." Laws can be changed. Thats why we still have a congress.

I know few, if any of you will change your minds, but I hope I have given a voice to the other side, who do not believe that our immigration policy should be based on xenophobia and greed.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

ONE MAD TEXAN — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 16:00:04 GMT

TEXAS BENCH- YOU ARE NOT AN TEXAN! READ YOUR HISTORY! NOT WHAT THE LIBERAL PRESS TELLS YOU! SHEEP! GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT! P.S. GO HUG AN TREE!

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

LIBERALS/SUCK,S.A. TEXAS — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 16:03:32 GMT

AUSTIN TEXAS HAS BEEN CALIFORNICATED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

le — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 16:05:07 GMT

they all need to "stay out". i as well as other (americans)have worked all our lives and abided by the laws of this country. but soon we will have to stop working and all the money we have put into social security will be gone and we won't have a leg to stand on. what is it that our government don't understand about this. "oh thats right, no matter what they will always have an income (till they die) i used to have faith in this country, but not anymore. it's turned into a fiasco. they don't belong here, unless they do it legally. it's about time this country took a stand. but u know what, the people of the united states have become scared to say anything, because their afraid of the reprocussions by stoping this mess. "get with it america. wake the hell up"

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Eric, San Diego, CA — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 16:05:39 GMT

It is time to severely cap, or better yet, halt immigration as a whole. All of the other nations need to solve thier own problems, their citizens cannot keep running away. Letting only educated, productive immigrants in is a terrible solution. That will only result in uneducated peasants left behind to run those countries and the situations in them will surely worsen. When does the running away stop and the problem solving begin?

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

KF, Washington, DC — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 16:16:46 GMT

I am a daughter of a Cuban immigrant, and my father, US-born, can trace his ancestry back to a boat in the 1800s. I see the issue from both sides and still find there is little point in a "closed door" policy. Those that wish for it have neither a legal footing, and in the grand tradition of American culture, probably no cultural footing either. If you believe that you have a right to tell someone they are not entitled to enter your country simply because you were here first, I suggest you talk to a Native American before responding. I think it's about time that Americans remember we are all hear by a fortunate blessing of birth, and if we were forced to live in a country so deprived of liberties and living essentials as Cuba, we would probably be on the next boat as well.
I have no patience for those that believe themselves to be imposed upon by someone simply wishing for the same thing as them... Equality as a human being. The rights we enjoy are blessings from those that came before us, and they too, came off a boat.
Changing immigration policies won't make us more safe; national security has always been, and will always be an illusion. We are no more safe than any other country with enemies always looking for the weaknesses in us that we cannot see ourselves.
Our country has by far more resources than any other in the world, most of which were taken at the point of gun from the very countries we deport people to. In fact, it seems they have more of a right to enjoy them than we do, since in most cases those resources are produced through slave labor of themselves & their fellow countrymen.
So, for those of you thinking you have a de facto right to be judge and jury, think about what might have happened to your destiny had your ancestors been deported when they arrived. Without having had someone before you fight (whether legally or not) for the right to call yourself an American, you would have no right to reject someone else from that privilege. Not so comforting now, is it?

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Jackie — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 16:24:38 GMT

My parents came to this country in 1964 from South America. They came legally and my sibilings and I were lucky enough to be born in America. I have a lot of family back in South America that are intelligent and educated but to no fault of their own, the government is corrupt and needless to say, there are NO jobs. They want to come to America to simply be able to live and feed their kids. I am proud to be an American but I have seen what it is like to be desperate. It is easy for me to say, "go back to your country" but if you or I or someone we loved lost everything and knew that migrating to another country, leaving everything we know and love behind for something better, could anyone say that we would not do it? What if it was you?? I do not argue with people when this subject comes up because I see both sides, a proud American who loves this counrty with a heart for others who are not as fortunate. There is no real answer. The end of the article said it best, "It was a thought that had nothing to do with political debate or immigration statistics. It was simply a personal reaction to the plight of another human being struggling below the headlines."

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Christine, Sunrise, FL — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 16:28:11 GMT

The Wet Foot/Dry Foot policy is outdated and should be revised. Sure, Cubans have it hard, but so do other countries. Why allow just one group special privilege over the others. This country stands for being fair, then be fair to all. Not just Cubans. What will happen when the current regime of Cuba changes? Then there will be a stampede of Cubans here. When does it stop?!! It's bad enough that English is a "2nd" language in South Florida.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Mike Perez, Chicago, IL — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 16:53:14 GMT

It's a true shame that people can just turn away from people that truly need our help. And it is disgusting that I'm reading latinos bash other latinos. Why do they have to speak english to you. Is that worth sending them back to DIE!! Or because they only have a third grade education should we behead them? You hate them so much!! But you do everything in your power to look like them and you love to eat their food. I swear, its like we are going back 50 years into the slave days man. It is not humane to gun down someone or run them over because they crossed an "invisible line"!! So if someone is "BROWN" they are theives? Murderers? Kidnappers? You can be all the colors of the rainbow and still be all of those disgusting things. You say we spend to much money on processing immigrants, having to pay for their education, and medical and what not. BUT WE ARE SPENDING BILLIONS OF DOLLARS TO BUILD A WALL!!! KEEP ALL THE MEXICANS OUT!!! Are we trying to build something like the BERLIN WALL? Read up on that people, it didnt do any good except cause more death. I say we take that money and invest it into Americans or AMERICA in general. And to clarify, Puerto Ricans were the first to come to America but it was far from easy to even have a voice. It was Puerto Ricans along with Black americans FIGHTING FOR A VOICE!! FIGHTING FOR THEIR RIGHT. It is because of the Puerto Ricans that all other groups of latinos can even step on this ground without being hung. I as a Puerto Rican can vote for president. John Herrera, just letting you know you can vote for any president you want. Even if you are a Puerto Rican. Puerto Rico itself is having its own political wars. And I think its a little to late to become an independent state. John, check your facts before you bash Puerto Ricans. As a Puerto Rican yourself, you should be proud of what we have done. And sorry that Cubans have to kick down their house door and throw it in the ocean and take a month ride to the U.S. Hey but like the article says. Once cubans step on land your technically a citizen. To bad the mexican immigrants can't have the same luxury huh? You said that puerto ricans take advantage of their citizenship. I'm sorry but ALL AMERICANS TAKE ADVANTAGE of their citizenship. We are a lazy spoiled nation who murders every country that is not under our foot. What a place! I don't understand at this point why cubans or any other country would want to come to a place where they will gun you down for passing this "invisible line". United we stand? Do you even know your neighbor next door. Here in america everyone is about themselves. Lookin out for number one. Everytime you turn your head away from the people that need you. You just killed them. We are totally divided nation. So John, you enjoy your american dream. Key word, DREAM baby DREAM. there is so much more to say about this subject it can go on and on. I hope all latinos get off of their "HIGH HORSE" and finally come together. Cause after America gets rid of all the americans. Who are they coming after next. I would like to state that America has its good things even great things sometimes. But it will always be darkened by the corrupt and inhumane things we do.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Bryan, Ronkonkoma NY — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 16:58:06 GMT

This is one of the most complicated issues any society faces today. How can we send another human being away to endure all kinds of strife? Converseley how could we possibly retain them all? Who and what decides their fate? How many slip either way through the cracks?

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Tue, 02 Oct 2007 17:00:30 GMT

The sad thing about the whole immigration issue is that all of our ancestors were immigrants and we look at the new immigrants as somehow different.

If this country can waste billions of dollars on a pointless war, why can't it hold the thousands of US companies operating all over the world accountable for paying a liveable wage to the people they employ?

The US business industry contributes directly to the improverished conditions of the poor and downtrodden all over the world--let's look at Mexico as a primary example. They export labor so they can reap higher profits and they don't want to pay those employees a liveable wage. They exploit the resources of the foreign countries they relocate to and wonder why the local populations are forced to leave.

This country must get a grip and realize that immigrants would rather work and stay in their homelands and come here FOR VACATION, but because of political strife and instability, they are forced to leave in droves.

ALL HUMAN BEINGS WANT THE SAME THINGS FOR THEMSELVES: Food to eat, a safe place to live, a job so that they can support themselves and the love of their family and friends. That isn't a lot to ask for, but it is an impossible proposition, depending upon where they live.

How about a little compassion?

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Kayla, Ft. Lauderdale, FL — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 17:05:24 GMT

As daughter of Jamaican immigrants--who applied and waitied just like any otehr legal immigrant--I see this treatment to Cuban illegals as a waste of American taxpayers' money. Tighten up the borders and make illegals go through the process to achieve naturalized citizenship, just like the rest of us!

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Scott Smith — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 17:06:18 GMT

It's time to close our borders to all immigrants and pass a law allowing us to enslave those caught here illegaly.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

DON JUAN, VA — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 17:07:12 GMT

I agree with Emory Dotson, regarding illegal labor: see below
"The total percentage of illegal labor in our country is 4.9 percent of the working population, yet contributes only 2.2 percent of the value of labor in our nation, uses approximately 37 percent of all social services in border states,(including medical, education and police/court services), yielding a huge net negative effect on our country. Why do people crossing our borders illegally believe they have a right to our society. "

There is no such things as illegal immigrants only illegal aliens. These words are always used by the media- by definition.

Illegal Aliens - people who came here illegally and their kids should also be illegal.
Legal Immmigrants- people who migrated to the US with legitimate papers.There are no illegal immigrants just legal ones.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

j.m kc ks — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 17:08:58 GMT

All immigrants that want to be U.S citizens should do so legally.Many come here illegally, hail their own country they fled from and deplete our resources meant to help the true american citizens and children. If they are truly proud of their country being Mexico or Cuba they should stay there and change it, stop waving flags here on American soil, go home and have some balls and change your own country and quit raping our country.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

DAVID BROWN RICHLAND WASHINGTON — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 17:11:48 GMT

I think that AMERICA is for all people, not just the whites,blacks,asains, or the spanish people. We all need to learn how to get along with each other as a whole and work together for the greater good of this country. It is true their is people of all origins that are lazy and don't want to work and draw food stamps and welfare, but the majority of people who does come to the US are very hard working people just trying to provide for thier family like any other person would, if not harder than some people that were born right here in AMERICA. But yeah we do have to start tightening the laws for entering the US or we will be having more problems with social aid. Just need to limit the number of people that comes into the US.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

DV, Ft Worth, TX — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 17:18:10 GMT

My wife was a Filipino citizen when we married and I was a US citizen. SHe is now a citizen of the US but she has to petition for her siblings and father to come here. Her siblings are all skilled...civil engineer, veterinarian & a nurse. It may be 10 years for them before they can reunite with us here because of the immigration process. In the meantime, all these people adjacent to our country is enjoying all the priviledges my in-laws are denied for the next ten years...by then, they may change their minds due to old age!

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Ritz, Corona California — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 17:30:55 GMT

It'a painful and scary to see that so much racism and ignorance still exist in this country. Cuban's will soon be back home and will always be gratful to this country.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Gourmet10, Raleigh — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 17:40:02 GMT

I feel so sorry for the human race. How many of you can truly say your are "Americans?" How many of your ancestors actually began on this great continent of North America? Even some of the "Native Americans" came here via the greater northern reef. If you can find a map of the United States, Circa 1100-1300, you will see that from the area of Maryland straight across the entire continent including all of California, it was called "Mexico." This country has changed hands so many times, there are no "true" Americans here. This country was built on honest, hard working people of all creeds, colors, races, cultural backgrounds, that's what makes this country so great! Why is it that we are the only country that has so much trouble dealing with anyone that seems to be "not the right type." I honestly feel sorry for immigrants that can't afford to get into the country legally because it is so expensive, but are willing to break the laws of our country to feed their families at home. Let's not forget that as much as you hate to admit it, our economy does gain from the immigrants as well. When they make purchases, they pay taxes, they shop in our clothing stores, our grocery stores, etc. So they don't want to see their families starve and they want their children to have a better opportunity in life, isn't that what this country is all about, isn't that what we all want for our families? True those that are here to break the law, ship their tails back to where they came from....in that case...all that break the laws of this country should be shipped back to where they came from whether it be Great Britain, Ireland, Spain, Africa, China, Japan, you get the point, no matter how far back the generation may go. Let's ship all those that don't have a "TRUE" American heritage and lineage back to the country of their origin? Would that please you folks? Let's give these people a chance (at least those that are hard-working and willing to build our country up).

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Mike , Fairfax , VA — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 17:40:17 GMT

I wonder about the opposite approach to immigration. Maybe it would be good for the country to welcome huge numbers of LEGAL immigrants, with changes in the laws to allow them entry and eventual citizenship with severe restrictions for the first ten years. Perhaps new laws could forbid ANY use of public monies or services, forbid entering , or remaining in the country with ANY criminal convictions, require gainful employment and supporting sponsors without public assistance, require competency in the English language and USA customs within a few years, require that they pay for their own educations and benefits, require that taxes be paid just like any American, require that they be spread over the USA to avoid undue burden on any one area, etc. Those few undesirables that slip through would certainly be cheaper to deport than the massive numbers now. After ten years, wouldn't they have become Americans ? Perhaps that would be a moral high ground that we can't afford ? But, after all, this country was built by immigrants , and nearly all of our ancestors are immigrants. I don't claim that this is correct or possible, just wondering if ...

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

uncle sam — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 17:40:40 GMT

Immigrants that first came to this country are what made this country what it is.Immigrants that are coming in now are leeches on our country.They have little or no money,get free medicare(that me and you are paying for),they dont speak english,live in crime infested communities,and most don't pay taxes.I'm not saying all are bad,but theres more bad than good.BUT YOU KNOW WHAT!ITS OUR OWN STUPID FAULT FOR LETTING IT GET THIS BAD!SO JUST MAKE THE BEST OF IT,AND HOPE FOR A MIRACLE!

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Linda, PR born in Texas — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 17:56:15 GMT

WHOA there Alex!

"yvette from philadelphia what you wrote has brought laughter to my day. You are saying that all shold be deported and that you are a citizen because of common wealth and on top of that you have the nerve to say that you are Puerto Rican? For those who dont know this the people of Puerto Rico decided to become a common wealth in order to live off the food stamps and welfare this country provides to its citizens. Puerto Ricans are the group that uses and abuses most of this countrys welfare system. More than any white, black, cuban , or any other ethnicity. Its the people of Puerto Rico who are lazy, fat and dont want to work and abuse of my great country. Puerto Rico is full of criminals, their government is broke and they are all coming here to steal from this government. Before you criticize cubans who out of all the hispanic groups have worked hardest and given most to this country, check yourself!
Alex orlando, fl (Sent Monday, October 01, 2007 2:37 PM)"

As I remember it Puerto Rico did not come hat in hand to be a US Commonwealth!

On July 25, 1898 at the outbreak of the Spanish–American War, Puerto Rico was invaded by the United States with a landing at Guánica. Following the outcome of the war, Spain was forced to cede Puerto Rico, along with Cuba, the Philippines, and Guam to the United States under the Treaty of Paris.[13] Puerto Rico began the twentieth century under the military rule of the United States with officials, including the governor, appointed by the President of the United States. The Foraker Act of 1900 had given Puerto Rico a certain amount of popular government including a popularly-elected House of Representatives. By 1917, the Jones-Shafroth Act granted U.S. citizenship to Puerto Ricans - a status they still hold today - and provided for a popularly-elected Senate to complete a bicameral elected Legislative Assembly. Until the first gubernatorial election in 1948, the Presidency of the Senate and the Resident Commissioner seat in Congress were held by Puerto Rico's top politicians. Many Puerto Ricans served in the U.S. Armed Forces beginning in World War I. So Puerto Ricans are US citizens who unlike Cuban emigres cannot VOTE for the President here! Today ONLY Cuba and the Phillippines "no longer belong to the US"! The Phillippinos certainly earned their release during WWII and maybe if Puerto Rico had not been physically so close to CUBA,then Puerto Rico might be free also! That is right Cuba was so intelligent..many Cubans could not wait to welcome CASTRO and his party. Puerto Ricans died at Pearl Harbor Alex! And at Aachen, Ardonne Woods, Normandy, Berlin, Paris, at Leyte, Manila, at Iwo Jima, Inchon,at St. Cyr, Panmunjon, Seoul, Saigon, during Tet, Desert Storm, Afghanistan,Irag..you get my drift. As a matter, of fact Tourism, Military Service,Pharmaceutical and Manaufacturing as well as Education are some of the main economic stays of the Island. In the last few years Commonwelath Status has only narrowly won over Statehood status!

"During the 1800s, hundreds of Corsican, French, Lebanese, Chinese, and Portuguese families, along with large numbers of immigrants from Spain (mainly from Catalonia, Asturias, Galicia, the Balearic Islands, Andalusia, and the Canary Islands) and numerous Spanish loyalists from Spain's former colonies in South America, arrived in Puerto Rico. Other settlers have included Irish, Scots, Germans, Italians, and thousands others who were granted land from Spain during the Real Cedula de Gracias de 1815 (Royal Decree of Graces of 1815), which allowed European Catholics to settle in the island with a certain amount of free land. This mass immigration during the 19th century helped the population grow from 155,000 in 1800 to almost a million at the close of the century. A census conducted by royal decree on September 30, 1858, gives the following totals of the Puerto Rican population at this time, with 300,430 identified as Whites ; 341,015 as Free colored; and 41,736 as Slaves. More recently, Puerto Rico has become the permanent home of over 100,000 legal residents who immigrated from not only Spain, but from Latin America as well. Argentines, Cubans, Dominicans, Colombians and Venezuelans can also be counted as settlers."

On November 27, 1953, shortly after the establishment of the Commonwealth, the General Assembly of the UN approved Resolution 748, removing Puerto Rico’s classification as a non-self-governing territory under article 73(e) of the Charter from United Nations. However, the UN General Assembly did not apply its full list of criteria to Puerto Rico for determining whether or not self-governing status had been achieved. In fact, in a 1996 report on a Puerto Rico status political bill, the U.S. Committee on Resources stated that Puerto Rico’s current status “does not meet the criteria for any of the options for full self-government.” The House Committee concluded that Puerto Rico is still an unincorporated territory of the United States under the territorial clause, that the establishment of local self-government with the consent of the people can be unilaterally revoked by the U.S. Congress, and that U.S. Congress can also withdraw the U.S. citizenship now enjoyed by the residents of Puerto Rico at any time, as long as it achieves a legitimate Federal purpose. [35] The application of the Constitution to Puerto Rico is limited by the Insular Cases.

Even though Puerto Rico has no established embassies, it hosts Consulates from 42 countries, mainly from the Western Hemisphere and Europe. Most consulates are located in the vicinity of San Juan, capital of Puerto Rico."

Under its 1952 constitution, Puerto Rico is a Commonwealth and enjoys an administrative-autonomy similar to that of a state of the Union. Puerto Ricans are statutory U.S. Citizens but, because Puerto Rico is an insular area and not a U.S. state, the U.S. Constitution does not enfranchise U.S. citizens residing in Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico does participate in the internal political process of both the Democratic and Republican Parties in the United States (although not accorded equal-proportional representation in both parties), and delegates from the island vote in each party's national convention.

Puerto Rico is classified by the U.S. government as an independent taxation authority by mutual agreement with the U.S. Congress. A common misconception is that residents of Puerto Rico do not have to pay federal taxes. Residents of the island pay federal taxes (import/export taxes, federal commodity taxes, social security taxes, etc.) and some even pay federal income taxes (Puerto Rico residents who are federal employees, or who do business with the federal government, Puerto Rico-based corporations that intend to send funds to the U.S., etc). While most residents of the island do not pay federal income tax, they do pay federal payroll taxes (Social Security and Medicare), as well as Puerto Rico income taxes. In addition, because the cutoff point for income taxation is lower than that of the IRS code, and because the per-capita income in Puerto Rico is much lower than the average per-capita income on the mainland, more Puerto Rico residents pay income taxes to the local taxation authority than if the IRS code were applied to the island. Puerto Rico residents are eligible for Social Security benefits upon retirement. Puerto Rico is excluded from Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Puerto Rico receives less than 15% of the Medicaid funding it would be allotted as a state. As statutory U.S. citizens, Puerto Ricans may enlist in the U.S. military. Puerto Ricans have been included in the compulsory draft, when it has been in effect. Puerto Ricans have fully participated in all U.S. wars since 1898, most notably in World War II, in the Korean and Vietnam wars, and the current Middle-Eastern conflicts.

Hey! Could not have been too bad Alex..at least if Cubans were willingly to go hide there. Now granted Yvette from Philadelphia was not charitable in her observations of cuban immigrants. But then neither were YOU! And come to think of it. that first wave of immigrants from Cuba could have settled anywhere..since they were absentee landlords and had money hidden in Swizterland and everywhere else! but then with the statements that you made about fat,lazy,welfare people of Puerto Rico..that would be pretty consistent with a probably a short, fat greasy mojito guzzling,cuban sandwich eating, loud mouth absentee large landowning estate, egotistical, hypocritcal, sexist bigot wearing a guayabera smoking a fat stinky cigar! You figure! Viva Puerto Rico...

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

B, Bellevue, WA — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 17:59:45 GMT

My father said it best when he said the US is like a ship. There is a total number of people that the ship can support before it sinks. Some people get off the ship and some people get on, some people die and babies are born. Immigration must be controlled or we are all going to suffer. I would much rather have educated, English speaking people be allowed into the country tha uneducated people who don't speak the language and don't want to. Also, we need to make sure we are not taking on the worlds criminals. You can't say that all illegal immigrants are innocent families looking for work. The USA is always bailing out every other country when they need help, but then get dissed because we want to control our population explosion. If they want us to stay out of it, then we will and the world will go to hell and we will be fine.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

Gordi — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 18:03:18 GMT

I too am Cuban born. My family arrived in New York City in 1964. I was just three months old. My father had work lined up with friends even before we arrived. We all looked forward to becoming US Citizens and assimilate to the American life. He worked hard to provide for our family and used public transportation for the first three years until he was finally able to purchase a car. My mother stayed home with three kids penny pinching and stretching the $145 per week paycheck my father brought home. In later years he was a very successful business man. We later moved to Miami in 1980 where I lived for the past 26 years. Cubans do have a special status. When they enter the U.S. they enter as REFUGEES which gives them the priviledge of a social security card and the ability to work. The percentage of Cubans that take advantage of the social services such as welfare and medicaid are low in comparison to other latinos. Why? Because when the old time Cubans arrived, they were mostly professionals that were fleeing the island from communism. They were hardworking and flourished in their new american lives. As mentioned in other posts above, they have been the most productive and educated of the latino immigrants. The recent Cubans that arrive here have many family members that receive them with open arm and provide for them until they can provide for themselves. In most cases the do not receive goverment help. Cubans thrive in wanting to do and have what the Americans have and they know that there is one way and one way only to achieve this. It's by working hardbeing productive and learning english. We become American citizens and we consider the United States our country. However, we like many other immigrants, do keep our traditions and culture and are proud to be Cubans living the American dream.

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

C. Cooper Dover,NH — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 18:04:55 GMT

There seems to be a kind of "if you've seen (or heard) one Latino you know them all. As a Spanish-speaking person, born in the USA of NON-Latino parents, I can assure everyone that no one is going to mistake a Mexican for a Cuban. (As in "just be a Mexican who is 'Cuban for a day to get across the border)". The folks in border control speak Spanish and can certainly tell the difference between a Mexican and a Cuban.
As far a Socialism/Communism system and whether or not it really works, as practiced in Cuba....we could only find out if the long-standing US embargo against the Cuban people was lifted.
Folks who think that Cuba is the worst off of the Latin American countries, have no doubt NEVER been to Cuba. I have and suggested that you check out (if only statistically) the country of Haiti. And we have NO special immigration laws that favor Haiti, as we do for Cuba. Why is that?

More Cubans arriving with a ‘dusty’ foot

mel smith — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 18:35:57 GMT

Times have changed since I was young.The American worker use to mean something to his employer, not anymore-we are a dime a dozen and wages have fallen due to the high influx of illegals in this country. Give you full time at your job, heck no, your a dime a dozen and we don't really care about you anymore as an employee since there are so many others needing work, we only care about making money as your employer, and could give a flip about employee's and thier lives.
Why is that, well we have so many illegals taking jobs all over we have a surplus of americans needing work and they are now having to work 2 and 3 jobs just to survive.Cost of health care is thru the roof-
I don't have good health care-especially compared to the illegal-yet my taxes pay for his.Food has gone way up-we have more people needing it so why not-I can't even afford to buy most of the food at the place I work. My taxes pay for illegals to have schooling, housing, health care etc etc-yet I barely make enough to live myself and cant get much of what is needed. Why should a child of illegals born here be considered american? It shouldn't. If someone is here illegally they should be sent home with no chance to ever become a citizen-ever.They have already flaunted our laws. Send money to fix their system so they want to stay home-why, we fought for what we have, they should fight to get what they want in their own country's.stop the free ride.