wait....... thattreeguy just wrote in as thatreeguyschik so that last message was from thattreeguy
Mexican Worker Protest
- Thread starter Mark Chisholm
- Start date
Get a real multi-user operating system on your computer where it's actually painless to separate user actions. Then you could both have a browser window open at the same time with each having its own environment intact (cookies, temporary files, etc.)
- Location
- Austin, TX
[ QUOTE ]
A question for our European brothers:
If an American went to live in a European country, would that specific government expect him/her to pay income taxes? I would bet, yes.
[/ QUOTE ]
Only those of us that are here legally /forum/images/graemlins/aaa.gif
America is in no special situation. Illegal immigrants are flooding here too. In the south, from Africa. Here, from the east and Turkey.
A question for our European brothers:
If an American went to live in a European country, would that specific government expect him/her to pay income taxes? I would bet, yes.
[/ QUOTE ]
Only those of us that are here legally /forum/images/graemlins/aaa.gif
America is in no special situation. Illegal immigrants are flooding here too. In the south, from Africa. Here, from the east and Turkey.
[ QUOTE ]
it is more of what Mr. Bridge so eloquently said.
[/ QUOTE ]
Who is Mr Bridge and what did he say?
I just had a thought, why take all the jobs and manufacturing to China with it's demographical and transport problems when you have Mexico right there?
Time to industrialize it hey. /forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif
it is more of what Mr. Bridge so eloquently said.
[/ QUOTE ]
Who is Mr Bridge and what did he say?
I just had a thought, why take all the jobs and manufacturing to China with it's demographical and transport problems when you have Mexico right there?
Time to industrialize it hey. /forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif
I have worked in Canada but I did it legaly,paid taxes etc etc.I work on a daily basis with people from France,Canada ,England,Germany,Switzerland.Well,surprise,surprise,they are all here legaly.They either have working visas or green cards.
If these people can do this in a legal way,I feel all should.
I also feel the only reason the polititions that back the so called guest worker legislation is for cheap labor.These same people,150 years ago, most likely would have owned slaves.If I recall correctly ,Abe Lincoln freed the slaves.
This country,for the most part,has tried to provide a safe working condition with a decent wage rate.Why,pray tell,would anybody back legislation to undermine these conditions.That is cutting off your nose to spite your face.Good grief!
If these people can do this in a legal way,I feel all should.
I also feel the only reason the polititions that back the so called guest worker legislation is for cheap labor.These same people,150 years ago, most likely would have owned slaves.If I recall correctly ,Abe Lincoln freed the slaves.
This country,for the most part,has tried to provide a safe working condition with a decent wage rate.Why,pray tell,would anybody back legislation to undermine these conditions.That is cutting off your nose to spite your face.Good grief!
I have been telling MB about the round up in the Florida Keys. Apparently from this article, the INS is sweeping all of South Florida. The article says not many were picked up in Monroe County, but that is not what we have been hearing. I heard they got 40 out of one trailer park right here in Marathon.
http://www.keynoter.com/articles/2006/04/28/news/news01.txt
http://www.keynoter.com/articles/2006/04/28/news/news01.txt
you know if they feel confident after the day of protest and we dont show them how we feel by not relaxing the proposed reform laws and suspending or canning their rears on the spot,
then as they multiply in numbers they can pretty much take back california without firing a single shot.
support reform, when illegals are picked up for a crime ..deport emm bye bye
maybe the illegals would be a little more mindfull of our laws .
end affirmative action...job goes to most qualified.
i have applied for jobs and been told outright that they need more minorities at this time.
screw what the polls say uphold our laws..
teach classes in english no translators.
then as they multiply in numbers they can pretty much take back california without firing a single shot.
support reform, when illegals are picked up for a crime ..deport emm bye bye
maybe the illegals would be a little more mindfull of our laws .
end affirmative action...job goes to most qualified.
i have applied for jobs and been told outright that they need more minorities at this time.
screw what the polls say uphold our laws..
teach classes in english no translators.
- Location
- Bloomington, Indiana
Ekka wrote:
[ QUOTE ]
Who is Mr Bridge and what did he say?
[/ QUOTE ]
Mark Bridge, who, several posts up, wrote:
[ QUOTE ]
FTL, I believe there are many wonderful places on this earth, sad thing is in many of them you can't earn a living and feed your family. I don't believe anyone willingly leaves his or her home, if you do so as a rule it will be under considerable duress.
So, what's more of a crime: a few priviliged countries exploiting many underprivileged countries or so-called "illegal" migrants. No one is illegal anywhere!
It's by pure coincidence where you're born, not by merit. So I say instead of marginalising others we try to put ourselves in their shoes and show a bit of solidarity.
My opinion, for what it's worth. Not looking for a big dispute here or a big discussion, just some things have to be said.
[/ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Who is Mr Bridge and what did he say?
[/ QUOTE ]
Mark Bridge, who, several posts up, wrote:
[ QUOTE ]
FTL, I believe there are many wonderful places on this earth, sad thing is in many of them you can't earn a living and feed your family. I don't believe anyone willingly leaves his or her home, if you do so as a rule it will be under considerable duress.
So, what's more of a crime: a few priviliged countries exploiting many underprivileged countries or so-called "illegal" migrants. No one is illegal anywhere!
It's by pure coincidence where you're born, not by merit. So I say instead of marginalising others we try to put ourselves in their shoes and show a bit of solidarity.
My opinion, for what it's worth. Not looking for a big dispute here or a big discussion, just some things have to be said.
[/ QUOTE ]
- Location
- Basel, Switzerland
Yup, that wuz me.
Thanks, Mahk.
Thanks, Mahk.
- Location
- Home of the New Jersey Devils
I understand how many can have such different views here. After all, we have had different upbringings in different geographical areas, under different circumstances and so on... One thing I feel a strong dislike for is the use of derogatory statements and terms that generalize an race or ethnicity- like the term "wetbacks".
I despise criminals. I understand that many illegal immigrants of Mexican heritage also break the laws. I know that many fatal car crashes have pointed to illegal immigrants who are trying to elude the police. And there are many gang members in some areas of the country that are illegal immigrantrs as well.
But, that does not mean that the majority of the Mexican people are bad, criminals or gang members. There are plenty of bad people in ever color, gender, heritage and etnicity all over the world. And my experiences with Mexican people have been very good.
I have one worker that is legal now that came to the country with his wife and one son illegally. And what I learned from him is that he (and many others) endure great pains and take huge risks all in the name of making a better life for their family. I see them hold a high level of respect for their elders rather than sending them to an assisted living home because they require too much help and slow us down or inconvenience us. I see them send money home to help their families get by in hard times even though they have none to spare. I have also witnessed great acts of kindness towards strangers. I read in the news about a Mexican woman getting struck by a car. The whole community donated money towards funeral costs and sending her body back to Mexico for a proper burial. My employee said they always help their own when they need it. Stranger, family and friend alike. When his friend was hurt and could not support his family he and others paid the injuried friend's bills until he could work again. They did this without ever thinking that they would get their money back.
So, how many friends and family do any of us have that would do those things and never once ask for a thank you or to be repayed? This is my perception of the mojority Mexican people. I have a great deal of respect for them as a "people".
I despise criminals. I understand that many illegal immigrants of Mexican heritage also break the laws. I know that many fatal car crashes have pointed to illegal immigrants who are trying to elude the police. And there are many gang members in some areas of the country that are illegal immigrantrs as well.
But, that does not mean that the majority of the Mexican people are bad, criminals or gang members. There are plenty of bad people in ever color, gender, heritage and etnicity all over the world. And my experiences with Mexican people have been very good.
I have one worker that is legal now that came to the country with his wife and one son illegally. And what I learned from him is that he (and many others) endure great pains and take huge risks all in the name of making a better life for their family. I see them hold a high level of respect for their elders rather than sending them to an assisted living home because they require too much help and slow us down or inconvenience us. I see them send money home to help their families get by in hard times even though they have none to spare. I have also witnessed great acts of kindness towards strangers. I read in the news about a Mexican woman getting struck by a car. The whole community donated money towards funeral costs and sending her body back to Mexico for a proper burial. My employee said they always help their own when they need it. Stranger, family and friend alike. When his friend was hurt and could not support his family he and others paid the injuried friend's bills until he could work again. They did this without ever thinking that they would get their money back.
So, how many friends and family do any of us have that would do those things and never once ask for a thank you or to be repayed? This is my perception of the mojority Mexican people. I have a great deal of respect for them as a "people".
Amen to that.
R
rich_h
Guest
Well said Mark.
Its ironic that the persons who are actually somewhat excited to do this type of work are deemed "illegal" due to their immigration status, while the "legal" people available in the area want nothing to do with it. I would love to hire 5 hard working, drug free (if you are operating my machinery I only ask of you what I would do myself, your weekends are yours), men or women who have an actual interest in Arboriculture. The only problem is that I can't find them. Anywhere. Unfortunately Arboriculture doesn't have a USB hook up to some crazy and exciting computer game. It doesn't have a winning mix of numbers that will make you instantly rich. It doesn't allow you to walk in one day and know how to do everything.
What it does have is a fantastic opportunity to mix art and science. An excellent way to spend your life outdoors and constantly be challenged to adapt and think. A great environment to bond with other hard working, probably not like minded individuals to accomplish something that none of you could normally do on your own. (Sure you could lower out the 2,000 lb log you just dropped yourself, but I wouln't recommend it)
I recommend this field to everyone I come into contact with. Most people would rather go to college, work in an office, and get rich someway or somehow rather than put in a day doing some serious labor. If that is what they want, more power to them. If the people that I find to work with in this field are Mexican, Indian, White, Black, Asian, Male, Female then I am happy to have found someone to pass on some experiences with and hopefully someone to make our field better and more professional. If our laws don't allow me to access these people who actually have interest in learning and advancing our field then there might be a problem somewhere in the laws.
I have worked with many illegals and have never had a problem with it. Why? Because I know that if I am doing my job to the best of my ability, I will be rewarded for it. The companies that hire illegal workers at a lower rate, thereby, lowering the rate of the industry are only successful at it because the industry allows it to happen and the workers themselves have to realize that they are being taken advantage of and they need to do something about it. If their only option to do something about it is to organize a day of protest , well, that is what makes this country great. The ability to put your neck out there and stand for something.
The problem of "illegals" in our industry needs to be addressed by owners, the industry,the government, and by the workers themselves. If the only people we can find to do this type of work happen to be of foreign origin then maybe we should make it easier for them to work here legally. I am fairly certain that the workers would rather work legally. That way the employers would have to compensate them fairly, which might just piss off a few employers.
This field is not about "easy money". It is about hard work , dedication, and team work. If we keep out interested workers, we are shooting ourselves in the foot on many levels.
Sorry for venting, just my two cents (which is overpriced by the way)
rich
Its ironic that the persons who are actually somewhat excited to do this type of work are deemed "illegal" due to their immigration status, while the "legal" people available in the area want nothing to do with it. I would love to hire 5 hard working, drug free (if you are operating my machinery I only ask of you what I would do myself, your weekends are yours), men or women who have an actual interest in Arboriculture. The only problem is that I can't find them. Anywhere. Unfortunately Arboriculture doesn't have a USB hook up to some crazy and exciting computer game. It doesn't have a winning mix of numbers that will make you instantly rich. It doesn't allow you to walk in one day and know how to do everything.
What it does have is a fantastic opportunity to mix art and science. An excellent way to spend your life outdoors and constantly be challenged to adapt and think. A great environment to bond with other hard working, probably not like minded individuals to accomplish something that none of you could normally do on your own. (Sure you could lower out the 2,000 lb log you just dropped yourself, but I wouln't recommend it)
I recommend this field to everyone I come into contact with. Most people would rather go to college, work in an office, and get rich someway or somehow rather than put in a day doing some serious labor. If that is what they want, more power to them. If the people that I find to work with in this field are Mexican, Indian, White, Black, Asian, Male, Female then I am happy to have found someone to pass on some experiences with and hopefully someone to make our field better and more professional. If our laws don't allow me to access these people who actually have interest in learning and advancing our field then there might be a problem somewhere in the laws.
I have worked with many illegals and have never had a problem with it. Why? Because I know that if I am doing my job to the best of my ability, I will be rewarded for it. The companies that hire illegal workers at a lower rate, thereby, lowering the rate of the industry are only successful at it because the industry allows it to happen and the workers themselves have to realize that they are being taken advantage of and they need to do something about it. If their only option to do something about it is to organize a day of protest , well, that is what makes this country great. The ability to put your neck out there and stand for something.
The problem of "illegals" in our industry needs to be addressed by owners, the industry,the government, and by the workers themselves. If the only people we can find to do this type of work happen to be of foreign origin then maybe we should make it easier for them to work here legally. I am fairly certain that the workers would rather work legally. That way the employers would have to compensate them fairly, which might just piss off a few employers.
This field is not about "easy money". It is about hard work , dedication, and team work. If we keep out interested workers, we are shooting ourselves in the foot on many levels.
Sorry for venting, just my two cents (which is overpriced by the way)
rich
It's not just the crop picking type work that I was refering to.It seems there is a whole network of "sweat shops" that use undocumented labor in their daily business.
Localy there was at one time a grower of fancy mushrooms that used workers ,paid less than minimum wage for this work.He,by the way,was extremely rich but got out of the business when forced to pay minimum wages and use legal help.
I could write a book about the little buffing shops etc. that pay by piece work,daily.To promote such activity is nonesense.To expect any person to work under unsafe conditions for substandard wages is not being kind to that group of workers,legal or otherwise.
The very idea that it takes an illegal alien to preform such unpleasent tasks is ridiculous.The fact of the matter is that these people are being exploited ,plain and simple.
Now then,on the Mexican issue,that giant sucking sound is all the jobs going to Mexico from North America.Cheap labor,cheap utilities,no EPA,no OSHA.Thanks a lot NAFTA.
Historicaly,it's no different than importing the Irish for cheap labor or the Chinese in the building of the transcontinental railway.German and Welch miners were brought over to work the coal mines.Swedes,Slavs and other eastern europians were imported for the steel mills of Pittsburg and Gary Ind.
We are all aware of the use of slaves in the south to work the plantations and cotton fields.This may be several hundred years later but it is still the same concept,exploitation of an ethnic group of people.
Localy there was at one time a grower of fancy mushrooms that used workers ,paid less than minimum wage for this work.He,by the way,was extremely rich but got out of the business when forced to pay minimum wages and use legal help.
I could write a book about the little buffing shops etc. that pay by piece work,daily.To promote such activity is nonesense.To expect any person to work under unsafe conditions for substandard wages is not being kind to that group of workers,legal or otherwise.
The very idea that it takes an illegal alien to preform such unpleasent tasks is ridiculous.The fact of the matter is that these people are being exploited ,plain and simple.
Now then,on the Mexican issue,that giant sucking sound is all the jobs going to Mexico from North America.Cheap labor,cheap utilities,no EPA,no OSHA.Thanks a lot NAFTA.
Historicaly,it's no different than importing the Irish for cheap labor or the Chinese in the building of the transcontinental railway.German and Welch miners were brought over to work the coal mines.Swedes,Slavs and other eastern europians were imported for the steel mills of Pittsburg and Gary Ind.
We are all aware of the use of slaves in the south to work the plantations and cotton fields.This may be several hundred years later but it is still the same concept,exploitation of an ethnic group of people.
- Location
- The Kingdom of Fife
Born to crack people up.
Scotty
Scotty
- Location
- The Kingdom of Fife
![47302-Picture_4[1].webp](/forum/data/attachments/5/5886-98c8537ef75f0ad6ddd5838825af5308.jpg?hash=Q4SMJCh-sC)
Rich
I too find it extremely difficult to hire people who actually do this work because they want to not because they have to.
I have provided many with literature, videos, etc and they dont learn ... whether that's a mental incapacity or downright laziness they slowly gravitate toward the "your fired" side of my mind.
It is tough to find keen, enthusiastic and loyal workers.
To work with a team of true treemen is fantastic stuff, discuss the rigging options, trust the guy on the ropes, get the job done with minimum fuss and everybody is skilled to sharpen, repair and use saws safely.
I have a run a consistent job ad for 4 weeks now and frankly am rather disappointed with what I see, you then try out the braggers and big mouths to find they cant tie a knot or put a chain on. Some even say over the phone that "I'm pretty darn good but don't work for chit money like $20 an hour" you try them out and realise you have been conned and they're useless.
Funny how a mechanic etc has to do an apprenticeship and go to trade school for 4 years here to get that $20 an hour but some off the street idiot thinks they're chit don't stink and wants that as a starter.
Problem is that these know alls dont want to do their apprenticeship and take a lower pay rate during their training and low productivity times.
a guy that worked with me last week had 3 years in the tree business and in 3 years never ever lowered a piece of timber, it was the first time he saw a portawrap on Friday!
I too find it extremely difficult to hire people who actually do this work because they want to not because they have to.
I have provided many with literature, videos, etc and they dont learn ... whether that's a mental incapacity or downright laziness they slowly gravitate toward the "your fired" side of my mind.
It is tough to find keen, enthusiastic and loyal workers.
To work with a team of true treemen is fantastic stuff, discuss the rigging options, trust the guy on the ropes, get the job done with minimum fuss and everybody is skilled to sharpen, repair and use saws safely.
I have a run a consistent job ad for 4 weeks now and frankly am rather disappointed with what I see, you then try out the braggers and big mouths to find they cant tie a knot or put a chain on. Some even say over the phone that "I'm pretty darn good but don't work for chit money like $20 an hour" you try them out and realise you have been conned and they're useless.
Funny how a mechanic etc has to do an apprenticeship and go to trade school for 4 years here to get that $20 an hour but some off the street idiot thinks they're chit don't stink and wants that as a starter.
Problem is that these know alls dont want to do their apprenticeship and take a lower pay rate during their training and low productivity times.
a guy that worked with me last week had 3 years in the tree business and in 3 years never ever lowered a piece of timber, it was the first time he saw a portawrap on Friday!
oops that treeguy is writing under his wifes name again..
i APPOLOGIZE about the wetback remark my bad..i try to be as equal minded as possible but sometimes falter...
its from where and how i grew up...being the one white guy in a company of roughly 45 and not of the upper quality crowd sways my opinion sometimes
i hope this reform thing works out without screwing everybody around too much..
its a mixed issue for me...and i agree with mark in his observations of their culture and values.many great people in it
i suppose i let a few a holes ruin a race for me..but i still try to keep my mind open, and thanks for pointing out my a hole remark.
i APPOLOGIZE about the wetback remark my bad..i try to be as equal minded as possible but sometimes falter...
its from where and how i grew up...being the one white guy in a company of roughly 45 and not of the upper quality crowd sways my opinion sometimes
i hope this reform thing works out without screwing everybody around too much..
its a mixed issue for me...and i agree with mark in his observations of their culture and values.many great people in it
i suppose i let a few a holes ruin a race for me..but i still try to keep my mind open, and thanks for pointing out my a hole remark.
- Location
- NJ
Well I know where I am in Jersey they were rounding them up in buses last week. Personally I am quite happy for it. I come from a tree service that has no illegals at all as apposed to every other tree service in the area has them and multiple ones. The way I see it is if you like this coutry soooo much then become legal and get a job. Don't scream and whine when immagration wants to ship you back cause you don't belong here.
The reason I hate illegals is because I care very much about my job, what I do to the environment and the health of the trees. Every illegal I know that could speak english is doing tree work cause it is a job not because they want. Maybe I am fortunate to work with many guys who love to do tree work and don't come every day just for a pay check.
I just feel they put a negative image on the tree care business. Many of you go to or compete in climbing comps. What ethnic background do most of the competators have? Those are the one who takes there jobs seriously. They should stick to jobs that require no to very little experience...like "Can I take your order." or "Paper or plastic."
In responce to there walk out don't pay them this week to show them how much THEY really need YOU, not you need them. They are for more employees then there are employers.
The reason I hate illegals is because I care very much about my job, what I do to the environment and the health of the trees. Every illegal I know that could speak english is doing tree work cause it is a job not because they want. Maybe I am fortunate to work with many guys who love to do tree work and don't come every day just for a pay check.
I just feel they put a negative image on the tree care business. Many of you go to or compete in climbing comps. What ethnic background do most of the competators have? Those are the one who takes there jobs seriously. They should stick to jobs that require no to very little experience...like "Can I take your order." or "Paper or plastic."
In responce to there walk out don't pay them this week to show them how much THEY really need YOU, not you need them. They are for more employees then there are employers.
[ QUOTE ]
Its ironic that the persons who are actually somewhat excited to do this type of work are deemed "illegal" due to their immigration status
[/ QUOTE ]
I don't find it ironic at all. Their immigration status is precisely why they are "illegal".
[ QUOTE ]
If our laws don't allow me to access these people who actually have interest in learning and advancing our field then there might be a problem somewhere in the laws.
[/ QUOTE ]
Very well might be. Maybe not, though. I don't know exactly how difficult it is to get a green card. It can't be too hard; there sure are plenty who are able to do it.
[ QUOTE ]
I have worked with many illegals and have never had a problem with it.
[/ QUOTE ]
Nothing wrong with that in my book, but that doesn't change the fact that they are outside the law. Some laws just beg to be broken because they're stupid or overly intrusive. Trouble is, though, when breaking even them, you (generic "you") are "outlaw".
[ QUOTE ]
The companies that hire illegal workers at a lower rate, thereby, lowering the rate of the industry are only successful at it because the industry allows it to happen and the workers themselves have to realize that they are being taken advantage of and they need to do something about it.
[/ QUOTE ]
That happens, but it also happens that the rate the customer is seeing isn't any lower; the company executives are at times reaping windfall cash, even after they pay the tax on the money themselves.
[ QUOTE ]
If their only option to do something about it is to organize a day of protest , well, that is what makes this country great. The ability to put your neck out there and stand for something.
[/ QUOTE ]
Pretty hard to justify or to attempt if you don't have a leg to stand on!
[ QUOTE ]
... maybe we should make it easier for them to work here legally. I am fairly certain that the workers would rather work legally.
[/ QUOTE ]
It might not be entirely safe to assume that. As I stated earlier, I really don't know what all it takes to be here legally. Maybe they've tried and failed. I don't know. But there are many folks here who've successfully availed themselves of the process currently in place so it can't be entirely prohibitive.
Its ironic that the persons who are actually somewhat excited to do this type of work are deemed "illegal" due to their immigration status
[/ QUOTE ]
I don't find it ironic at all. Their immigration status is precisely why they are "illegal".
[ QUOTE ]
If our laws don't allow me to access these people who actually have interest in learning and advancing our field then there might be a problem somewhere in the laws.
[/ QUOTE ]
Very well might be. Maybe not, though. I don't know exactly how difficult it is to get a green card. It can't be too hard; there sure are plenty who are able to do it.
[ QUOTE ]
I have worked with many illegals and have never had a problem with it.
[/ QUOTE ]
Nothing wrong with that in my book, but that doesn't change the fact that they are outside the law. Some laws just beg to be broken because they're stupid or overly intrusive. Trouble is, though, when breaking even them, you (generic "you") are "outlaw".
[ QUOTE ]
The companies that hire illegal workers at a lower rate, thereby, lowering the rate of the industry are only successful at it because the industry allows it to happen and the workers themselves have to realize that they are being taken advantage of and they need to do something about it.
[/ QUOTE ]
That happens, but it also happens that the rate the customer is seeing isn't any lower; the company executives are at times reaping windfall cash, even after they pay the tax on the money themselves.
[ QUOTE ]
If their only option to do something about it is to organize a day of protest , well, that is what makes this country great. The ability to put your neck out there and stand for something.
[/ QUOTE ]
Pretty hard to justify or to attempt if you don't have a leg to stand on!
[ QUOTE ]
... maybe we should make it easier for them to work here legally. I am fairly certain that the workers would rather work legally.
[/ QUOTE ]
It might not be entirely safe to assume that. As I stated earlier, I really don't know what all it takes to be here legally. Maybe they've tried and failed. I don't know. But there are many folks here who've successfully availed themselves of the process currently in place so it can't be entirely prohibitive.
[ QUOTE ]
The way I see it is if you like this coutry soooo much then become legal and get a job. Don't scream and whine when immagration wants to ship you back cause you don't belong here.
[/ QUOTE ]
This is the sort of comment that makes people from other countries feel that Americans don't understand very well how their own country operates. Your country, like most, allows immigrants in on a quota basis. There are many more people wanting in than can be allowed through the proper process, so your government, like most others in this position, creams the crop and turns away many, many people who are worthy, in addition to those who are not. Many of these people are desperate to make a better life for themselves, so they enter the country illegally and try to live the American Dream as best they can. The majority would love to be legal, but it is almost impossible to initiate the process without getting yourself kicked out of the country. A person in this position will always be told by sanctimonious immigration people to go back home and apply properly, but these people have already tried that and failed! I've never tried to get into the US to work, so I won't say that I know all the details about getting a green card. I do know, however, there sure as hell aren't happy, welcoming people manning your border crossings, asking visitors, "So, you want to come work here? Great to have you! Would you prefer to be legal, or illegal?"
I know one anecdote: The company I work for built a yacht for an American customer, and we were asked one time to come down to Washington State to perform some warranty work on it. My co-workers were turned away at the border because they were bringing tools, coveralls, and workboots, and the border guards simply did not believe their story, and were unwilling to do anything to verify it. Our American customer was still insisting on the work being done where the boat was berthed, so in order to please him, my workmates had to send ahead their tools and work clothing in a crate labelled as marine hardware, while they wore their street clothes and lied about their purpose for visiting.
That's how easy (and sometimes necessary) it is to be "illegal" in your country!
The way I see it is if you like this coutry soooo much then become legal and get a job. Don't scream and whine when immagration wants to ship you back cause you don't belong here.
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This is the sort of comment that makes people from other countries feel that Americans don't understand very well how their own country operates. Your country, like most, allows immigrants in on a quota basis. There are many more people wanting in than can be allowed through the proper process, so your government, like most others in this position, creams the crop and turns away many, many people who are worthy, in addition to those who are not. Many of these people are desperate to make a better life for themselves, so they enter the country illegally and try to live the American Dream as best they can. The majority would love to be legal, but it is almost impossible to initiate the process without getting yourself kicked out of the country. A person in this position will always be told by sanctimonious immigration people to go back home and apply properly, but these people have already tried that and failed! I've never tried to get into the US to work, so I won't say that I know all the details about getting a green card. I do know, however, there sure as hell aren't happy, welcoming people manning your border crossings, asking visitors, "So, you want to come work here? Great to have you! Would you prefer to be legal, or illegal?"
I know one anecdote: The company I work for built a yacht for an American customer, and we were asked one time to come down to Washington State to perform some warranty work on it. My co-workers were turned away at the border because they were bringing tools, coveralls, and workboots, and the border guards simply did not believe their story, and were unwilling to do anything to verify it. Our American customer was still insisting on the work being done where the boat was berthed, so in order to please him, my workmates had to send ahead their tools and work clothing in a crate labelled as marine hardware, while they wore their street clothes and lied about their purpose for visiting.
That's how easy (and sometimes necessary) it is to be "illegal" in your country!
