Saturday, August 14, 2010

What Does it Mean to Be American? (Post #1)

The United States is known as the Great Melting Pot. Immigrants have played a huge role in the development of this country. Yet, since the earliest days of this Republic immigrants have regularly faced prejudice by Americans who are already here. Currently, there is a movement to stop birth right citizenship to children born in the US of undocumented immigrants. (See the video below). Is that a good idea?

Ultimately, what does it mean to be a US citizen? What does the term "American" mean? Does a country operate best when all its citizens speak the same language, follow the same religion, and behave according to the same cultural beliefs? Or does having a diverse population make us stronger?

From an economic point of view, do immigrants help the economy or hurt it? What are the trade-offs of building taller walls and beefing up patrols at the border? Do immigrants fill a vital employment role?

Please feel free to respond to any of the above questions. It would be helpful if you could cite your sources when making claims that are not common knowledge. Remember to identify yourself and your teacher's name in your post.

190 comments:

  1. I think that it was a good idea by the woman to come to the USA to have her child so that he will have the future choice to come to the US. Our country from the beginning has been a country of immigrants who bring their own values and cultural views. At first they experienced discrimination in some way but as time passes it becomes apart of America. These differences bring the country together and it enables others to experience many cultures. Amber Bullard Sloan

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  2. I think to be an American you have to be a citizen. I dont exactly think that you have to be born here but you have to be truthful to your country. Tori Milligan Sloan

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  3. History has shown us that a diverse public makes any government more democratic and represents the people more equally. If every person had the same views and the same religion, the country would be too polarized to have a beneficial partnership with any other countries. A diverse population means that new technology can be created, new art and media are introduced, and education oppertunities abound. However, there is a fine balance between increasing diversity for diversity's sake and increasing diversity without regards to our population problem. One one hand, the more immigrants allowed into the country, the more great thinkers, artists, and leaders are added to this great nation. On the other hand, the more immigrants, the more people stressing the world's quickly diminishing resources, like fuel and clean air, land, and water. Despite the strain, I don't think that it is worth it to ban immigrants from coming to the country. It also isn't worth it to limit children per family numbers, as it may cause a major population disparity between young girls and boys, as much as 120 boys to 100 girls in China (The Economist, March 6-12, 2010). America cannot simply stop the flow of immigrants. Immigrants hold many jobs that American citizens themselves find distasteful and demeaning. And who knows, if immigration is restricted too much, you may prohibit the next Albert Einstein, Alexander Graham Bell, or Edward Teller from making the next great scientific achievement.

    --Emily Dirksen
    BAUER
    AP GOV, Per 4

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  4. Maria Schmidt, Bauer, Period 5August 15, 2010 at 7:56 PM

    Personally, I don't believe that the stopping of birth right citizenship to children that have undocumented immigrant parents is a good idea. If you are born in the United States, you deserve the same rights that others have. Children don't have any control over where they are born, so why should they be denied rights because of their parents' decisions?

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  5. I believe people born in the United States have the right to be US citizens, if if their parents are illegal immigrants. Immigrants make up for most of the manual labor in the US, and Immigrants have been entering this country for hundreds of years. Although i do believe that illegal immigration should be closely monitored, for when a country becomes over populated, distruption usually fallows.

    kirk kelly
    sloan
    2 period

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  6. Danielle Smith, Sloan P1August 16, 2010 at 3:46 PM

    I don't think stopping birth right citizenship is a good idea, to an extent. People who cross borders just to have a baby in the US are unfair; but if a family migrated here, contributed to society like most people, and put in an effort to create a life for themselves instead of having most things handed to them by the state, then I think a child and the family deserve citizenship. "American" means having pride in where you are from and trying to better America. Immigrants who put no effort towards learning the primary language or towards the state's funds should not be considered "American", because they are not helping the economy in any way. Sure, they help in cheaper labor in fields, but I think cheap labor is a small amount of money in comparison to everything they are handed without paying for, thus sending our economy down the tubes even quicker. Diversity is good, but things like language are important in becoming one nation, not a nation that can't understand one another because immigrants refuse to learn the primary language in their new home.

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  7. Alexis Watson Bauer Period 3August 16, 2010 at 3:47 PM

    I believe people that enter the United States illegaly should not be able to earn citizenship for their children, it should only be allowed for legal immigrants because they put out the time, money, and effort to earn residency. Any immigrants that have children in the United States and want US citizenship, it should only be the legal ones. If illegal immigrants can gain citizenship for their children, then there is no incentive to immigrate legally, causing population control issues and political chaos.

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  8. Adilene Vazquez/ SloanAugust 16, 2010 at 3:58 PM

    In my opinion, I think being an american is just being born here and living here. Just because you're from some place else and you move to the united states at one point you become a resident and that makes you part of america. Makes you an American. Because of all the different cultures, religions, and languages there is here brought by different people is what makes america what it is today.

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  9. I believe people born in the United States have the right to be citizens. Just because your parents are illegal immigrants doesn't mean you have to be. It's not like you get to choose where you are born, so you shouldn't be given less rights because of it. The child born in America with illegal parents should be given the same rights as any other american citizen.

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  10. Joshua Barnhart-
    I believe that if an illegal immigrant comes to the United States and gives birth that that child should be an american. From an economic stand point i believe that imigrants do help the u.s. with hard labor that no one else wants to do. But they should eventually have to get citizenship.

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  11. Americans shouldn't be prejudice about anyone because everyone came from somewhere... If a child is born in the United States to undocumented immigrants, that child should be allowed to stay, end of story.I believe that having a diverse population would only make the United States stronger. No one is forced to know a specific language or worship a certain god. Land of the free, home of the brave, who wouldn't want to be a part of it? Illegal immagrants help the economy because they do jobs that other people would never consider doing and they tend to be hard workers. Illegal immigrants also hurt the economy because they don't pay taxes. Some sources say that immigrants are here to just make money rather then appreciate the beauty and culture that is America.

    - Cierra Gonsalves, Mr. Bauer, Period 2

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  12. Danielle Bulmer Bauer 2August 16, 2010 at 4:35 PM

    I don't think there really is such a meaning for "American". Everyone has their own definition for that term, it just depends on how you view things.
    I believe that we should continue with the constitution when it comes to debating on weather or not infants of illegal immigrants should be stripped of their legal rights as being American citizens. Why change what has been set in law and history for over 200 years??

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  13. An American is a person that was born in American & also follows the laws, doing everything as an average American adult. But, also just to be born here doesn't mean that you already an American, you must follow everything as said in the government & the constitution, the amendments & deceleration of independence. immigrant although are a huge part of the population in the U.S. Why doesnt the U.S do anything about putting more guard on the borders or anyone that wants to cross over to America to have their child born here, & the reason why parents were to come & have their child is because they want him/her to have a better life than them, to have better education & better job when they grow up. if the U.S were to take the right off that when your born youre automatically an american, would it go the same for blacks/whites/japanese/etc.? if it went to just mexicans that would be wrong and prejudice.

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  14. Immigration is essential for the U.S. economy. Immigrants seem more willing to do laborous and tedious jobs in order to work their way up and eventually earn more money, or just to support a family. I believe that many unwanted yet necessary jobs would go on unfilled if immigration were to be completely restricted. I think that immigration is a greater good than bad and that without it our economy could never have grown the way it has (before the whole recession anyway). Bauer/Sloan

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  15. Erik Martin, Bauer, period 5August 16, 2010 at 5:07 PM

    I agree that those who come here just to have a child shouldnt be allowed because they know what the 14th amendment does and they fully exploit the matter by coming to the U.S.A just to have a child who will be a U.S. citizen while they are an illegal or on a visa.

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  16. It's clear that the 14th amendment said that "all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside." Illegal or legal, anyone born in U.S. soil should be a citizen. They have the right to be called American.

    P.S. Sloan, who do you think will win the Super Bowl?

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  17. Steven Reichmuth, Bauer, period 2August 16, 2010 at 5:29 PM

    I don't really have an opinion on the whole need to be born here thing. I beleive in all the freedoms we have here. I don't really want to voice an opinion over the whole border thing, can't decide if I am for it or against it; it is just too "touchy" of a subject to take a side on.

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  18. i dont think that it is fair to take away the citizenship of children that have parents who are undocumented immigrants. it wasnt the children's fault that their parents chose to do that. plus, i think that it is a good idea for the parents to do that so that their children have more choices when they grow up.
    ~~~brooke fletcher:)
    period 2
    mr. bauer

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  19. Nathalie Trevino; A.Bauer period1August 16, 2010 at 5:29 PM

    "There are roughly 12 million undocumented immigrants living in the U.S. Almost all of them pay taxes into the system because their employers deduct taxes from their earnings. Billions of dollars are paid into social security alone which benefits America's elderly. What about the jobs generated by their demand for goods and services, or the positive effect their personal consumption has on the U.S. economy? Immigrants are students and entrepreneurs. They have families, homes, cars and lives, just like you. They are active members of the U.S. economy and society. They are not "invaders" and should not be treated like criminals. Everyone should be aware of how immigrants (legal or not) are woven into our everyday lives, and the growth and success of our country. Immigration reform now."-American Apparel
    (http://www.americanapparel.net/contact/legalizela/)

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  20. I think immigrants want to come over the border for a good simple reason, and thats because their country is falling apart. The other side of the border "california" across would be a better place because all they see is peace, jobs, and most of all happiness. I cant blame them I would do the same, but law is law if they want to come over here and gain citizenship then they have to do everything an american citizen does. Aaron Gauding

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  21. A US citizen is a person born in the US, or anyone who passes the citizenship test. As for the meaning of it I am not sure. I believe one language would make the country run far smoother than it does right now. As for everything else such as culture and religion i believe people deserve the right to choose this for themselves. Immigrants hurt and help the economy, they hurt it because they receive free health care that could be going to a US citizen, but they help because they are hard workers.
    Tim Lyons Mr. Bauer's 2nd Period.

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  22. I oppose of the movement of stopping the birth right citizenship to children born in the U.S. of undocumented immigrants. Everyone has a right to gain their citizenship. Isn't the U.S. known for it's “freedom?” It's understandable for people wanting to stop immigration because soon space in the U.S. will be overfilled, but for people to want to stop the birth right citizenship to children born in the U.S. of undocumented immigrants, in my opinion, is unreasonable. The 14th Amendment has already been constituted, so are the people who are trying to go on with the movement wanting to change this amendment? Immigration can't be stopped anywhere you go. They need to realize that fact.

    Chrissy Vue
    Sloan
    AP Economics
    Period 3

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  23. i believe if your born in the United States then you're an American citizen. Their mothers and fathers were just looking for a better life for their children. illegal immigrants should be welcome to the U.S because they do a lot of the hard manual labor, that most americans wouldn't do. And also if they know all the rules and laws of the United states why shouldn't they be welcomed? But, i also believe population should be monitored so there's no over crowding. but, if there's room why should it matter, when their just looking for a better life.

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  24. I think to be an American citizen, you have to give something to the country. You should participate and stand for and respect our rights and laws. I think you should honor all the amendments and the constitution to be a citizen.

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  25. Immigrants dramatically help the economy, because they do the hard labor that many Americans would not think about doing. They play a major role in the American Economy.
    Fran
    Bauer

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  26. What does it mean to be American? It means that you have to do what the law says. Follow the law and be truthful to your country. Even Though you came from another country just follow what the law is.
    Sania Bacha
    Mr.Bauer Per.3rd

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  27. Being American is meaning people have fought for our country for my freedom. I have more opportunities than anybody in any other country. Our country is very diverse and we have a great opportunity to be introduced to different languages and styles. It wouldn't be fair to label this country of having one language or one religion. Whenever people come together to vote on something, the outcome of that vote will always make some people mad. If we were to decide one religion for this country how would you feel if the one that was picked wasn't yours? I personally believe that everyone has their own freedom and ability to express what they want; nothing viloent or inappropriate that is. That is what being American is to me...

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  28. I believe that people born in the U.S. have the right to be citizens if they are born of parents that are citizens. I think being a US citizen is loving the US and participating in helping to make the country even better. To me "American" means a person who lives in America as a citizen. I believe that a country that has the same language, religion, and cultural ideas operates best because it doesn't have much to argue about so wars or battles won't occur within it. I think that immigrants help out the economy because they take a lot of jobs that a lot of people would try staying away from, like cleaning sewage, plumbing, constructing buildings, and other things. The border patrol will help the country from overpopulating, which can become a big problem.

    Melody Morphis
    Mr. Sloan
    per. 1

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  29. I don't think you should have the rights that other Americans do just because you are born in America. It causes too many expecting parents to rush across the boarder to give their kids a better life, but many of them don't do it the legal way so their kids should not be legal citizens. I think if you go through the process to become an American and then have a kid in the US, then and only then should your kid be considered a US citizen. Mr. Bauer

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  30. I believe that people born legally in the US have the right to be a US citizen. If an undocumented illegal comes into the US only to have her baby i believe that it is unjust.
    Without having legal means to be here such as a green card, work visa, vacation package, or something that says they are here for a purpose, i think that it is wrong to sneak into the US to have a child.
    But i also think it should easier and more affordable to become a US citizen and even to get a work visa. America should make an easier way to come in legally so that we can have less people coming in illegally.

    Katey Santillan
    P.4
    AP Govt-Bauer

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  31. Personally, I think illegal immigration needs to be stopped. People who are US citizens are unable to find jobs or fulfill their needs because of illegal immigrants taking advantage of the jobs and the government. Many illegal immigrants house with other illegal immigrants, which causes overpopulation.
    I believe border patrol needs to be upped. If we have to update airport security for terrorists, there is no reason to not improve border patrol. Either set of people are illegal.

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  32. Immigration is an extremely touchy issue, and there is no clear answer on how to control it. I believe that both sides have strong points, yet the radical standpoints on both sides are impractical. It has always been a tradition of the United States to allow people of all races, cultures, and social classes to have an opportunity to succeed, and many of our greatest men and women have been immigrants. However, I do not think that it is fair for illegal immigrants to be free of taxes and other government related burdens while being eligible for some simple forms of healthcare and support that government programs provide. People also argue that illegal immigrants take jobs away from citizens, but immigrants really make up a unique part of the work force that handles jobs that many citizens are unwilling to do. The final problem that I have with illegal immigrants is the fact that many of them send money home to support their relatives in other countries. This takes US dollars out of circulation in our country, and instead of being spent in the US, which would keep them in circulation and boost our economy, millions of US dollars are sent overseas each year where they disappear in foreign markets.
    Caleb Boyd
    Sloan
    Period 2

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  33. I think it is a bad idea to stop birth right citizenship to children born in the U.S. from undocumentated parents. The United States should be a country to accept and welcome other nations to come in the land of oppurtunity, not necessarily open the doors to every nation there also has to be limits. Anyone born in the United States should be citizens even though they are from different ethnicity.
    -Omar Savala
    Mr.Bauer
    5th

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  34. The United States of America has always been the country of opportunity for many immigrants from all over the world. It's true that many people can have advantages in this country that they can't have in the country they come from. The woman from the video wanted her son to be born in the U.S so he could have a beter life if he one day came to the United States. If that child would come to this country it would be to better himself, and there isn't anything wrong with that. Not all American citizens are of one race or one religion the U.S has many different religions and races. An American citizen is not based by their religion, ethnicity, or race. A true American citizen is one that follows the laws of his country like paying his taxes, and one that contributes to the welfare of the United States.

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  35. To me, being a US citizen means that you must fulfill specific obligations to your country. Among these obligations are voting, proper behavior, and just generally an active member of society. I believe a country can't be as diverse and have economical and scientific advancements without contrasting forces or diverse ideals. Look at any war and you will see that technologies seem to sprout from nowhere. I believe the same concept can apply to the US, clearly we have a problem with the immigration. Weather or not immigration itself is the problem I truly don't know the facts to give an accurate answer. I do know however, that one single type of mindset in a country made to function as ours does would spell disaster as it would be too easy to make decisions. Democracy wasn't made to generate a fast solution, it was made to get a smart solution. I do believe that there must be changes to our immigration laws but denying citizenship to those who are going to desperate measures to get it seems just plain ignorant to me, there is a bigger problem and we are obligated to fix it.

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  36. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  37. I believe that people born legally in the US have the right to be US citizens. I think that women with the sole purpose to sneak into the US to have their baby is not right. If they don't have a green card, a working visa, or a reason to be in the US legally then their baby shouldn't be a citizen.
    On the other i hand i also think the US should make the way to be a citizen easier and more affordable. That way we can have more people in the US legally and not have as many illegals to better our economy and safe guard our border.
    Katey Santillan
    P.4
    Bauer

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  38. I believe that the term of being an "American" is simply following the laws and government practices of the United States. It should not be expected that all US citzens have the same cultural background. The main purpose of establishing America as an independent country was to escape from the strict rules of Great Britian (mostly reguarding religious issues). Almost everyone who currently lives in the United States today has had a relative that has immigrated from another country, so who has the right to say a child cannot be given citizen rights simply because of their parents?

    Devin Smith, Mr. Bauer, Period 1

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  39. I believe being American is a belief. Anybody who wants the freedom to express their beliefs and live freely deserves to be an american. I think if someone does not believe in our ways of living or our government, then they should not be American. Anybody who is willing to give up their old ways to become an American deserves to be American.

    Chris Woodard, Bauer, Period 3

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  40. to be an american i think you should be born here. i think people who come here illegally hurt the country because it gives Americans that are citizens not alot of jobs. also illegal citizens do not have to pay taxes which hurts the country greatly.

    Chris long, Bauer, P.3

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  41. I believe that all children that are born in the United States should be considered US citizens, regardless of the status of their parents because changing this will not fix anything, it will only take away the chance of a better life for possible future hard working Americans. And these children would be legal citizens, but if they are still coming from Mexico like the kid in the story, it means that they are looking for employment, so they can legally help fill spots in our economy. This will help us increase production by increasing the amount of workers that we have, thus benefiting the entire nation.
    Jonny Oshalim
    Bauer per 1
    Sloan per 3

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  42. delgado omar sloan per 4.August 16, 2010 at 8:13 PM

    i beileive america will always react negitavely to incoming immigrants but thats mayb because they are just thinking about themselves. they may have trouble finding work or not have enough for paying bills but look at the incoming immigrants, they came here with only what they could carry, depending on how they arrived to the U.S. they start off not even having a home to pay for. however u may call them theyre all still human. and to those who beleive that unifying america to hold only americans to benifit the country would be a recreation of hitler and the holocaust. just imagine what the real america, (an america united will a diverse population) fought for durring world war 2. we fought together, hand in hand against the germans to ensure peace throughout europe. even though most immagrants were discriminated by bing in america, they looked passed the predjudice to fight for justic while bing pushed away by what people called "american citizens". the U.S . was always seen as the country to fight for the greater good, but as time goes by mayb they seem to start thinking like the creators of the holocaust. if the U.S. continues to act selfishly, theyll fufill the beleif that history recreateas itself, leading to annother holocaust.

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  43. Chrissy Schmidt (Sloan/Bauer)August 16, 2010 at 8:20 PM

    To be a good US citizen is to exercise your rights and stand up for what you believe in, pay taxes and try to better the nation. American means a person living legally in the US who obeys and helps uphold the Constitution and Declaration of Independence. I believe a diverse population makes the US stronger becuase we have different opinions and this helps everyone make informed decisions on what they will vote on and life choices.

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  44. i believe immigrants help the country, not hurt it.diverse languages influence others. it would be boring if everyone had the same language or belief. if that was the deal then more people would be getting in trouble for not being the same as everyone else. so i beieve diversity is good.

    kimberlie hernandez
    sloan
    period 4

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  45. To be "American" is to live in the US and to follow the laws as well as to love your country. Having a diverse population makes us stronger because people are able to learn other ways of life as well as to work with people with differing ideas in order to keep America moving forward.

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  46. Taking the birth citizenship from a child because their parents are undocummented immigrants is a horrible idea. I know people that might be affected, which means that i will be affected as well. This change is ilogical. If this law passes ther might be a hard working, law-biding citizen who gets their citizenship taken away, while their are criminals who have the luck of having their parents be citizens. When you think about it isn't logical to use the bases of someone's backgound just to take away citizenship.

    -Rotceh Gonzalez
    Baur 4/Sloan 2

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  47. I believe that it is not right, nor is it what the founding fathers made the fourteenth amendment for. The fourteenth amendment was created to Give people that lived in the US the right to keep their family and generations to come legal citizens. Now it is true that the US was founded on immigrants, who were fleeing from the kings power. But this was many years ago, and at the time there were no laws. But what that women did is wrong, and not what the 14th was made for. She has no right to let her kids be born in the US, because she has no right to live here as of that moment. Now if she was to become legal in the US, instead of breaking the law, then that is her right to have kids here. What she did, we all pay for in are tax money. Along with all the other illegals.
    Michael Freeman

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  48. To be ''American'' is to be born in America to most people, but in my point of view to be american is to live here and actully contribute to this country by working here or even going to school here or anything to make this a better place for all of us. This country operate best when all its citizens speaking diffrent launges, follow the diffrent religion, this is what makes America so great because unlike other countries its a free country.

    Margarita Flores
    Mr.Bauer
    period 5

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  49. As long as the United States has become a country, it's doors have been open to people who are looking for a better life. America has provided many immigrants jobs and education and it has created a cultural diversity that no other country can truly compare to. I believe the term 'American' means that you are part of a great country and you contribute positively to the society. American is not an ethnicity but a nationality that should be given to people who truly love America and follow the laws. Having a diverse culture, I believe, makes a country stronger because it can only grow and learn different tongues and ways of life. If everyone did the same thing everyday, acted the same way, and spoke exactly the same, life would be simply boring. America is beautiful with its cultural diversity and it should remain diverse so that it can grow. Face it, the U.S.A. has been built upon many immigrant's backs. It is hardwired into America's DNA and should only be accepted or it will be the down fall of the United States of America.

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  50. Enrique Angulo
    Bauer
    Economics
    Period 2

    In my opinion immigrants do fill a large part when it comes to employment.Most of the jobs that immigrants have are fast food restaurants or other jobs that Americans can't seem to handle because of the hard work that is needed for those specific jobs, and as for the border i see no difference in making the border larger. The only thing that will occur is just new ways of getting over to this country without climbing it. Due to the fact that immigrants find their ways and they all have a little something i call courage and pride.Immigrants see this country as a place full of happiness and employment and crossing the border is just their pursuit of happiness towards a better life for them and their family.

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  51. There's a lot going on that would make it suck to live in Mexico. I would do the same thing for my kids as that woman because they would probably have a better chance to live happily in America. It's not cool to punish someone for doing something that I would do too under the same circumstances.

    Sloan per. 3
    Bauer per. 4

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  52. To be a USA Citizen, means that you were born in the United States of America and have the proper documentation.The term "American" ussaly means a higher living class and ussaly has higher privlages then other countrys. In my own belives i would say that everything would run smoother if we all spoke the same langage. i belive that life would be dull but there would be no misunderstandings. I think that for a country to run smoothly you do need diffrent types of Religion. Ussaly when there is only one big religion, the citizens of the country are not the highest priority.

    From an economic point of view, i belive that immagrants are the building block for mour nation. they put in the hard work and unwanted labor that many "Americans" seem to overlook. The tradeoffs of increasing border patrol from one point of view is that the more we do it, the harder "Americans" must work and the less we do it the more "Americans" complain. it is a stand off that most people dont relize. i do belive that immigrants play a big role in shaping our sosiety. Most, The "good Immagrants" that are here for work and not trouble do deserve a chance and do really change our everyday lifes.

    Jake

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  53. I think being born in the United States, should give you citizenship. It is a free country and everybody should be able to recieve those freedoms because we were all immigrants at one point anyway. I think having these freedoms is what makes us great in the first place so taking them away from certain people wouldn't right.

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  54. well since i am male and i do better by using bullets and
    by going in order, here are my responses;

    -i DO believe we should stop giving birth right citizenship to the children of illegals because, they are the child of ILLEGALS
    their parents dont belong here and neither does the child. and if the parents got deported, would they leave the baby? would America have to take care of it? The only citizen births allowed should be those of people who are already certified citizens.

    -to be a U.S. citizen you are born here (see above bullet), or you have
    acquired your green card by proving you deserve to be here.

    -"American" http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&defl=en&q=define:american&sa=X&ei=mw5qTKeFCoWcsQPMttjqDw&ved=0CBUQkAE

    -A country would be greatly aided if everyone spoke the same language instead of having to
    refer or be referred to another person to translate. if we all understood each other, communication would be greatly enhanced.

    -as to religion, it's a personal choice and right given to us by the 1st amendment.

    -being of the same cultural beliefs is impossible, people always think differently,
    act differently, and raise their children differently, and their religious beliefs always effect their cultural ideals (see above bullet)

    -diverse population can teach us many things such as tolerance, acceptance,
    and help us learn more about our world. so long as the diversity does not become
    a hindrance on the function of our society.

    -immigrants both help and hurt the economy, the ones that work do the jobs many
    Americans dont want to do, and for little pay, the ones that dont work take money from welfare
    or other helping devices. its sort of balanced if you take the welfare takers and think of it
    as giving the workers actual human quality pay, then it's like they are working for a normal
    paycheck instead of dirt.

    -trade offs of blocking the border, less cheap labor, but also less illegal use of welfare, and because
    of less non-English speaking immigrants and their kids, neighborhoods might improve.

    -the only vital role immigrants play in our economy is doing labor none of us want to do, and doing it dirt cheap,
    but it's also a trade off for the ones that just sit around and take welfare.



    Bryan Jenks AP Gov Bauer P.1

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  55. I think it is wrong for people to immigrate into the U.S. illegally, but it is wrong to stop birth rights. If you're born in the U.S. you are considered a citizen automatically. Plus I also think its wrong period to take the life of an unborn child if someone wants a child. To be an American means that you have unalienable rights that can't be taken away.

    Haran Piggee

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  56. I think it's not fair to be a citizen just because someone was born in the U.S. I think that people that deserve to be a U.S. citizen are the people that are committed to the country.
    Isabel Asperas
    Sloan
    per 4

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  57. My personal belief is that children born of illegal immigrants should not be given immediate citizenship but there should be a well thought out test or multiple examinations that tests the language skills of any immigrants children when they reach a certain age. This test would be the key factor in giving citizenship to the child and then hopefully the parents.

    Bauer 1st

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  58. Hannah Engebretsen
    Bauer
    Period 2

    I agree with Maria and Alexis. I think if you are born in the United States you deserve the same rights as any other american. Its as simple as that.

    ReplyDelete
  59. To be an American is to not only be born in this country, but to contribute to it in some way or form whether it be through labor, or just paying taxes with hard earned money that you receive. As far as the woman in the video rushing across the border to give birth to her child, I believe she is doing what is best for him/her and giving her child what she could never have. That is the ability to be free and have a chance to succeed in life as an American.

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  60. "Currently, there is a movement to stop birth right citizenship to children born in the US of undocumented immigrants." It is my opinion that this change immigration laws to make this be law is a good desicion. Being born on US soil while your parents are undocumented should not make you a citizen, this is a loophole within the immigration laws that should be fixed.
    The law is here to protect a country's well being, loopholes like this one should be patched. If we are this flexible on just one law, what's next? This kind of anarchy within the system should stop now. Yes, I know someone might disagree with my post, and I understand that many will say that closing a grip on our borders more and more, can be compared to crushing dreams of people dreaming that American Dream. However, look around, you hear people saying the economy is going through hard times, that so many people are unemployed. To sum the current state of the country up (to a certain extent) that American Dream, is out of reach to alot of American citizens. The last thing we need right now, is more people to worry about fighting to get out of unemployment. Maybe at a time when we aren't in a recession, having budget problems, and the economy is for the most part stable, we can let people come live the American Dream, but right now we need to focus on making that dream possible for the people who are already here, instead of letting more people come here to raise a family in a good country, and be disappointed.

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  61. I do feel that a country functions best when everyone speaks the same language and has similar beliefs, simply because people are selfish and intimidated by that which is different. I'd love to think of America as a melting pot, where all cultures can live together peacefully, but it's in the same boat that communism is for me--it sounds pretty good on paper--everyone working together for the common goal of a better society and equality for all--but the negatives of human nature would always keep it from reaching actuality. There will always be minorities, and majorities trying to push them out.

    Sasha Schotzko-Harris
    Bauer
    1st period

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  62. I believe that the idea has it's pro's and con's. I think it's unjust for illegal immigrants to abuse the 14th amendment, personally. Although it's wonderful for them, and the immigrants DO help us with jobs that Americans do not want to do like working in the agriculture industry, they still can cause problems for the U.S. citizens. I strongly believe that this country would operate more efficiently if everyone spoke English. School assemblies would be faster, not having to speak in both English and Spanish and getting a job would be easier. Because of immigrants intruding now a days, it's caused some obstacles for some people in getting jobs. One high requirement of getting a job is if you're bilingual. Which doesn't mean you speak two languages. No, if you speak German and English that doesn't count in the jobs here in America. It's if you speak Spanish and English, then you're considered bilingual, which doesn't make any sense, since bilingual means you speak two languages, no matter which ones you speak. Anyways, lets say, two ladies apply for a secretary position at a school; taking phone calls and talking to parents. Lady #1 has had lots of experience with this type of job and is very good at what she does, but she only speaks English. Lady #2 on the other hand has not had much experience at all with the job, but she speaks both Spanish and English. The "bilingual" lady is more likely to get the job because she can talk to the spanish speaking parents and students. I find this highly unfair. If you go to Germany, what language do you learn to fit into society? German. So it's logical and respectful to learn English if you move to America, where English is the language. For religion I believe that doesn't matter. There are so many different religions out there it's a bit irrelevant. Now to address the "build a wall" topic, that wont do anything. They'll just find a way to jump over that too. I don't care if they're here, so long they learn English. Learning the language is the most important thing. If you move to a country learn the language! Don't just expect people of business or where ever to know what you're saying if your language is foreign. Take the effort to show you actually want to be here and learn the language. It's common sense. So basically, no matter where you're from, China, Japan, Mexico, Italy, or even the Middle East, in order to function in American society you have to understand what we're saying. In basic terms, we shouldn't have to change for them, they should have to change for us. But yeah, I don't like the idea of automatic citizenship of people born here with undocumented parents. For some reason, I think of it as kinda like cheating.
    Lauren McCutcheon
    Bauer p. 1
    Sloan p. 2

    P.S. I absolutely, 100% agree with Caleb B. Couldn't have put it any better myself. But I tried. :)

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  63. Like many before me said, immigrants coming into the country should always have something to offer. America is not just a giant freebee for everyone who wants to take it easy, not that freebees are bad lol.

    Many people that argue for illegal immigrants use the point that they make up a large portion of our agricultural workforce, which is true. However, they also make up a large portion of the families in the USA that live off of food stamps and government benefits, often times seemingly without even attempting to get a job. The thing is, not all illegals are the same. If they are willing to come to America and work hard to earn a living, that's fine, but if they come just to get free healthcare, they need to be deported. If you think about it, all the illegal slackers out there are the ones sucking all the money out of us taxpayers' wallets. With the help of the federal government of course :P

    and if you wanna live here, you should at least TRY to speak the language. I hear of a lot of cases where immigrants refuse to speak English or to learn it, simply because they view the American culture as unimportant.

    If you want to live in America, you need to become an American. I believe that as a citizen, it is your duty under the US constitution to be loyal to and supportive of the betterment of the USA.

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  64. I think a country would function a little better if everyone, at least, knew one language so everyone can communicate. I don't, however, believe everyone has to have the same religion. It violates our Constitution to begin with and people should have their own beliefs.
    Lucero Cardiel
    Mr Bauer Period 3

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  65. What the lady in the video has done is not some thing unusual for me, i often hear of women comming to the U.S. with this common goal, its somewhat of a safety net for their children. In most cases as the children grow they don't realy learn English, so even if they are born here, what is the point if you cant speak the language. I think the same applies to naturalized citizens, i blieve that it should be a U.S. law that all citizens should be able to speak/ write English, at least to the elemntary level. In order for them to fully partisipate in voting, jury duty and other citizen exercises. The govenment shouldnt have to be responsible and adjust to their lack of eduaction, but insted the new citizens should learn and better themselfs to contribute as a VALUED citizen, insted of weighing us down. VERONICA INIGUEZ, SLOAN

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  66. I do not think it is wrong for a mother to want her child to be an american citizen. However, being an American isn't as simple as being born here. A citizen must respect and protect our laws. Visiting the U.S. to have a child is not the honorable way gain citizenship. Every immigrant should have to go through legal immigration to become a citizen. If we don't respect our own laws, then who else will?
    Kayla Smith
    Sloan per 2

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  67. With the way that life has shown things happen, any birth in the U.S. SHOULD be considered as an American, no matter the reason it was birthed here. A child born to America, on the grounds of the U.S. Is in fact a U.S. Citizen.There has always been a discussion on whether something in the constitution is actually constitutional to the american people. Well ponder this, the justification that women would be asked upon entry of the U.S, if they were under a legal document stating that they could come into the U.S. in the first place is then questioning the Fourth Amendment as well. This women legally came to the U.S., though she did not tell someone she was planning the child, she still was entering the U.S with documents upon which stated that she had full legal rights to be there for some time. Asking a women if she is coming to the U.S just to bear a child, is quite respectfully borderlining "unreasonable searches and seizures" in which a legal person inside the U.S. is protected from. So, now that this child has been born in the U.S. if an official was to say that it was NOT an American, then place legalized women entering the U.S under such searches, could possibly be seen as violating not one but TWO constitutional amendments. This woman wanted a chance for a good life for her son, and now the amendment protects him. Now he IS an American.
    Joeliane Muegge, Sloan p.5
    (http://www.usconstitution.net/const.html)

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  68. I firmly stand behind the idea that America needs one voice.
    We need one language with in the country, for the country operates best when all of its members can communicate without hindrance. what is the point of diversity if one half has no clue what the other half has to say? English is the language that is spoken in America, and you need to learn it in order to become a citizen.

    I have an odd view of America, i am loosing hope for America. It was once a great country and a powerful nation, but now it has grown weak and feeble. if i moved to Australia i would adopt Australia customs and beliefs. I would become Australian. Why would i do any thing different? Why would i bring America ,who i left because i no longer liked America, to my new home? If you don't like where you cam from, then why bring it here?

    For illegals children? I think they should be illegal. Why? because i stand by the legal way into this country. How can you be a citizen when your very act of being her breaks our laws? An unjust law? maybe but then there are a lot of dumb laws out there that we Americans still have to live by.
    Caleb Newman

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  69. being birthed in the United States, should give you citizenship. It is the "land of the free "because we were all immigrants at one point anyway. Pay taxes and follow laws and have honor and respect like other citizens and we'll talk later ?Jordan Elzie per 2 sloan

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  70. To be a US citizen I think u would have to be born here in America. For immigrants they have to live in America for a certain amount of years to become a citizen. Immigrants play a big role in America because they bringdiffernt cultures
    Alfredo Martinez
    Sloan

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  71. America isn't just a walk-in service clinic. What makes this country so great and so desirable to live in is that people are given a fair chance to make a living, but only if it is legitimate. Apply for citizenship, work your tail off, and then send your kids to college so that the next generation can succeed. I don't think that what the woman did was fair, she didn't tell the full truth. It was dishonorable, and now we're going to have to deal with thousands of copycats who will inevitable try the same thing. But at the same time, it was pretty clever. She took matters into her own hands.

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  72. Just because you know some laws does not make you a citizen. The way we level things out is if you were born here means that you are a citiznen. Americans have always took pride in that, so why change it? People would get so frustrated trying to become a citizen in thier own country that this would backfire.

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  73. Gabriel Mabalot, Bauer, Per 4August 17, 2010 at 11:22 AM

    a country operates best when everyone speeks the same language,however we should not all have the same views and ideas. having different views on things is what makes america what it is

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  74. I think that America should stop giving birth right citizenship to children whose parents are undocumented immigrants. I think that all immigrants need to go through the legalization process before their children can be citizens. However, we can't really do much when the constitution says that anyone born in the United states is considered a citizen. Kayla Sweet Sloan

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  75. josh agans-bauer period 5August 17, 2010 at 3:47 PM

    I think people that are born in the United States should be a citizen. No matter who your parents are you should be a citizen if you were born here. The newly born child doesn't have a choice of where to be born at. It's not their fault that their parents are illegal so why punish them for it? Our Constitution even says if you are born in the US then you are a citizen. If we start taking people's citizenship away from them then we would be ignoring our Constitution.

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  76. I think having immigrants come the U.S. is a good and bad. Good because they help our economy by coming ready to work and are prepared for the American life style. It is controversial though because American workers blame immigrants for taking their jobs and create issues. I personally believe that we should let immigrants because they are only here to help and make a better life for themselves. :D

    Daniel Ruiz
    Sloan Per. 5

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  77. I think that immigrants are actually helping the economy because people that come to the U.S. will recieve less pay and work longer hours than a normal person would. Which means that companies will be able to save more money and spend it on things to improve their work environment.
    Blake Harrison
    Bauer
    Period 4

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  78. I think to be an "American" means to have freedom. Freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, freedom os religion, and freedom of the press, just to name a few, represent America. In America we live in a Democratic Republic. This means we are not under the rule of a monarch and we have some influence in the government.
    Erica Ayala
    Mr. Bauer
    Per.4

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  79. jennifer arevalo fifth periodAugust 17, 2010 at 4:18 PM

    i think that every person born in this country have all the right to be here. It is inhumane to treat US citizens as if we were trash. It is very unfair.

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  80. alrighty to be american i think u should be born here, im not sayin hey lets jump the border and go have a kid in the U.S because thats not right, if a pregnant lady trys to come into the U.S and she cant speak english tell her to kick rocks. kids should also know how to speak english befor they even enter skool because it takes 1 kid that can barley talk or read english to slow the hole class down because it takes them longer to read 1 sentence and its rediculouse.
    Garrett Allison Mr.Bauer p.2

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  81. Asher Maroot- SloanAugust 17, 2010 at 4:22 PM

    If someone comes to America on a visitors visa, and has a baby, then they are taking advantage of the fourteenth amendment. They are giving their child a dual citizenship, which would allow their child to go freely from the US to Mexico. When the child gets older, they will not need to do everything that one has to do in order to become a US citizen. I think that if someone wants their child to have US citizenship, then they themselves should become legal US citizens, have their child in the US, and then get a US passport allowing them to go back to Mexico freely.

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  82. I believe that immigrants are here for a reason and that reason is to have a better life. they are a really big part in America and if we were all the same and speak the same language, what would we all have that is unique.
    Claudia Pantoja period 5

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  83. I think is unfair how immigrants are threated because they are humans too.Immigrants are able to do things that all u.s citizens can do and even more some work really hard an helps the economy.so it is unfair

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  84. Muey Saetern / Sloan period 2August 17, 2010 at 4:40 PM

    If a child is born in the U.S. and his/her mother is an illegal immigrant, that child should have the same exact rights as anyone else born to parents who aren't illegal immigrants. The mother saw an opputunity to let her child live as an American rather than what she was used to. They didn't know that their mothers came to the U.S. knowing the 14th amendment. It's not anyone's fault that mother's want what's best for their children.

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  85. If a parent comes from Mexico or anywhere else to live in the United States and has a child here, the kid should be able to have full rights and be a citizen since he was born IN the Unites States. It doesn't matter if the parents are from another country their kids should not be punished for it.

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  86. Just because you're from some place else and you move to the united states at one point you become a resident and that makes you part of America. i think that if you come illegally yo learn the language and how to write and to educate your childrn there is no harm in it. Because of all the different cultures, religions, and languages here brought by different people is what makes america what it is today.
    Jessica Zepeda
    Sloan
    pd.4

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  87. To be considerd an American i dont think you have to be a natural born citizen. When I THINK of the Term American i think of all the hard working people. People who pay taxes, people who volenteer or contribute to this country. I think that as long as you live in this country you should be considerd an American.
    Monica Salzar
    MR.Sloan

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  88. I believe that if a child is born here then it is a citizen no matter what. A child has no choice of what country he/she is born in and shouldn't be punished or discriminated against because of their parents decision. If the U.S decides to override this amendment then it clearly erases its name of a "free" country.
    Jose Alvarez, Sloan 4th period

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  89. faye roberson bauer period 5August 17, 2010 at 5:01 PM

    I believe a country would operate a little better if everyone spoke the same language because sometimes its harder to communicate.It doesnt have to be your first language or oly language. We just need a number one language that everyone speakes.I dont believe a person has to believe in the same religion as the other becasue everybody has a different mind.

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  90. In my opinion, being an "american" means you have to do your part in helping America run smoothly, and trying to make it a better place. Having one language would certainly help it run efficiently, but having more languages allows people to retain their cultural identity. I don't think there should only be one religion, because obviously everyone does not have the same beliefs, and wouldn't agree on only one religion.
    Melissa Quezada, Bauer, Period 2.

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  91. Mr. Bauer
    Period 2

    I belive that immigrants should come here legaly and go through the immigration process by getting their green card.People comming over the boarder illegally should be deported, it isn't fair to those who came here the right way.

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  92. Tiffany Van Vactor Mr. Sloan period 5August 17, 2010 at 5:05 PM

    I believe that an american is someone who was born on american soil is in fact an american it doest matter what nationality you are it doesnt matter wheither your parents are illegal or not but if your parents are illegal i belive they shouldnt even be here. in the constitution it does in fact say that "all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside." granted when this was written it was probably so that you could keep your family there for generations to come. Illegal immigrants are in fact abusing the fourtenth amendment but should we punish the child for this fact just because their parents knew that if they left at that time they would have the child on american soil. Most parents wont leave their child here if they get deported who would want. Granted they want a better life for their child they should come here legally to hae their children not come here to visit just to have their kid. and some illegals have apparently hid their apperance just so that they could get into the US to have their child.(from the video above) Which is deffinatly wrong. Another thing no we dont have to all have the same religion and same nationality and stuff like that but if these people want to come here they should learn our language and speak that mainly but in their own home they can speak spanish and what not but if you have come here for a better life we shouldnt have to learn a new language just because you refuse to learn ours. No we dont haveto have the same culture. being diverse is a reason why we are so strong it is just a part of america we are just a melting pot. And on the building higher walls they will just find another way to get here. it doesnt matter how much security we put out their they will find a way if they are determined enough. We shouldnt be letting them get away with not assimalating into our ways this is america so they sould at lest try to speak english. I have seem some mexicans -and no im not trying to be racist- speak spanish to others who cant speak spanish and act like they dont know what they are saying and then later i hear them speaking perfect english there is something wrong with this picture. or the time when i was at school and there was a group of mexican workers -again not trying to be racist but its true- and they were being rude and wouldnt move they were standing in front of the classroom i was trying to get into and i asked them several times if the could please move and they kept saying in spanish that they didnt speak english i got so tired of it that i started speaking to them in german and tried to confuse them and they all looked at me confused and then asked me in perfect english "what the heck did you just say" and i responded with "now that i know for sure that you can speak english can you please move out of my way." this is very irratating. personally i dont thiknk that with our economy we can afford to help and not charge illegal immigrants we cant e\ven support ourselves why should we have to help others out who arent even supposed to be here. Most of the illegal parents have come to realise that they have a chance to become legal if their kid(s) are legal they can bring them legally into the country as long as they are in fact legal and pay their taxes every year i dont mind them being here. but if you do come here dont have a ton of kids and then go on welfare that is just wrong if you come here you need to at least have some of the family working to support the family. but right now i think that the immigration process should slow down we dont even have enough jobs for the people that are here already we dont need more people to take care of. honestly i still think we shouldnt punish the kids just because the are born here unknowigly. So i believe that an american is either born on american soil or has gone through the legal process to become an american

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  93. Cristian Garcia/ Period 3 BauerAugust 17, 2010 at 5:12 PM

    The mother in the video has a good reason to have her chilled born in the U.S., so her kid can have a better life. It is hard to live in another country right now but especially in Mexico there is so many things that are happening in that country that it can make a family run to another country. Many people needed and still need to leave Mexico because they want a better life. My father had to come to the US because he had 13 other brothers and sisters to help. My father was one of the first of his family to come to the U.S. and helped the rest of his family come to the U.S.

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  94. I believe that a child born in the USA from an illegal immigrant should not be considered an American citizen. I am perfectly fine with people coming to the United States for a new and better life but it needs to be done in a legal fashion. If they cannot follow this important law, how can we expect them to follow the others? Much of the tax payers money goes towards having to support these children and it is costing our government a lot of money. It starts from the hospital bill to their schooling. Their parents are not paying into the the tax system so actual US citizens are forced to foot the bill. It causes much additional strain on our system that is unfair.

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  95. I beleive that they shouldnt be able to take away US citizenship to children born in the united states to undocumented immigrants. Even though the parents are illegal doesnt mean that the children are. They were born in this country therefore they should be granted their birth born rights.


    Chelsea Ray
    Sloan p.1

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  96. In my point of view immigration does not hurt the economy i think it makes it better. Many immigrants are doing jobs that citizens refuse to do.
    Bryana Zamarripa
    Mr. Bauer P.2

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  97. I think that the woman made the right choice, she was doing what she thought would be the best for her child. Some people may consider that cheating the system, but I disagree. America was founded on immigrants coming into the country, and thats what gives our contry its unique diversity. I still believe that illegal immigration is wrong, but the women that are having their babies and then going back to Mexico and using their childs American citizenship as a back up plan for them are just trying to give their child the opportunity to go to a better place if the need were to arise, and I see no problem with that. Also, these children that are citizens could possibly move here one day, and if that were the case they would get jobs, therefore adding to our nations economy.

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  98. Lourdes Godinez
    Mr. Bauer
    perdiod 2 Econ.

    I think that taking citizenship away from children whos parents are illegal immigrants is not a good idea. I believe this because the children were born in the United States, therefore, they automatically have citizenship regardless of the parents legal situation.
    I think that a country does not have to have a specific religion or language for it to be succesful. Not everyone has the same beliefs as one another so if the U.S. was under one religion, many would not agree. Therefore it would make us a weaker country. To be American is to live in this country and be happy for the things we have. I think immigrants help our economy because many people who are not immigrants would not be willing to do the hard jobs immigrants do.

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  99. A citizen of the United States is anyone who was born in this country or who by legal means became a citizen. It would be infair to take away the right to be a citizen just because one's parents are in this country illegaly. I agree that everybody should fallow the laws, but to be an American means more than that; there are many citizens who do not follow the laws but they are still Americans. In my opinion, being an American means taking pride in this country and contributing as much as posible to the welfare of the nation. The diversity that exists in a country is beneficial because it provides a variety of ways to gain wealth for the country. The difference in beliefs and values allows people to make their money from different sources; a person may work in an industry that someone else may not work in because it is against their beliefs.

    Omar Hoyos
    Sloan P.2/ Bauer P.4

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  100. Emily Geiszler, Bauer, Period 4August 17, 2010 at 7:31 PM

    Currently, children in the US who are born to parents that came to this country illegally are considered citizens of America. There has been talk recently about changing all of that. I believe that it should be changed. If a person's parents came to this country illegally then their child should be considered illegal as well. Those children ultimately cannot prove that they are legal citizens anyway, because their parents have no documentation for a birth certificate. I also believe that they should not be deported because of their parents either. Children of illegal immigrants should be given temporary green cards until they turn 18, at which time they should have to take a citizenship test to be able to stay in this country. If they fail, they would need to return to the country where their parents were born.

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  101. Isabel De la Rosa
    Baeur
    p.2
    To me being American is respecting and contributing to this country whether your parents were born here or not. As for having one language for the country I believe that could work well since it would allow communication to be easier and it would allow children to get higher education. As for religion and culture everyone should be able to pick what they want to practice. And I belief that the diversity of this country is what makes us special and stronger it also opens up more markets for trade since all the different cultures need and buy different things.

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  102. Sarah Richter, Bauer, Period 4August 17, 2010 at 7:59 PM

    I think that if a child is born in the US they should be able to stay if there willing to take a citizenship test when they turn 18. The parents of these children are trying to help there children, but if they cannot pass the test within the 18 years they should be sent back to live in the country there parents are in. The woman in this video was trying to help her child and it states that 70% of births are to undocumented mothers.

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  103. In my opinion, if you are in America you should at least know the English language, and if you don't then try to learn it. It doesn't seem fair for those who try and learn a language while some are not even trying. If you are born here and then later decide to return and don't know the language they should have to go through the proccess of learning the language. It also doesn't seem fair for those who are "cheating" the system.

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  104. To me, being an American citizen means contributing honestly and positivley to this nation, and being a good citizen means voting, getting involved with your community, and abiding by federal as well as state laws. When I hear about this law (illegal immigrants being deported, as well as their children), it strikes a personal chord. See, my fathers' mother is an illegal immigrant. If this law were to pass, my father would have to leave this country, that includes all 14 of my aunts and uncles. And if they can deport illegal immigrants children, does that mean the childrens' children as well? That means my 9-year-old little brother would have to go back to Mexico. I can't even say "go back" he's never set a foot in Mexico. To me, its a serious, as well as personal, issue. An issue that needs to be thought out thouroughly, and conversations about it: treaded through lightly.

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  105. To me Being an American citizen is following the law and contributing to government. A Country could work best when everyone speaks the same language, but the diversity in a country is where where a country shines the best, not everyone believes in the the same things everyone united under one religion would cause more problems then they would solve.

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  106. I think that for one to become an American, that person must want the best for America. But wanting the best for the country isn't what really makes an American, it's about working for the country. Working for the coutry, and not only for money to survive makes you a true American. I don't think that illegal immigrants are currently helping the economy. Illegal immigrants can both hurt and help the economy. Immigrants can help the economy by entering America and creating a stronger work force. Immigrants can hurt the economy when they don't work, and live off welfare. I think that the illegal immigrants that live off the welfare, and are not working, are the opposite of an "American." But when we assume that the immigrants will work, diversity will better our country as a whole, and will create a better, stronger country.

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  107. Tyler Glenn, Sloan per. 2August 17, 2010 at 8:15 PM

    I feel that the women made the correct decision. Most people would do that if they were in her shoes. She is using her knowledge of the 14th amendment to help her child live a better life in the future if he chooses to go to the United States. I do not believe that they should ban birth right citizenship to children born in the US of undocumented immigrants because this allows them to give their children something they never had and since Mexico is so bad these days you can't blame them for coming here. The United States has always been an open country for all nationalities so why stop now in allowing them to have children here.

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  108. I believe that being born in the U.S. should give you U.S. citizenship. Just because your mother or father were illegal doesn't mean that you should be. If that child is born in America and is planned to be raised to sustain the American government and community... then I say go for it. Plus immigrants help the economy by doing jobs most people wouldn't want to do.
    <3 Ryan Klucznik
    Bauer
    P.4

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  109. many wonder if children bornin the US with immigrant parents have the right to natural born citizenship.this has bin a topic that has coused much contravesy,some say yes and others no. i say yes, immigrant parent decide to come to the US to birth a baby with unlimited oportunities. they know that the US is full of oportunities for its citizens.The parent only want the best for their children and making a choose like givning them limited or unlimited opportunites is commen sense. the Woman in the video made the choise to give her son unlimited oportunities by having him in the US and as stated in the 14th amendment he has every right a son of a US citizens would have, rights that should not be taken away.
    Alondra Munoz
    Sloan

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  110. I believe that anyone born in America should be accpeted under the fourteenth amendment.However, some precautions should be created to insure that liberties aren't being taken by illegal immigrants who believe that once they have a baby in America, they don't have to register as a citizen.I do think that immigrants are helpful to the labor force of America and do take the jobs that no one else would necessarily want. Yet, that doesn't give them the right to literately steal rights from those who truely are citizens, especially their own children.

    Alison Martin, Bauer/Sloan

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  111. Josh McNearney Bauer P.3August 17, 2010 at 8:26 PM

    Any body born in the U.S. has the right to be a U.S. citizen even if the parents are illegal. Even immigrants are an important part of the U.S. economy. without immigrants we would lose a lot of agricultural productivity.

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  112. Jasmine Holt Sloan period 2August 17, 2010 at 8:38 PM

    I think that taking away birth rights to children of illegal immigrants is both a bad and good thing. It’s a bad thing seeing that they are born in the U.S. they are U.S. citizens. And you are taking away that right. It wasn’t by their choice to become born a U.S citizen to illegal immigrants. It was the parent’s choice. Like the woman said in the video, she wanted her son to be born here because he is more likely to have a better life here than in Mexico. Her intentions were good, but if she wants her son to have a better life she should be willing to make the effort to become legal as well, this is why it’s a good thing. I don’t think it is right to put your child in a situation of possibly losing their parents because they didn’t make the effort to become legal. Therefore, I think they should take away the birth rights for the good of the child and maybe then the parents will make an effort to become legal to give their child the better life that they deserve. As a parent you should always give your child what is best for them, but doing it illegally is not the way to go. I don’t think that to be American means you necessarily have to be born here, but you have to be willing to learn English and become a legal citizen. A country definitely operates better if everyone speaks the same language because it make it easier to communicate with one another without worrying about having to find someone else to translate what someone else is saying. I don’t think that they should follow the same religion and behave according to the same cultural beliefs because that robs you of being your own individual and we would basically be robots. Not everyone has the same religious beliefs and they shouldn’t have to. I think that having a diverse population does make us stronger. Without diversity we wouldn’t have a variety of different foods, music, art and other things we enjoy that make us who we are. The trade offs for building a wall will stop many immigrants from coming into the U.S but it will also limit workers for jobs that no one else is willing to do. However, that is our loss. If they shouldn’t be here at all, then they shouldn’t be here to do our dirty work.

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  113. Drake ReidReynso
    Sloan, per 2
    Being an American means to be free or to have freedom. Having this freedom means to be able to dream and to have the oppotunity to chase that dream. Also, immagrants are needed in California's economy. This is due to the fact that all the young people or unemployed workers in this state are too lazy to get for their butts and go work on the farms and in the feilds. They would rather sit one there couches all day, get the wellfare check once a month and complain about the problem that the have the power to fix.

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  114. I think that if your born in this country you should be an American citizen regardless of where your parents are from. If you where born on American soil but you weren`t considered an American citizen you wouldn`t be considered a citizen of the country where your parents were born. If you cant gain citizenship by birth then all Americans should have to take a test to and not get special treatment because there parents were from here

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  115. Shane Santos, Period 5, BauerAugust 17, 2010 at 8:46 PM

    I believe that no person who is born should be automatically given rights as a citizen. If your parents are illegal or not you should still be able to pass the test to become a citizen. Just because your skin is white does not make you more worthy of a citizen than a person of color. I think as you turn 18 every child should be able to pass the citizenship test and if you do not you wont have the rights of an American citizen until you do pass. Therefore every person who passes will know they earned their right to become a citizen of the U.S.

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  116. I think that if someone is born in a country they should be given citizenship there. I think to be American means to be a citizen of this country and to be loyal to it. Sloan P.4

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  117. I consider myself Mexican-American. my parents are from Mexico and they imigrated to the U.S. and they became citizens. i was born in sacramento and i consider myself american. i believe a person who is born into this country and is loyal is an american. i do not think it is right to take that priveldge away to the born children. i also believe the U.S. should stay diverse because if not the country would be very boring.
    Diana Reyes Sloan AP Econ p2.

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  118. I beleive that if you are born in the United States then you should be able to have automatic citizenship, eventhough it may not be right to just come to the U.S. just for that.

    Jessica Rodriguez
    Bauer, Period 5.

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  119. Mallory Lemieux Pd. 4August 17, 2010 at 9:05 PM

    In my opinion i think that if you are born in an american hospital, then you should have the right to be an American Citizen. The 14th amendment clearly stated if your born here, your a citizen so why would you try going against the constitution now.

    P.S. Mr Sloan you shouldve totally gave me student of the week :) im making posters for you!!!

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  120. Victor ALvarez Period 5August 17, 2010 at 9:11 PM

    yes i beleive they should be considered citizens of the united states because they will help the labor force. Also if its wats stated in the fourteenth amendment than theres no reason to change it.

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  121. I think that they should make it so that to become a U.S. citizen by birth you must have at least one parent who is a U.S. citizen. If they do not have any parents who are citizens they must take the test when they get older. This seems to me like a better system of granting citizenship so that not just anyone can become a U.S. citizen.

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  122. It's true that immigrants play a vital role in the development of America; we were all immigrants at one point, and we made this country what it is today. However, that doesn't give any illegal immigrant from any country the right to remain here illegally. All immigrants should be held to the same standards of citizenship, and the attempt to gain citizenship, equally. No one should be allowed to live here for free.

    Scott Miller
    Sloan
    p. 2

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  123. Karina Ramos Mr.Sloan P.1
    I think that immigrants do play a big role in the growth of this country. I think this beacause if immigration were to be stoped we could hurt other countries and they would go against us and might not want to supply us with imported goods. This would most likely cause us to have a depression. I believe if an immigrant has a baby in the U.S. the baby should have all the right to be known as a U.S citizen. To be a U.S. citizen you must obey the laws and love your country. I think that the country would run better if we were to all be able to speak the same Enlgih language.

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  124. Jason Lowery, period 1 Bauer
    I do not believe that it is a good idea to take away birth right citizenship because loyal, working immigrants was what this country was made from and they also make up a big portion of the manual labor work force.

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  125. Christina Luna, Mr.Bauer p.01

    I believe that if an immigrant comes to this county and has a child whom is born here then they should be considered an American citizen. After all more than half our population are immigrants with American citizen children. On the other hand, anyone born here or not can become an American citizen even if they are immigrants they just have to go through a citizenship process and all that. Of course it would make things a lot more easier if we all spoke the same language but apparently that is not possible for everyone, but either way our population's input to labor is needed. There are so many jobs that people wouldn't do that our immigrants would with honor do for our country.

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  126. I belive that all child that are born in the USA have the rigth to be citizens, and one of them could be the next pesidente of the USA. Fernanda Murillo/Mr.Sloan P.1

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  127. One of the things that make America great is diversity and the ethnic melting pot as well as the mix of cultures. However, I have to disagree with how the 14th Amendment is currently being abused and used by foreign nationals, when the 14th Amendment was created it was meant to extend citizenship to former African American slaves during the reconstruction era (post Civil War)as you can see if you actually read the entirety of the 14th Amendment citizenship is only a single clause of the Amendment. I think that the 14th Amendment is being taken totally out of context and should not be used this way. I believe that being American is more than just being born here there are numerous Americans that were born overseas (John McCain)being American is loving this country and not only taking from it but giving back as well. The American Constitution applies only to Americans so why are foreign nationals guaranteed the same rights as a United States citizen?

    Period 2
    Mr. Sloan

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  128. First off, Bryan Jenks, I like your style. I am down for the bullet points. So here i go!

    -I am of the opinion that those born of illegal immigrants in America are in fact illegal themselves because they are the spawn of illegals. How can one possibly create the idea that being born in a certain local makes one a functioning member of that society? Its like bumblebees. If a honey bee lays eggs in a wasps nest and a baby honeybee is born in that wasp nest, is it suddenly to be considered a wasp because it was born there? absolutley not! It is still a honeybee and will never be able to function as a wasp until that little bee is taught the ways of the wasp, or in other words, passed a citizenship test. Which, having taken one, is rather easy to pass. (if you know english) Basically, if a baby is born here to illegal parents, they will not be brought up learning American customs or ways, and thus will be handicapped in our society.

    -Secondly, I shall attempt to tackle what it is to be an American. An American is one who knows the customs of, follows the laws of, participates in the constructing of, and sacrifices for the United States of America. It is impossible to be an American unless you follow our laws of citizenship, which ILLEGALS obviously dont do. Hence the term illegal.

    -For my tertiary point, i shall adress the issue of efficient societal mechanics; namely through language and culture. It is completly obvious that a nation that has a specific language is better off than one who allows multiple languages to be used officially. This is essential for effective communication between elected officials and the people. Why did the Roman empire die? Because it stretched itself over such a vast territory that it encompassed several cultures and languages, couldnt communicate, and therefore fell apart due to internal strife. We can not let America suffer this same fate by ignoring simple history that lies plain before us. The Roman empire isnt the only example of this occurrence, and i sure dont want to let America be on the failed nation list.

    -Do immigrants help the economy? im not authorized to speak on such matters, so il state how i see things working. Legal immigrants work hard where they can and try to advance their lives to achieve the American dream. They may collect unemployment or welfare, but they try hard. And, they PAY TAXES, and therefore give to our economy. illegal immigrants work hard where they can and try to advance their lives in our society, even though they are illegal. They even collect unemployment and welfare, even though they arent residence of this country and technically "arent here". Which is dumb, cause why would our government help somone who shouldnt be here? Anyways, illegals take welfare and unemployment, get paid for jobs they do, and DONT pay taxes. Thats my problem with them. They take my tax dollars to live off of and send home my money to their families so they may continue to do what? fulfill a thieving lifestyle in the country that true citizens, like their own brothers who came legally to America, work their tails off to make better. So basically, illegals are terrible for our economy because they steal revenue away from institutions that need it.

    Sorry people. i really did try to keep this short... but i guess i just can't do short. it isnt in my genes. Stay sweet.
    Bradford Reller, PER 1 Bauer.

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  129. Mr. Bauer
    To be an American is not and should not be based on the color of someones skin or nationality. It is a born given right and sometimes when someone takes the citizenship test and passes. To be an American is to be a mut no one in America is a purebred of anything (unless first generation of immagrant parents). To be an American is to be diverse whether some of us like it or not.

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  130. Kayla Rodriguez:)
    Period 5
    Sloan

    I personally love the way our country is. We are very diverse. I like how different people can bring some of there culture into ours. It is a great opportunity to experience other countrys practices, religion, language, and most importantly FOOD. Many would agree that they couldnt have the same meal everyday. It was immigrants who brought this greatness to our land. And as far as hard labor, nobody but our immigrants would do it. I dont know too many people who would get their hands dirty for the price that these immigrants get payed.

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  131. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  132. THIS BLOG MAKES ryan MAD HAD A GOOD ARGUMENT AND ryan HIT BACK SPACE AND IT SHOT ryan OUT OF THE BLOG MEH..............
    From an economic point of view, do immigrants help the economy or hurt it? What are the trade-offs of building taller walls and beefing up patrols at the border? Do immigrants fill a vital employment role?

    OK LETS TRY THIS AGIN!!!!!!!!!

    Ryan thinks he will write this in 3rd person to make it more fun.

    Ryan thinks that imagrants both hurt and help the us's economy. Ryan thinks it helps it because it provides cheap labor and is easier to produce more goods faster and cheaper. Ryan thinks they hurt the economy because it makes other citizens unenpolyed and they wont have the money to buy consumer goods makeing these goods and economy fail. But Ryan wouldnt do these jobs the imagrants do anyways so he isnt to mad at them. Ryan thinks the trade offs of building a bigger fence around the border is that it will cost ryan and other more money and will alow the imagrants to climb and jump higher and make it over the border.They will find a way to get over that fence so its a waste. Ryan thinks border patrols were the same waste of RYANS MONEY and will not work cause they will caught one or 2 people more and spend lots of money. Ryan thinks that imagrants do fill a vital emploment role because RYAN would never do these jobs and im sure Ryans firends wont eather so we alow some of them to come in un detected to do these jobs and make products come out fast and get jobs ryan and people wont do out of the way and new jobs to form in there place and everyone is happy

    solan period 2

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  133. To be American, mean thats you recieve your civil rights, and have the rights that most other countries dont recieve, thats why most other citizens want to come to our country because we have a lot more freedom than other countries

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  134. Cecilia Gonzalez Sloan P4August 17, 2010 at 9:45 PM

    To be a United States citizen to me, you have to be understand the concept of being "American" by following the laws and doing whats right for the country.To be considered "American" you dont necessarily have to be born in the U.S, but there has to be some strong emotions that connect you to the country, meaning to have love for it. Because we are a country with freedom, of course theres going to be a diverse population and cultures that make the whole country stronger. I believe that immigrants that come here to work, are an important role because without them, who would fill in and do all the jobs they do. Although they technically might not be citizens because they werent born here,i agree with others that the woman from the video did good in having her baby in the U.S in order for him to have a better life, and for him to obtain greater opportunities.

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  135. I think that people born within this country is consider an American.border patrol and walls is not going to stop immigration,immigration is part of our culture.to be an American I think you have to be a good citizen and respect the laws.
    Jonathan Ramos
    Mr.Bauer
    Per.2

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  136. People who are not native to the US, who were born and raised in a different country, frequently have much more respect and appreciation for America and all it has to offer than people who have lived in the states all their lives. But often, Americans treat immigrants with a feeling of supremacy. Current citizens of the U.S. often adopt attitudes of somewhat superiority to new immigrants. For the most part, these feelings are completely unfounded, and very judgmental. In times like these, Americans would do well to remember their roots and backgrounds. No one is “native” to America. Even the Native Americans once migrated to the land we now call the United States. We forget that we, or our forebears, were once immigrants to America. Our ancestors or we once felt the same pressures and faced the same struggles as the new immigrants feel and face today. A feeling of superiority is unfair and simply absurd, because no one should have any more right to participate in the American Dream than anyone else. We were all newcomers at one point, and we should desist from treating the most recent immigrants any differently than we would have liked to be treated in their place.

    Kassie Lizama
    AP Econ p.2

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  137. Enrique Salazar
    Period 5
    Our country has the ultimate rights any country would want, we have basic natural rights and then rights that the government has created.Also as far as the immigrant situation goes, if the immigrants are not causing trouble in the united states then they should be able to stay in our country

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  138. i think that people born in this country whose parents were illegal but came to this country to have a better life and help with our country have the right to be citizen. making children of illegals not citizen would just cause greater problems and the number of illegals to grow.i think illegals both hurt and benefit the country they are willing to do jobs for alot less money but they are also taking away jobs. i dont think that we should help support illegals if they want the benefits of being an american than they need to go through the right process that countless other legal immigrants have done. I also think that people in america need to know english. It helps people be able to communicate and it shouldnt be necissary to have everything in two languages. you wouldn't go to mexico and expect to have a translater to english or flyers in both english and spanish

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  139. I personally believe, if you are born in America, you are an American. Simple as that. Though it is unfortunate people abuse this law, who are we to start getting picky. America was run almost enirely immigrants at one point in time. Diversity is always a plus. So even if someone's parents don't have legal citizenship, its not the baby's fault. Let 'em stay here.
    Haley Neal
    Bauer per. 1

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  140. Gerardo Salcido
    Bauer P.5

    I think that a country is stronger with a diverse population because it gives it a bigger outlook on the world. For example, the United States doesn't really have a culture of its own because its a "melting pot" and i think this is a good thing. This makes the U.S. a unique place in the world where people of all different ethnicities can find and make a home of their own.

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  141. I believe that the mother was simply looking after the child, however she is taking advantage of the rights of Amercians as well as future immigrants by scamming her way into the united states just so that her sun would be allowed to have dual citizenship

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  142. Ricardo Rivera
    Period 5
    Mr. Bauer

    I think every human being that is born in the United States should be a U.S. citizen, because they are being grown into our country. It is a bad idea if they stop birth citizenship to children that are born in the US. Also i think its good that we have many different languages, religions, and different cultural beliefs because we can learn a lot about them. I believe if we all spoke the same. had the same religion and the same cultural beliefs, this country would be corrupted.

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  143. When asked the question,” What does it mean to be an American", immediately what comes to mind is my own experience. To me, being an American means that I am free. That when I grow up I can pick the job I want, what shift to work. And obtain a good education, to my own needs. It means that I have the right to voice my own opinions about my country, & most of all, to be free and proud that I live in the United States of America, here in California. And the fact that just one person can make a difference in America makes it all worthwhile.

    The meaning of the word American varies, according to the historical, geographical, and political context in which it is used. Generally meaning of or pertaining to U.S. citizenship. As George Washington once said, "The name of American, which belongs to you in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of patriotism more than any appellation." Meaning that being an American, is your own representation, and that one must uphold certain characteristics such as pride, patriotism, and love for there country.

    There are only two ways to become a U.S. citizen: by law or by birth. To be considered a U.S. citizen, one must either be born in the United States, which is called a natural born citizen. And a person who was not born a U.S. citizen may acquire U.S. citizenship through a process known as naturalization, an administrative process that requires you to take some action and which is strictly governed by the Immigration and Nationality Act.

    I believe that the country operates best as is, with its many citizens speaking different languages, following different religions of their choice, & behaving according to their own cultural beliefs because having a more diverse population make us stronger as a whole. Besides, America is all about being yourself, freedom, liberty, and equality, no matter what ethnicity, religion, you are or what language you speak. Having a more diverse country offers us different insights into the aspects of other religions, traditions, and beliefs than our own. & Culture is not one definable thing based on one race or religion, but rather the result of multiple factors that change as the world changes.

    Marcus E.
    Sloan, P/2
    AP Econ/Gov't

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  144. Chris Morales, Bauer period 5August 17, 2010 at 10:13 PM

    Building a more secure border is not always just about stopping illegal immigrants from gaining access to this nation. people need to realize the possibilities of undefended borders such as as an increase in drugs being smuggled in and other risks to national security such as terrorists. These borders are not just there to keep hard working people out of the nation but the people who wish to harm us.

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  145. Being an American Citizen ultimately means, beign born in the United States no matter what color of skin you have or what language you speak, it is not ruled by the birthplace of your parents. America has never been a nation only for white people, but an example to the world that such diversity brings stronger unity and power as a whole. Unfortunatley people can not look past their ambitions of an all white America, and until that we can all look past that, then we will realize that America would have never been what it is today without every single thing that immigrants, of all colors and cultures, have done for this country.

    Ruben Rodriguez
    Mr. Bauer
    Per. 3

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  146. Justin Tyler, Bauer, P. 3August 17, 2010 at 10:22 PM

    I believe that immigrants do play a vital role in the work force. They take up a lot of har labor jobs that many Americans would not want to do. I also agree that a country that all speaks one common language functions better than one with many different languages. I disagree that having a diverse population makes our country stronger because if we are at war, for example, immigrants from the country we are fighting would not necesarily want to join our army to fight against their own country. They are taking the place of a citizen who could be living there instead of them and willing to protect the country he lives in.

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  147. I don't think it is a good idea to not give citizenship to children of immigrant parents. The reason behind this is because as every other person born here, not all there parents or grandparents are legal and yet they got there citizenship. So if u should do it to the new born children also do to the people that are citizens and there grandparents are not legal. My point comes to say that the only people to have citizenship would be American Indians because they were the first ones here, everyone else that came to this great nation are all illegal.

    In my point of view i don't think that immigrants have a bad influence on the economy. the reason behind this is because being a child of immigrant parents, they still pay taxes as everyone else in this country.

    Jose Munoz
    Mr. Bauer
    Per. 5

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  148. I believe that to be an American you must be a citizen of the US and also feel the pride one gets from this country. Having a variety of cultures allows to us view society from many angles and enables us to work with these differences, which in the end makes our coutry stronger.

    Guadalupe Velasquez, Sloan Period 1

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  149. Maria Perez
    Sloan
    Period: 4
    To be a U.S. Citizen means that one has the right to live in this united nation freely with no concern of being discriminated, and treated in a bad way, that one feels bad, and uncomfortable. According to the U.S. Constitution a person in the U.S. has rights and freedoms. The term "American" stands for all the people when we are united. I believe that a country does not need for everyone to speak the same language or have the same religion because not everyone has the same ideas and because their has to be a diverse country where people can agree or disagree. A diverse country definately makes a stronger nation, specially in the case of the U.S. that is a united nation where no discrimination is accepted against anyone.

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  150. I think that everyone who is born in the United States shouldn't be an immigrant. This country does a great job with immigrants and thanks to all the languages their is in this country we could operate better with other ones. Being an American is being proud of your country and being a good citizen. having more border potrals is not going to help anything, it's just a waist of money beccause this country is made of immigrants and their will always be immigrants in this country.
    Alex Gonzalez
    Per.5
    Mr.Bauer

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  151. Sergio Maldonado, Sloan p.3/Bauer p.4August 17, 2010 at 10:42 PM

    Having a diverse country is good because new and different ideas can easily be created. However illegal immigrants should not abuse the rights that the U.S allows them to have. An immigrant shouldn't just come into the U.S, wait until their baby is born, and think of their baby's citizenship as a sort of insurance for if things go bad in their country. They might as well become citizens themselves, work, and then have a baby, so they at least paticipated in the country's affairs.

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  152. Dominique Jimenez, Sloan's 5th PeriodAugust 17, 2010 at 10:42 PM

    America is full of different races and people and for it not to be "American Way" is rediculous. Everybody's decents have migrated to the United States most likely speaking another language other than English. The fact people are victims of prejudice is not acceptable. I agree with Maria Perez ^^

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  153. Christine Kuehn
    Per. 2
    Mr. Bauer
    Being an american citizen means living in the united states and appriciating the freedoms we have. Immigrantion helps the economy because many immigrants takes jobs that no one else will, they are a staple in the american economy

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  154. Allowing immigrants to flow freely into America would threaten our security by bringing in more drugs and allowing easier access to drugs. It may be costly to have tight security, but I believe that in the long run, it will be beneficial. This is because these immigrants are taking away jobs from legal citizens by not requiring as much of a salary. All in all, being an American is a priviledge and everyone should have to follow the legal process, no exceptions.






    Jana Hackett
    Mr. Bauer
    Period 5

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  155. The economic burden that is derived from the presence of illegal immigrants in the United States of America is absolutely unsustainable. $13 trillion in debt, with illegal immigration costing $113 billion dollars a year(Fox News), Americans are becoming intolerant of the government's incapacity to resolve this issue. We don't possess the funds to further supplement illegal immigrants with free healthcare. We don't possess the funds to allow illegal persons to not pay taxes. This isn't an issue about race- Americans are sick of the current economic disarray. God Bless the United States of America.
    (Sloan P.3/Bauer P. 4)

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  156. Immigrants definately have to right idea give birth to a baby in the USA seeing how it would legally entitle it to citizenship. However, just because it seems like it's the right idea for them, does not mean it's the right idea for this country. I believe all citizens should speak one language set by the country and should be on the same level as a nonimmigrant. America need to be less broad on what it takes to be a citizen.
    Kimberly Smith
    Period 1
    Bauer

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  157. I believe that people who are born in the us should stay citizens and people who aren't should not be considered a citizen until they prove to be able to help this country out instead of taking all our welfare! i believe that you should take a lot of pride in being a us citizen because it took a lot of effort and hardwork to get here either if it was you that immigranted or an ancestor. a citizen is someone who was born there and they are/will attribute to it and try to make the us as succussful as possible. i dont think the country would operate best if we all spoke the same language, practiced the same religious view and all agreed on the same thing but being different gives america more variety and more of a utility. immigrants help the community if they work, if they dont then definitely not! they should not hope any borders, if they are good enough to work here then prove it and get a job here. Tori Tamura period 1 sloan

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  158. Well at least in the case that we saw in the video she has only given birth and left, but i still believe that kids with illegal parents should be given citizenship. They don't have a choice and they cant really do anything about it. Also if the children stayed then we would just create more immigrants and without their citizenship they wouldn't help our society because life would be made harder for them. To be an American citizen is to be born in America and to some people it may be giving more for this country than what we have been given which, is our citizenship. Also like mentioned before if the U.S. wasn't a melting pot of people then what would be interesting about the U.S. it would just be plain and simple, well meaning it wouldn't be the same thing such as when we go to school we meet other people that in many cases are from other cultures and ethnicity while most countries don't have the opportunity to have such a great diversity of people and have that interesting cultural knowledge. I believe that through other cultures our country just becomes that much more interesting.

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  159. Well to me what it means to be an American means not just in the U.S. sure its called the USA but everyone in the north and south America are Americans see being an American just doesn't mean in the USA it mean both the north and south Continent but what it means to be an American in the U.S. as the 14 amendment. Whether illegal or legal if people are born in the U.S. they should be citizen-- Juan Reyes Sloan p.3

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  160. Mr. Sloan
    Period 4
    sorry forgot to put on my comment

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  161. I believe that the children born from illegal immigrants shouldn't be a citizen of the United States. They are from people who are illegal in the country, so therefore they themselves should also be illegal. They should take the tests like everyone else so they can receive their Green Cards. A country operates best when people speak the same language, since everyone can understand each other and things would be done a lot smoother, due to no one needing translators, etc. A country also operates best with a diverse amount of religions and cultural beliefs since everyone is happier choosing what they believe in and less conflicts arise. Immigrants, in my opinion, hurt the economy. They agree to be paid less than others, and so companies choose them instead and it makes small companies go into bankruptcy. Taller walls and more experienced border patrols would decrease the amount of illegal immigrants, but people will always fine a way to get through. --Kevin Rodgers period 2 Sloan

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  162. If being an illegal immigrant in this country is the only factor U.S. citizens have,then it doesnt matter if another person is born here because that makes them a U.S. citizens. As any other U.S. citizen that child would eventually grow up and have to pay taxes, vote, and participate with the country aswell as pay for illegal actions.
    If there were a law passed stating that any person born in the U.S. was no longer a citizen because their parents were illegal immigrants,then that would seem as an act of racism or prejudice in my opinion.
    To be a U.S. citizen you simply have to be born in the U.S.,to be considered a good citizen then that would be something different.
    There are just many barriers being created causing discrimmination.There are people being taken advantage of and murdered simply to pass a border in hopes to reach a better life with their hard work.Pople should want to learn about different languages,cultures and unify to understand one another better, which would only make a country stronger.
    -Cristina Bernal
    Mr.Bauer Period 3

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  163. Jacqueline OlympiusAugust 18, 2010 at 6:45 AM

    Although I believe it to be true that immigrants do indeed play a large role in our society, in this situation, when the children come back into the US when they are older, they will be American citizens. To be an American citizen, one should have gone to school here to learn about our history and all that we have conquered to be where we are today. Not only should they be well-familiarized with our background, they should also be someone that feels pride in living here as it is their mother country. The immigrants that come here, more often than not, don't know much about our history and don't have share that same pride with us that inspires us to sing along the national anthem at our football games. Therefore, they should still be considered immigrants. They should not be able to get the quick ticket to be American just because they were born here and then raced back home.
    --Jacqueline Olympius
    Mr Sloan, Period 3

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  164. I think that everyone has a right to become an American. Weather they are illigal immagrants or born a us citizen. The diversity we have here in America does give us an advantage and makes us stronger. I like the fact that we dont all fallow the same culture or religion, it gives us all a chance to have our on beliefes and stand out against otheres. Many of our immigrants make up most of the hard labor here, because of this factor it gives them more job oportunities that it probably would have in there own country. It also give there children more opportunities especialy when it come to school. Isn't that the american dream to most immigrants? Having opportunity? And allowing their kids to have somthing they never had. So therefore i do believe that everyone should have the "opportunity" to become an "American".

    -Ashley Hall
    Mr.Sloan Period 5

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  165. TO me an American is someone who is motivated, hardworking, and will do what is nessecary to follow there dreams. In the topic of immigrants who move to america to have there children here so they can be of us citizens. The mothers of these children only want the best for them so they can have what they never did. In a way they want there children to have the same American dream they all of us have.

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  166. Being an American to me means having a love for this country, being born a citizen or choosing to become one and always doing the best you can to treat each and every person here with respect. Also, supporting the men and women who fight for our freedom every day and their families.

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  167. I think that they shouldn't take their citizenship from them. Most of the immigrants take jobs the others don't take, for example working on the field most of the immigrants work there. I don't think is a good idea to take the citizenship from a children when their parents are illegal. I think its good that we have many different languages, religions, and different cultural beliefs because we can learn a lot about them and we can get to know more people.
    Stephannie Arredondo
    Mr.Sloan

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  168. I believe that being an American is believing in yourself and in your country. I also believe in the right to become a citizen if one is born in this country. Being an American also gives that person a lot of benefits such as access to more jobs and a better education. Not only will this give immigrants a chance, but also help us in many ways such as in doing jobs that we do not do.
    -Brian Leiva
    Mr. Sloan
    Government, period 5

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  169. This country was made from immigrants so i think that it would not be right to take their citizenship away from them. Also our diversity is was makes us strong we have many different views and opinions to keep us on our toes. (:

    Bryanna Giordano
    Mr. Bauer
    period 1

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  170. Morgan Woods------>BauerAugust 18, 2010 at 9:13 PM

    Morgan Woods---->Bauer
    My dad's company recently had to let go one of their employees who was here working with a visa for the past three years, and during this time he had to children in this country.He was laid off because of a mishap with his job description. Now that he has been laid off what happens to his children?? they are citizens here but their father is being deported back to Mexico? this law needs to be changed.

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  171. What does it mean to be a US citizen? It means to be a documeted, legal individual on american soil. You ask me what American means, but why don't we check out what illegal means instead? Illegal means its against the law! When you break a law you have to accept the consequences. What a concept. So if you come here illegally and you have kids, you have to be willing to accept you can get you and your child deported. I know the kid didn't do it, but unless you can get him adopted by a legal citizen...Good bye.It would be nice if everyone had the same morals, beliefs, and everybody was a productive, caring citizen. However, in the real world thats not going to happen in larger countries. So diversity is good, I think. A lot of people like to throw out the, Immigrants are willing to do the jobs we aren't scenario. I'm pretty sure I could find an adequate number of unlucky jobless legal citizens that would be willing to work. So yeah.

    Marklin Nixon
    Mr. Sloan
    Period 1

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  172. To be a US citizen, i think that you would need to somehow contribute to society, market, education, or anything that benefits others in some way or another. To take the citizenship away from new borns of illegal immigrants would not help out at all. it would only cause more illegal immigrants and rid the opportunites of potentially brilliant people. It is not fair for a legal person to be doing nothing but benefit from citizenship when illegal immigrants work hard and contribute with a lot more trouble because they have no document work.
    Natalie Nunez

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  173. the 14th amendment states that all who are born in the US are US citzens, therfore they should be givin every right a chiled with ligal parents would have.Imigrant parents are only trying to give their chldren a better future full of oportunites and without limitations.
    alondra munoz
    sloan p.5

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  174. Yes I definitely think birth right citizenship should be stopped. Someone should not be able to come to our country, have babies in our hospitals for free and call the child a citizen. Eventually they will argue that they must stay here with their child whether they themselves are citizens or not. Too many times you the people that are doing this, come here reap all the benefits of free government assistance possible, and never put in the years of hard work that many others do. Some immigrants do come here and work and contribute to this economy but if thats the case they should also take the necessary steps to become legal. It is absolutely disgusting, just the thought, that our very own can not afford something so basic as a hospital visit. However, someone indocumented can come and have countless babies with no repercussions. Something needs to be done about not only immigration laws, but about the birth right laws as well.
    PER.1 Mr. Bauer

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  175. I do not believe that birthright citizenship should remain legal. It allows illegal immigrants to come to this country and take advantage of what America has to offer. It is damaging our economy and it needs to stop.
    Conner Woods Bauer

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  176. Bauer Period 2
    To be American is to be a part of this nation,legal or not. The proposal to not give rights to children with illegal parents is absurd. This country was built with the hard, under paid labor of immigrants and now they want to start getting rid of them. This country has a lot to offer and before, it had it's doors wide open saying they are a "great Nation" which it is but that term was glorified way too much. to me the U.S. abused immigrants. Immigrants are the backbone to this economy.By giving birth rights, the problem of being illegal would just increase, and that is what they want to stop so they will be making it worse

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  177. To be an american citizen means to be born in the united states.The term "american" mean someone that is born and raised in the united states.Haveing a diverse population does make us stronger because theres many other religions,not everyone is going to be the same.


    Hinojosa,tania
    Sloan P.5

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  178. Morgan Woods------>BauerAugust 23, 2010 at 8:07 PM

    I believe that the person who supplied the alcohol is very much responsible for what happens due to a drunken minor. Just a week ago a young man in my church youth group came upstairs to youth group and passed out drunk on the floor, he threw up everywhere and it was an eye opening experience. He got the alcohol from a trusted adult and if that person had not supplied alcohol then he would have never embarrassed himself in front of us and he would not have been in danger of alcohol poisoning. it is becasue of the adult that supplied him that these things happened. therefore the supplier of alcohol to minors should be held responsible.

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  179. to me being an american is having pride in your country , being a citizen , and supporting your country when it needs you even if it means risking your life for the people and home you love.

    ricardo villalpando pr.5 mr sloan

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  180. Taking away birth right citizenship is an unfair way to control illegal immigration. If a person is born in the United States, then they should be considered a citizen of the country. Although the parents may be illegal, it is no fault of the child to be born in a country that does not allow his or her parents to be citizens in. To be American means that you have pride in your country and have a strong connection to the country, such as living in it or being born into it. America is the place where everyone should be accepted.
    Mr. Sloan
    Period 5

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  181. I strictly believe that anyone born in the U.S. is a legal citizen as the 14th amendment states. Those children born here might need taxpayer money for things like school and going to the hospital but that money is repayed quickly, since their parents are undocumented citizens they use fake social security numbers so when they get there check there's a social security amount that is taken out but that money never goes back to them since their social security numbers are fake and instead go to the government. But i also believe that this country continues to have a big population because it assures that the future will have plenty of human capital.

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  182. In my opinion to be an American is to the adopt a culture.(American culture)An American is one who lives in America and has conformed to succeed within the country. An American citizen, on the other hand, has adopted the culture and has the ability to vote. Because America is a melting pot of many religions and races, many conflicts have occurred. However, I believe it is this diversity that has made America the land of opportunities.

    Gabby Cello
    p.3
    Mr. Sloan

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  183. I think it's kinda messed up that people from other countries come here and work for us, cleaning our septic tanks and mowing our lawns etc. and all we do is try to kick them out. there are people who have said,"The aliens work harder than my 15 year old son who's offering his work. To be an american. Do we really know what that means? And if we do, why arent we living like it? I think it means to love evryone as equals, to show everyone respect and honour. To let people have their rights no matter what country they came from.
    Sloan
    per. 5

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  184. To take away birth right citizenship would be completly unfair and the wrong way to fix illegal imigration. They were born here just like everyother American citizen weather or not if there parents were illegal imigrants. I do feel though however that everyone should have to speek our english language in the U.S.

    Amanda Hommond
    Sloan per.1

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  185. My opinion on this is why treat a person different just because they weren’t born in the United States? They are human like everyone else and I don’t think immigrants hurt us citizens in anyway they come to the united states to live a new life to get away from all the bad wars that go on in their country or homes so I think they should not be treated any different.
    Aniscia Silva. Sloan. Per 5.

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  186. Gevevahna LathipanyaOctober 5, 2010 at 4:01 PM

    I believe that in order to be a citizen in the U.S. one must live in the country for a certain about of years. Just because someone is born here it shouldn't give them the right to citizenship if they haven't lived in the U.S. I don't think they deserve the benefits that true American citizens do.

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  187. i believe that America is a stronger nation with its different ethnicity because new ideas could be taken. I also believe that if somebody is born in the u.s. they are American
    s

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  188. I think that immigration is not bad because people come to our country to work and look for a better life and no it doesn't affect how we are and yes i believe it makes us stronger because more different cultures and people make it a unique country were american learn from other people from other countries. I think that being born with undocumented parents and becoming a citizen should not be a problem at all because people who wer born like that did not chose to come they were forced by their parents to come to this counrty and everyone should have the right to have the same rights than any other american.

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  189. Immigration is a part of how our country runs, it is essential for the U.S. economy. Immigrants are willing to do laborous and tedious jobs that most americans will not do. These are low paying jobs that citizens will not work but immigrants can earn more money doing them to support a family. I believe that many of the jobs that are unwanted yet necessary jobs would go on unfilled if immigrats did not take them. I think that immigration is necessary and that without it our economy could never have grown the way it has.
    Spencer Pellandini
    Sloan
    P.1

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  190. enrique salazar sloanper5December 15, 2010 at 3:17 PM

    I believe that immigrants should come the legal way and get their greencard because it wouldnt be fair to the other citizens

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