Sunday, December 2, 2007

The American Dream

While many politicians in New York and elsewhere were briefly incensed over Gov. Eliot Spitzer’s proposal to grant driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants, New York has been regarded as more generous in providing various benefits, regardless of whether immigrants are here legally. New York City has encouraged illegal immigrants to avail themselves of city public safety, health and other services by saying they would not be reported to immigration authorities.

Immigrants in New York Better Off, Study Finds


In New York City, 57 percent of children under 5 had foreign-born fathers, even more than in Los Angeles County. In New York State, according to the analysis, 49 percent of households headed by an illegal immigrant are enrolled in one welfare program or another, typically food assistance and Medicaid for their children.

41 comments:

Anonymous said...

For some proper context, this was also in the article:

"Foreign-born New Yorkers are better educated, more likely to have health insurance and less likely to have entered the country illegally compared with immigrants in the rest of the country, according to a new analysis. . . .

illegal immigrants represent 65 percent of the foreign-born population in Arizona, 50 percent in Texas, 39 percent in Colorado on the high end, ranging to 23 percent in New Jersey and 13 percent in New York.

One reason for the relatively low proportion in New York, he said, is that the state is farther from the Mexican border. Also, social networks in New York draw many more legal immigrants. And, he said, other studies have found that among the foreign-born people who are in New York illegally, more are likely to have overstayed their visas than to have entered the country illegally."

Anonymous said...

Most will grow up in the streets to rob and kill us in our later years.
I'm glad I dont have kids, my grandchildren would likley be squat monsters.
Id rather my European bloodline die.

-Joe

Anonymous said...

Dec 2, 2007
Jorge W Bush
Whitehouse
Washington DC, 20510

As a native New Yorker r and recent customer Internal Revenue Service, I am writing to ask for your assistance. I have contacted the Immigration and Naturalization Service in an effort to determine the process for becoming an illegal alien and they referred me to you.
My reasons for wishing to change my status from U.S. Citizen to illegal alien stem from the bill which was recently passed by the Senate and for which you voted. If my understanding of this bill's provisions is accurate, as an illegal alien who has been in the United States for five years, all I need to do to become a citizen is to pay a $2,000 fine and income taxes for three of the last five years. I know a good deal when I see one and wish to get the process started before everyone figures it out. Simply put, those of us who have been here legally have had to pay taxes every year so I'm excited about the prospect of avoiding years of taxes in return for paying a $2,000 fine. Is there any way that I can apply to be illegal retroactively? This would yield an excellent result for me and my family because we paid heavy taxes in 2006 and 2007.
Another benefit in gaining illegal status I could receive Medicaid and preferential treatment related to my medical school applications. If you would provide me with an outline of the process to become illegal (retroactively if possible) and copies of the necessary forms, I would be most appreciative.
Thank you for your assistance.
Your Loyal Constituent,
Joe L

Anonymous said...

There is no need to put foreign criminals in context with legal immigrants. And no need to put the amount of tax money spent on foreign criminals in context with legal immigrants.

Anonymous said...

These stats touted by #1 mean nothing. There are six million people in AZ and more than that in NYC alone.

Anonymous said...

Foreign criminals? Answer this - what crime is broken if a person overstays his/her visa? I'll answer for you - none. Overstaying a visa is not a crime. Speaking of tax money, why don't you read this, from the Fiscal Policy Institute:

"Immigrants added $229 billion to the New York State economy in 2006, according to a new report by the Fiscal Policy Institute. That represents 22.4 percent of the state's Gross Domestic Product, according to the report, Working for a Better Life: A Profile of Immigrants in the New York Economy.

"These figures should wipe away any impression that immigrants are holding the New York economy back," said David Dyssegaard Kallick, senior fellow of the Fiscal Policy Institute and principal author of the report. "In fact, immigrants are a central component of New York's economic growth."

In New York City, where immigrants make up 37 percent of the population and 46 percent of the labor force, immigrants are bolstering the middle class. Immigrants in New York City are more likely than U.S.-born residents to live in families in the middle income brackets, and less likely to live in families with very high or very low incomes. Immigrants make up a quarter of CEOs who live in New York City, half of accountants, a third of office clerks, a third of receptionists, and a third of building cleaners. In sector after sector, immigrants are found in the top, middle, and bottom rungs of the economic ladder, from finance to real estate to medicine."

Anonymous said...

We aren't talking about legal immigrants. We are talking about the people who are in violation of the citizenship laws of this country.

Anonymous said...

"Immigrants added $229 billion to the New York State economy in 2006, according to a new report by the Fiscal Policy Institute."

:::yawn::: Wake me up when the tweeding is over.

Anonymous said...

The people who blew up the world trade center were here on expired visas. Then the government started cracking down on that nonsense.

Anonymous said...

They are breaking the law. Period.

Anonymous said...

Immigrants YES, illegal immigrants and those who overstay their tourist and student visas - NO.

Assistance not welfare to legal documented immigrants is warranted. We should have compassion for individuals whom are illegal - respect for human beings but they are illegal and thus have no claim or entitlments to rights and assistance that legal immigrants and residents and citizens have struggled to earn.

Anonymous said...

In my neighborhood "illegals" get all the freebies (i.e. medical coverage etc.) and a lot of us legal natives come up dry because many of us can't afford adequate
health insurance.

Thanks president G.W. And thanks mayor Boob-berg for making NYC a sanctuary city!

I'm thinking of leaving the USA and returning illegally to claim my American rights!

You know the ones I'm talking about.....
life, liberty and good medical insurance for my family.

fuckgoogle said...

To anonymous commenter, I don't understand the backwards logic of blaming illegal immigration for impinging on your "right" to "good medical insurance for [your] family." This is the United States, where one does not have a right to good medical coverage because the GOP and the insurance industry will not permit "socialized" medicine. They're to blame, not poor people who live ten to a room. You're channeling a legitimate grievance into a discussion/consideration of an unrelated problem.

Anonymous said...

Illegal immigrants cost us lots of money. They break the laws to come her and once they get here, they know everything that they are entitled to. They get food stamps, free medical and if our government gets its way FREE SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS. Citizens have to pay social security to reap the benefits in their old age. I'm convinced they are costing us big time. Why can't police and authorities round them up and ship them out? Fine the people that employ them. Once the jobs dry up or once their benefits dry up, they'll go home. Law enforcement allows them to break the laws. They can't arrest them for being here illegally. If they are arrested, they are let go. I don't understand why our police are aiding and abetting criminals. Can someone explain?

Anonymous said...

why are our police are aiding and abetting criminals ?

The polititions see the 3rd world garbage as future voters or cheap labor for the corperates who donate $$ for there elections.
In return they tie the polices hands.

Then you have the liberal civil rights jerks and the falling Catholic church that needs them to survive......thats another story

Anonymous said...

Why don't you actually read the whole article and the Fiscal Policy Institute report instead of just spitting out unverified nonsense. The studies show that in NY, immigrants (both legal and illegal) contribute more to the economy than they receive in entitlements. More than half of the illegal immigrants in NY did not break the law to get here, as you say. If an immigrant commits a crime, they should be punished or deported.

Why don't you try researching some facts to support these accusations of yours?

Anonymous said...

"The studies show that in NY, immigrants (both legal and illegal) contribute more to the economy than they receive in entitlements."

Just think how much stronger our economy would be if we weren't giving entitlements to illegals.

"More than half of the illegal immigrants in NY did not break the law to get here, as you say."

No, they just are breaking the law by staying here after their visas expire. Six and a half dozen.

Anonymous said...

If you read the Forum West this week, you'll see a story about an illegal Pakistani who funneled money back home to terrorists by stealing credit card numbers. God, I love this melting pot.

Anonymous said...

Nick - you'll also read about a bunch of homegrown morons who assaulted a local business owner and others who broke into and robbed local businesses. I would rather keep the honest hard-working immigrants over these native lowlife losers any day.

Anonymous said...

If they're legal, I'm with you. No green card, then sayonara, sucker!

Anonymous said...

Let's not forget the great piece about the budding councilman who is building a piece of Queens Crap in Middle Village.

Anonymous said...

So if Congress passes the law to allow the alien immigrants to get citizenship, Nick will have no problems with them anymore. My point is, immigrants who are unlawful because they overstayed their visa are no better or worse people than others who are born here. Most of these immigrants are here because they love America and would love to get citizenship.

About the budding councilman, that really doesn't have anything to do with immigration, but ok.

Anonymous said...

Actually, in the parts of the article Crappy cited, "illegal immigrants" are not broken down into ones that overstayed their visas or came stealthily. In fact, you'd think someone who doesn't have a Visa would be forced into menial labor jobs, too, working off the books and not paying taxes. Also, those who overstayed their visas are probably not Mexican, but from Europe. It's funny how "illegal immigrants" = Mexicans as per this article.

Anonymous said...

All I know is that NYC is too damned crowded. I'd like to see the population reduced by half. We'd be able to live like human beings again, then, instead of like penned up animals fighting over scraps of meat.

Anonymous said...

hey "anonymous ",i'd love to meet these FOREIGN born folKK
as all we ever see out here are turd world illegals living off the taxpayers which aren't wealthy either and have not YET been officially notified that we're now a socialist republic which apparently you think it is.
either we are a nation of laws or
we're
not.
and you better pray that the day never arrives when WE decide which LAWS we're going to abide by.

Anonymous said...

In the meantime "Corley"......
I'm paying for THEIR coverage
while I CAN'T afford to pay for my wife's.

See what I mean folks?

THOSE ILLEGALS
are taking bread from my table
and money from my pocket
to cover THEIR expenses......
and I'm a CITIZEN !
(But I'm obviously NOT
entitled to the SAME rights as those
who are NON CITIZENS ) !

And....YES.... I agree with you.....
I think we should all be covered by
"socialized medicine"
(if that's not too nasty a term to use).

But her highness Hillary
got TOO MUCH campaign $$$$$$
from the pharmaceutical/medical industry
to hope for such a pipe dream.

I guess it'll be more of the same
if that smug, inexperienced pants-suiter
claims her divine right to the White House!

Anonymous said...

maybe if Hil becomes Prez she'll institute that nationwide health coverage plan for everybody.

Anonymous said...

You want the government to control where people live, and now you want socialized health care. Why are you still living in this country? I have a good job and I pay for my own health insurance. Why should you have to pay toward my health care?

Anonymous said...

Hey look as a taxpayer who works and has a home I cannot get the benefit of grants for my college age kid, my elderly Mom pays for 90% of her medicine she needs to survive, I pay high taxes for little in return from the Feds, forget about Spitzer welfare state and feed them cake Bloomberg. Don't go to an emergency room with a heart attack - you will die waiting. You can expect to wait hours behind illegals whom can't be turned away and is clogging the wards with people obtaining treatment for colds, toothachs etc. I am getting sucked dry by illegals, DOB blindness and pay through the nose for everything. Eliminate illegals at all costs - build the fences higher, protect our borders - shoot what crosses that line - it could be the next Osama.

Anonymous said...

Hey.....the operative word is
"you have a good job".

I'd like to see what you'd do WHEN you lose it
(an occurance that can happen at any time) !

My wife also HAD a good job....
note the use of the past tense.....HAD !

She LOST IT (or was deliberately "let go"
because she was approaching retirement).

She could no longer afford
a health plan anymore.
(Her COBRA rollover
would have cost us $1,000 a month) !

So I went through about $30,000
from my only retirement money
to pay for her medical insurance
over a period of 3 years.

We couldn't qualify for the same coverage
that an illegal immigrant gets (Medicaid)
because were "middle class" !

We're sadly considering a move
to the United Kingdom
where a civilized society has responsibilities
to take care of its seniors who have contributed
to their country while they were young.

Anonymous said...

The rich find loopholes and have enough money to NOT worry about things...

The poor/immigrants get everything for FREE!

The Middle Class has to pay for it all!

Anonymous said...

Our seniors get medicare. If I lost my job, I would search for a new job, and likely get health insurance through my new job. If I couldn't work and was unable to take care of myself, then the government should help, but not before. Hey, if you all want to pay a huge increase in taxes to support my health insurance, even though I can afford it myself, I shouldn't complain, sounds like a good deal for me.

Anonymous said...

Let's say you suddenly find yourself
EXPENSIVELY SICK some day....
God forbid.

Then the cost
of your employer paid health care
suddenly goes way up after your claims.

You may wind up with
a hefty co-payment towards
your medical coverage.....
if your boss insists.

This will be deducted from your pay check.
Ouch....that hurts....doesn't it ?

Maybe you continue to be ill for a long time
and you finally lose your job.

Your insurance is then canceled.

You are now out of work.....sick....
and worse MIDDLE CLASS.

So you'll have to"spend down"
any "rainy day" savings you may have....
until you finally reach the poverty level
and are eligible for Medicaid !

This, my friend, is downward mobility
in an uncaring, uncivilized country !

Anonymous said...

Some employers
are checking out the vast computer banks
of medical information that are on file
after they interview a potential employee.

If you've got any medical history
that might cost them more for your health insurance
they might be reluctant to hire you.

Is that illegal ?
Surprisingly, it's done every day !

Anonymous said...

Bottom line is illegals suck away jobs say frorm skilled high paying builders union trades positions for example. Yet the illegal position get paid 10% of the union rate, without the sameskill set and the property still cost the same to the consumer. Additionally a few years later the roof colapses on the consumers head because of the illegal workers shoddy work and because the DOB policy of architect self-certification. In this one example you are getting ripped off 4 times all because of illegal immigrants and spawning even more criminal activities upstream. All US citizens and legal aliens pay an extremly high price in so many ways most of it not apparent until we realize we have 8-10 million illegal folks on our hands that we support, to get rid of. Too late my friends, we might as well annex Mexico at this point. See what happenned as a result of the Spanish American war - we won all of Puerto Rico once they found out welfare was instantly available upon arrival in NYC.

Anonymous said...

SCAPEGOAT - 1: a goat upon whose head are symbolically placed the sins of the people after which he is sent into the wilderness in the biblical ceremony for Yom Kippur
2 a: one that bears the blame for others b: one that is the object of irrational hostility

Illegal immigrants started every war in the 20th Century, assasinated John Kennedy and Martin Luther King and are responsible for global warming also.

Anonymous said...

These made up stories and hypotheticals are fun, but do any of you anti-immigrant or socialist medicine folk have any real, verifiable facts to back your statements? Because I haven't seen any yet.

Anonymous said...

You're the one
whose talking through your ass cheeks....
last "anonymous "poster !

This ain't a grade school classroom
and we're not here to give you
the education that you lack.

All the facts that are out there
in plain sight.

GO LOOK THEM UP FOR YOURSELF
and park your diversionary tactics!

Some of those medical stories
you allude to as bogus
are both personal and PRIVATE.....
and yes....they are REAL !

Anonymous said...

I think that there is
an American Medical Ass'n stooge
who's posting on this site.....
the one who keeps on bashing
government paid health plans.

What's the difference
if you doctors get paid by us consumers
or the Federal Government ?

You can still play golf in your Armani suits !

Hey.....don't bother with the
"It'll raise our taxes" line of BS.

We're paying enough for a damn war
(in the opinion of top military commanders)
that's costing us a bundle and accomplishing little
for the high price we're paying for it.

And that's in HUMAN LIFE as well as tax dollars !

Why don't you just go take two aspirin
and call me in the morning!

Anonymous said...

I think that the biggest problem with in our health care system is corruption - not immigration - legal or otherwise.

Corruption in the health care industry limits the resources that are available to the health system and reduces the effectiveness of health services public or private. Medicaid fraud is rampant, and our own American born and raised health professionals are to blame.

In addition, pharmaceutical representatives ply doctors with gifts at our expense – they push the new and more expensive drugs when the old ones were just as effective and in some cases more so – for their own profits.

The immigration situation has therefore been exploited by these profiteers.

Anonymous said...

does anyone know whats the pic is called or the arther