Illegal Immigration

Alabama's Tough New Immigration Law

CNN recently posted a story where Alabama, following in Arizona and Georgia's footsteps, signs a tough new immigration bill into law.  I applaud the states who are trying to address a controversial situation that, it seems, the federal government is ignoring or incapable of fixing. 

As a naturalized U.S. citizen with parents who worked their butts off to go through the legal channels in order to come to this country legally, this issue is personal.  These laws aren't anti-immigration.  They are anti-illegal immigration.  Don't confuse the two.  I certainly don't.

I know that this country, unless you're a Native American, is made up entirely of immigrants from different countries around the world.  I welcome and enjoy the smorgasbord of cultures we have, especially in the Bay Area in California.  However, I don't like the idea that 12,000+ undocumented/illegal aliens are allowed to just stay and take advantage of government programs.  Their children, at least in California, are allowed to receive reduced in-state tuition rates when it's already so hard for most to afford the rising cost of education.  They are employed by businesses trying to save a few bucks instead of hiring a legal resident of this country.   What was the point of my parents petitioning the government, filing paper work, paying fees, and waiting years and years just to come here?  Tell me how that is fair?  Tell me why we let that happen?

Those who choose to stay here illegally just spit on the efforts of all immigrants who wade through the lengthy process of citizenship.  It's selfish to want the benefits of being in the United States, of being a U.S. citizen, but not abiding by the laws of this country and going through the federal immigration process.