2007 (AP)— Thousands of people marched through downtown on Saturday, demanding a way for the country’s estimated 12 million illegal immigrants to become citizens and condemning President Bush’s latest proposal.
Carrying signs saying “Amnesty Now!” and “Love Thy Neighbor, Don’t Deport Him,” about 15,000 people danced to Mexican ranchera music, chanted “Si, se puede!” or “It can be done!” and passed large American flags over the crowd.
Many were angry about a White House plan that would grant illegal immigrants work visas but require them to return home to apply for U.S. residency and pay a $10,000 fine.
“Charging that much, Bush is going to be even more expensive than the coyotes,” said protester Armando Garcia, 50, referring to smugglers who transport people across the Mexican border.
Call me crazy, but I have a hard time feeling badly for these people. If you are an illegal immigrant you are entitled to be treated like a person. You are entitled to basic human dignity, but you are not entitled to all of the same privileges as legal citizens receive.
Come here illegally and you help to propagate a system in which you can be exploited. More on this at a later date.
🙂
Pissing and moaning about paying 10,000???
Wait until they become legal and self-employed and get hit with tax bills like mine.
My fucking heart bleeds for them, I tell ya.