In just the past week, President Barack Obama has visited Mexico. His administration has picked a “border czar” to handle illegal immigration and border issues.The president has said he wants to reopen the debate on immigration reform this year – giving hope to pro-immigrant groups and raising concerns of a possible “amnesty” among those who want stronger enforcement.
While the economy is no doubt the administration’s top priority, the president -- with his words and actions – has helped keep the immigration debate alive. Like many of you, we have taken notice.
But it’s not just the president talking about immigration:
- A record 1,046,539 people (nearly half were Latino) became new citizens last year, a 58 percent increase from 2007.
- A new report by the Pew Hispanic Center shows the flood of illegal immigrants has slowed in the United States – and may have decreased in North Carolina – due to the bad economy and enforcement.
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement deported 369,049 people in fiscal 2008 -- the most in any year in U.S. history.
As the immigration debate begins to heat up, we plan to increase our coverage on this challenging issue with a new blog.This Land will complement our regular coverage published in the paper and online. We’ll bring you new voices and analysis. We’ll point you toward other interesting stories, studies, photography, and videos.
As the main author of this blog, my goal is to find the balance between the fact that the United States is both a country made of immigrants and a nation of laws.
The comments section is open. This is an emotional topic, but I don’t see why we can’t have a healthy, spirited dialogue without it becoming a forum for name calling and side-bashing.
So, send your thoughts and ideas. And if I may quote one of my esteemed colleagues and fellow bloggers, please “keep it clean, keep it civil, and keep it witty whenever possible.”
Photos: John Simmons/Observer, Associated Press
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13 comments:
As if the chicken stories weren't enough? Please.
And as a nation of laws if you come illegally we have a right to stop you. I don't understand your juxtaposition of nation of laws vs. nation of immigrants. If they are here legally then I have no problem. We should never be a nation of illegal immigrants.
I'm just happy to see your keyboard can type the words illegal immigration .
If the crime of illegal immigration were taken seriously by the government and Corporate America, I might lend an ear to what you have to say. But, until the time comes that I can speak my mind on this subject and not be branded a racist or an uncaring American, I will continue to voice my opinion for the elimination of ALL illegal immigrants and the criminal prosecution of ANY business that hires them. I am sure that you have heard the phrase, "Angry American"? Well, I am one of them.
I agree. Just get out. Our children need their jobs at McDonald's, BK, etc.
Why do you need to find a balance "between the fact that the United States is both a country made of immigrants and a nation of laws?" There is a big difference between the immigrants that come into the country legal and those who come here illegally expecting to be protected from/by our laws. The illegal immigrants don't get any sympathy from me.
What do you not understand about the English word ILLEGAL????????
GO HOME AND TAKE YOUR US TAXPAYER SUPPORTED ANCHOR BABIES WITH YOU!
P.S. On the way out, don't let the door hit you where the good Lord split you.
"The comments section is open. This is an emotional topic, but I don’t see why we can’t have a healthy, spirited dialogue without it becoming a forum for name calling and side-bashing."That's an open reciepe for disastier. Be prepared for some really nasty comments; which I guess is the real goal seeing this is on blogger and not on the Charlotte Observer's controlled and user only blog pages.
Just another version of Thats Wassup
This will not end well. No way, no how.
Be interesting to see if the reporting mentions the trash and destruction the illegals cause through the trail paths of their illegal activities. Also, I'm sure it will only mention the people south of the border and fail to mention other illegals who make it into this country. If they do, it'd be a very small reference of the other ethnecities. As if some how the people south of the border are more special and they have more of a right to the access of our country's resources.
Yeah, welcome to this land.
The line forms at the REAR.
Seems like just another of the shrinking O's attempt at driving page hits at "hot topic" links in it's failing effort to convince advertisers that it's still relevant.
FAIL!
McClatchy death watch...how many days before being de-listed?
We are a country founded on legality. So, if you immigrant here legally, I welcome you.
If not, then you are taking the chance to get caught and be shipped back. It's that simple. Here illegally, then you have chosen to take the chance of being deported.
If you didn't like the risk, then you would have came here legally.
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