Illegals in Providence (rent, subsidized, taxes)

[mr2448]

Originally Posted by elston

When you "assume" you make yourself into a three letter word that is hiding in the word assume.

The City of Woonsocket and surrounding towns had a vibrant French speaking population for many many years. The kids might speak English, but they would have to translate for their parents and grandparents. It was very possible to go to school, conduct business, attend church and participate in community events and not to speak English. I can't help but wonder how many languages jtgorham is fluent in . They seem to speak the language of hate, but to fail simple logic and reason.

This was true with any ethnic community; Italian, Swedish, Polish, Jewish, etc. You could exist within your communities' world without the use of English. But, English was the bind that brought the individual communites together. It was the common ground that enabled you to do business with the other communities without learning a multitide of other languages. I constantly have to remind myself that our original founders chose English over German, by 3 or 4 votes, as the language of our country!

[traceyr13]

Thank you so much for those of you who called this person on these disturbingly ignorant and discriminatory remarks. I actually tried to craft a response several times, but couldn't manage to be civil.

And btw, the generally preferred term now is "undocumented resident" rather than "illegal alien". The term "alien" has...interesting...connotations. I know that was the accepted terminology for years, but slowly we're shifting away from language that is so hostile.

[CaseyB]

The actual terminology IS "illegal alien", per legislation regardless of whether someone deems it offensive.

A "resident alien" is someone who is not yet, (or may never be) a naturalized citizen, but nevertheless is here lawfully.

[Rnrboy]

...is the most complicated political issue out there. Even political leanings don't really pre-determine anyone's position on this.

I will disclose that I believe we should get far better security at the border, and that many of these people should be deported. That having been said, I feel some people take up the very same position as me, but for the wrong reasons. Sometimes I suspect racism is involved. No one should be against having illegals here because of their race. No matter what their race, or country of origin, crossing the border undocumented is a crime. It also drives down wages so that corporations can fire natives who expect more pay - whilst exploiting the undocumented workers.

Of course, we cannot simply go on a campaign to rid the country of all illegals. Those who are able to demonstrate their worthiness to assimilate to our culture should be given a chance to do so, after initial penalties are doled out.

However, those who are in gangs and cause violence (as in many parts of CA, NM, AZ) should be deported - no questions asked.

I think that someimes political correctness on the one hand, and blatantly disgusting racism on the other both get in the way of meaningful and production conversation on this topic.

The bottom line is there is no all-or nothing answer on immigration. There will have to be a compromise. And, unfortunately, neither side appears willing to do that currently.

[ivoryours]

I am a native born Rhode Islander, I moved 4 years ago but go back home every month to visit family and friends. I do believe that a true Rhode Islander is one of a kind. Not only in the way we TALK, but in our attitudes good or bad. I do think we are very friendly people with a warm heart, well most of us. One thing can be said, a Rhode Islander can move anywhere but will always be a Rhode Islander you just can not change that in them.

I am proud to be a Rhode Islander

[traceyr13]

Originally Posted by CaseyB

The actual terminology IS "illegal alien", per legislation regardless of whether someone deems it offensive.

A "resident alien" is someone who is not yet, (or may never be) a naturalized citizen, but nevertheless is here lawfully.

Right...because anything that is currently deemed appropriate per our legislation is automatically the right way to go.

I said the "preferred term", not what is currently utilized by our government.

Here is a great article from the Harvard Law Review addressing the ignorance in American regarding illegal and undocumented residents: http://www.law.harvard.edu/students/...ol9/lipman.pdf There is a ton of factual data in there that addresses the fears that they are hurting our economy and unfairly draining social services.

[RuralCoastalGuy]

Originally Posted by ivoryours

I am a native born Rhode Islander, I moved 4 years ago but go back home every month to visit family and friends. I do believe that a true Rhode Islander is one of a kind. Not only in the way we TALK, but in our attitudes good or bad. I do think we are very friendly people with a warm heart, well most of us. One thing can be said, a Rhode Islander can move anywhere but will always be a Rhode Islander you just can not change that in them.

I am proud to be a Rhode Islander

BRAVO!

I could not have said that any better . We left RI 10 years ago and, no matter what anyone says or does, we are still Rhodies. We cannot change who or what we are...we can only assimilate to where we now call home and embrace our new surroundings (which do not include snow...the only thing we do not miss about RI). Right about now I can almost taste an Olneyville Weiner Man weiner "all the way" with a glass of milk with Autocrat coffee syrup!

[CaseyB]

"Right...because anything that is currently deemed appropriate per our legislation is automatically the right way to go.

I said the "preferred term", not what is currently utilized by our government."

Tracey, your term is "PC", and you are free to use it all you want, but it is still a euphemism, not something that correctly describes an individual's actual status. Other statements made by posters go too far in the opposite direction, tending towards racism.

[RUBIES77]

Originally Posted by jtgorham

Anyone who is over the age of 21 and does not speak english, more than likely is an illeagle.

YOUR ENGLISH GRAMMAR is pretty bad, for god,s sake, you can not even spell the word "illegal," correctly!

[marc melchiori]

Providence is a sewer. We can thank the politicians whom we elect for that.