Others say he is an asset to the discourse on illegal immigration in the state, and Botwin himself maintains he is merely a concerned citizen asking questions about how the government spends his taxes.
In just two and a half years, Help Save Maryland, the anti-illegal immigrant group Botwin founded, has grown from a small protest movement in Rockville to a statewide organization with volunteer coordinators in almost every county. The organization protests at day labor centers, attends public meetings, publishes a blog and sends out regular newsletters. Botwin said Help Save Maryland counts roughly 2,000 members, and organizes its protests and appearances mostly by e-mail.
Illegal immigration is likely to become the subject of contentious national debate in coming months, as Congress is expected to take up immigration reform after finishing the current health care reform effort. Representatives from both parties have said reform must address illegal immigration and make sure visa quotas align with employer needs.
But Botwin said his group is ready to fight reform: "Right now our position is: the system isn't broken."
Help Save Maryland was founded in response to the opening of a day labor center in Gaithersburg in 2007. Botwin said Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett built the center contrary to popular opposition.
"He just took it upon himself to plop it on county land without any public hearings," Botwin said. "This was an egregious act on his part and that just prompted me to start this group."
Patrick Lacefield, a spokesman for Leggett, said: "It's a free country and we understand that they think what they think, but basically our feeling is that in Montgomery County, we value our diversity, we value our immigrants."
Help Save Maryland garnered national attention this spring, when Alabama-based non-profit The Southern Poverty Law Center listed it among 'nativist extremist groups,' a category that stops short of the label 'hate group,' which the center awards to overtly racist organizations.
A nativist extremist group, Southern Poverty Law Center spokeswoman Heidi Beirich said, is usually an "aggressive anti-immigration group."
"They're not necessarily groups going out and using slurs," Beirich said. "But these are organizations that don't debate policy -- they don't lobby their legislators or have what we would call a civil and democratic debate. They're people that get in the face of immigrants and confront people rather than legislators."
Botwin, who is Jewish, said he views the listing as an "anti-Semitic act against me."
"We're not radicals. We are all tax-paying, working American citizens, all walks of life, every ethnic group, every nationality, we've got them," Botwin said. "We are just questioning what our elected officials are doing with our money on this issue."
One of Help Save Maryland's tax-paying members is Pree Glenn-Graves, a coordinator for Prince George's County. Glenn-Graves says she joined Help Save Maryland after her husband lost his home improvement business. She said the business failed because her husband was unable to compete with cheaper rates offered by businesses using illegal labor.
"If he was willing to do a job for $4,000, illegal immigrants would do it for $1,500."
Glenn-Graves said she seeks to raise awareness of the effects of illegal immigration on Prince George's County's black community.
"None of our children are hired by McDonald's or KFC because they can pay illegals below the minimum wage," Glenn-Graves said. "Even though we're the ones paying taxes, our children aren't the ones getting jobs."
KFC spokeswoman Laurie Schalow responded, saying, "KFC's policy is to comply with all state and federal employment laws, including only hiring individuals who can verify their legal status and right to work in the United States."
McDonald's spokeswoman Danya Proud said: "As an employer, we do not knowingly hire or employ undocumented or unauthorized workers. McDonald's USA has strict policies in place regarding hiring and employment practices -- this includes, abiding by all applicable local, state and federal employment laws."
Among Help Save Maryland's most active members is Steve Berryman, a coordinator for Frederick County. Berryman writes the group's blog and is a regular contributor to other regional blogs. He describes himself as Libertarian-leaning and a member of the "NRA Grassroots movement."
Berryman said Brad Botwin asked him to become involved in the group after he had read some of his writing.
Berryman was happy to join Help Save Maryland because "my views coincide with (Botwin's) very closely."
The Help Save Maryland coordinators, Berryman said, "act as a communication nexus. We will pass along information about protests or speaking opportunities on e-mail chains, which are sometimes different by region."
Frederick County Sheriff Charles Jenkins has spoken at several events organized by Help Save Maryland. The group, Jenkins said, supports his participation in 287(g), a government program allowing local police to enforce federal immigration laws. Frederick County is the only participating jurisdiction in Maryland.
"Steve (Berryman) has been supportive by calling in to talk radio shows, making public comments, writing letters to the editor, things like that," Jenkins said.
Help Save Maryland also cooperates with People for Change in Prince George's County, a predominantly African-American organization that lobbies for government accountability. The group describes itself as non-partisan, but it has expressed strongly conservative positions on issues such as immigration and gay marriage.
"The black community is really picking up on the illegal immigration issue," Botwin said. "When I told some of the members of People for Change that Prince George's Community College was running a training program for illegal alien day laborers, training them to be construction workers, the report back from the crowd was: 'We don't see very many black construction workers anymore.'"
Deirda Hill, director of PGCC's marketing department, said the college checks immigration status for all students who take classes for credit. If a potential student does not seek credit, the college asks only for a local address.
Help Save Manassas, another Help Save Maryland affiliate, was an inspiration for his own group, although the two rarely coordinate their protests, Botwin said.
Help Save Manassas founder Greg Letiecq is known for the frequently inflammatory statements he makes on his blog, Black Velvet Bruce Li. In a recent blog post, Letiecq referred to President Obama as "Dear Leader," a title used by North Koreans for that country's chief, Kim Jong-Il.
Help Save Maryland's ire is mostly directed at immigrant advocacy groups such as CASA de Maryland and Identity Inc., and by extension liberal Democratic politicians who support them.
Still, Candace Kattar, Identity Inc.'s executive director, said she has found members of Help Save Maryland to be courteous at public meetings they have attended.
"I think they have a very singular issue, which is to get rid of undocumented people," Kattar said. "So if there are discussions about any issue, the question is always whether or not the individual is undocumented."
Others have reacted more strongly to the group's often confrontational rhetoric.
"The general perspective of the group seems very hostile," said Bruce Adams, director of the Office of Community Partnerships in Montgomery County. "The county executive is dedicated to building the nation's most multicultural community, and so the work of this group really undermines our ability to do that."
Maryland Delegate Victor Ramirez, D-Prince George's, said he calls the group "Help Divide Maryland."
"They're spreading hate and disruption," Ramirez said. "Until they become more reasonable and stop preaching division and hate, I don't see how they're adding anything to the conversation or the solution."
Delegate Ben Barnes, D-Prince George's, has written two letters opposing Help Save Maryland. In the most recent, published Oct. 8, Barnes wrote: "This type of divisive and offensive rhetoric has no place in our rich diverse community and has been used by the right wing for far too long."
On the other side of the political spectrum, many conservative delegates support the group.
Delegate Susan Krebs, R-Carroll, said: "Their contribution has been to try to get the facts out about the impact of illegal immigration on schools, services, budgets and health care. Those discussions need to occur."
"They've testified in favor of a number of my bills, and they're always well-prepared," said Delegate Patrick McDonough, R-Baltimore County, who has introduced several pieces of legislation to limit services to illegal immigrants. "They're a great asset, and I wish there were a lot more of them all around the state."
Buoyed by conservative support and undaunted by criticism, Botwin says his group is gearing up for the immigration reform debate.
"There's an old saying from Mahatma Gandhi -- first they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win," Botwin said. "Now they're fighting us."
Copyright © 2009 University of Maryland Philip Merrill College of Journalism
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C Mac - 2009-11-08 15:41:13
My apologies. Reacting before underatnding what you were trying to say. Woof. As you said; I was barking up the wrong tree. Mea Culpa.
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Pasquale Zamzino - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent
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Barking up the Wrong Tree - 2009-11-08 13:55:33
You didn't get it!
Pasquale-
Read the entire post and the post the comment was referring to, prior to commenting on one sentence.
I'm a bleeding heart, but also a realist. We do exist. Religion has nothing to do with this discussion was my point and immigration views were never mentioned. You wasted time barking up the wrong tree.
Think deeper, I shouldn't have to dummy down my post to avoid friendly fire.
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C Mac - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent
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Comment removed by HometownAnnapolis staff. - 2009-11-08 13:14:58
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Religion - Not the Issue - 2009-11-08 10:18:50
(response to Christopher Linnen)
How simplistic, but correct "legal status doesn't make you a better person", but it does make you LEGAL. Church should not be used as a safe haven for illegals and they're not automatically a "good person" because they attend, as you indicated. You're masking the issue with your imagination.
Attending free English classes offered by local churches is admirable, hiding in a pew to avoid persecution and deportation is cowardly. Religion is the same institution that is directing millions of illegals to "go forth and procreate". How about we don't drag religion into this legal discussion.
This is a legal, moral issue. Unless persecution is based on religious beliefs, religion has no place in this discussion.
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C Mac - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent
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Stephen Martin - 2009-11-08 05:51:30
Yeah like that names' original too.
Remember the first words in the 60's TV drama "Dragnet". They are "The names were changed to protect the innocent".
My ancestors were German and Irish.
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Steve Gundersen - Annapolis, Md - Karma: Excellent
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illegals flock to church - 2009-11-07 16:23:00
They are safe in church. A church that knows that money and legal status doesn't make you a better person. When they are persecuted, I see illegsls filling our pews because they know that the best way to be a credit to our community is to be good people. The anglo church is now latino church, and that will bring our community together, not based only on financial interest, politics, and philosophy, but on a unifying force with fidelity- religion.
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christopher linnen - annapolis, md - Karma: Terrible
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Gundersen - 2009-11-07 14:44:48
You have not been alive long enough to know if your ancestors spoke English when they came here. Your surname is Scandinavian, so I would bet that your Scandinavian ancestors did not speak a lick of English when they arrived. Your notion of them being English-fluent is pure fantasy. However, there is no doubt that the children of your first generation immigrant ancestors learned and spoke English fluently, just like the US-born children of the Latina ladies your ex worked with at the mall.
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Stephen Martin - Crofton, MD - Karma: Bad
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For those of you wondering - 2009-11-07 13:47:53
The "Last Word" in my post was "Entitlement" which is what alot of Hispanics seem to think they have a right to in this country/county.
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Illegal Immigrants,Arrogance and En - 2009-11-07 13:39:46
I'm only fifth generation American and when my relatives came here over a hundred years ago it wasn't just a matter of "hopping a border and having a kid" and reaping the same benefits as people that were in this country legally.
There was no Ellis Island. If you came in on the boat and didn't speak English you were put back on the boat.
Seeing as how many illegal immigrants that are in this country today let alone this county basically feel like all you have to do is "hop the border and have a kid" to stay here I think it's about time that our immigration policies changed.
I have encountered countless Hispanics who don't speak english and don't intend to because I work in a liquor store and when they come in with their two inch thick wads of 20,50,and 100 dollar bills to buy their liquor they don't say a word they just hand me a 100 dollar bill for something costing $5.
When you drive by any athletic field that has soccer nets on Sundays it's comical because now they even have their own soccer leagues and since you have to wear cleats (shoes that tear up grass fields) I wonder who re-sods those fields because I don't see them out there doing it and doesn't any athletic team or organization have to be sanctioned by the Anne Arundel county dept of recreation and parks?
It also doesn't help when the women brings their kids and there's only one or no port-a-toilets anywhere.
One last joke.
My ex-girlfriend used to work at a clothing store out at Annapolis Mall that would have 2 Hispanic women clean the place after hours. My ex spoke fluent Spanish so I asked her to ask them why they didn't want to learn English. Their reply. "Why should we?",
I don't hate Spanish people or any other ethnic group that wants to be in America and reap the benefits of a free society but if my relatives had to play by the rules why should they be allowed to change them.
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Steve Gundersen - Annapolis, Md - Karma: Excellent
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Deleted comments - 2009-11-06 20:42:24
If you've been following this discussion you'll know that there has been a side issue surrounding the use of a term referring to Tea Party protesters. All comments using that term here and on other pages have been removed. I apologize to readers who were offended.
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Nick Lundskow - Annapolis, MD Staff
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Comment removed by HometownAnnapolis staff. - 2009-11-06 18:26:19
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Stephen Martin - 2009-11-06 17:30:33
I am still waiting for an answer.
Why do you support a 30 to 1 immigration bias in favor of Latin Americans over Asians, Africans, and Europeans?
Why do you think Latin Americans are so special?
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So then...... - 2009-11-06 16:38:03
since indeed it does seem "fishy" that CASA operates an organization that finds employers for illegal aliens, and this same organization is funded by OUR tax dollars, don't we have a right to their records? and to how exactly OUR TAX DOLLARS are being used?
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Comment removed by HometownAnnapolis staff. - 2009-11-06 15:06:10
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Comment removed by HometownAnnapolis staff. - 2009-11-06 14:34:11
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Comment removed by HometownAnnapolis staff. - 2009-11-06 14:09:50
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Comment removed by HometownAnnapolis staff. - 2009-11-06 14:05:02
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Comment removed by HometownAnnapolis staff. - 2009-11-06 13:39:06
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Comment disabled due to community reporting. - 2009-11-06 13:27:59
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Mary - 2009-11-06 11:40:51
Fair Enough. But, my name is not fake and I have never posted under another name either.
So far I have only had 1 post banned and its because I used a bad term when discussing lawyers.
You could ask Nick how many posts of Fred he has banned, I am sure it is more than 1.
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Rick M - Laurel, Md - Karma: Excellent
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Rick M - 2009-11-06 11:33:30
I don't know about you, but shrapnel in Shubbie's brain sounds very believable to me!However, I doubt the debris is war related.
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Mary Ann Donnell - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent
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Warrior? - 2009-11-06 11:33:00
How can you be a warrior? The words "liberal" and "warrior" are antonyms. I don't but it. We're all still waiting for an explanation of why you use fictitious names.
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Fred - 2009-11-06 10:55:03
I doubt there are any people out here who believe your story about fighting for our country.
Remember you cant even remember how to actually spell your own last name.
You also seam to forget you called your Tina for a long time last year.
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CASA guidelines - 2009-11-06 10:28:10
I don't care what kind of work you're in, asking to be paid in cash (excluding tips) is a huge red flag. Any legitimate worker has a bank account and a social security number, and should be receiving their pay in the form of a check (or direct deposit).
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Scott S. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent
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and futher more - 2009-11-06 10:23:15
My inability to type if the result of shrapnel in my brain that I received fighting for our country. How dare you criticize me , a great and honorabel warrior.
Please delete this comment
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Fred Shubbie - , - Karma: Terrible
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but wait... - 2009-11-06 10:15:12
Let us not lose sight of the fact that George W Bush was some of immigration and chose to secure borders in foreign lands and not ours. George W Bush was soft on immigration. Both Texas and California ( republican run states) are the worst illegal immigration offenders.
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Fred Shubbie - , - Karma: Terrible
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From CASA's website: - 2009-11-06 08:50:04
How are workers paid?
Payment should be made in full at the end of the workday or as arranged during negotiations with the worker in the office. Most workers prefer to be paid in cash, but are often willing to accept company checks. As facilitators, our role is to provide a meeting place for workers and employers (CASA does not screen workers or check references). Sounds fishy to me. Sounds like MY tax dollars are being used to assist illegals in 1.) finding jobs, 2.) finding jobs that pay under the table and thus keeps them from paying taxes, and 3.) conceals the identity of employers who hire illegal workers. Seems like that's enough for an investigation and/or subpoena in my eyes.
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Brian Armstrong - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent
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Broken System? - 2009-11-06 08:42:38
"About 170,000 Mexican legally immigrate to the US every year, in fact more Mexicans legally immigrate from Mexico than from ALL of Africa, from ALL of Europe, more than immigrate from the world's two most populous countries China and India combined.
A similar number of legal immigrants enter from Central American and the Carribean, about 180,000."
You really need to stop confusing the left by injecting facts into the discussion....
LOL!
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Comment removed by HometownAnnapolis staff. - 2009-11-06 08:42:19
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Comment removed by HometownAnnapolis staff. - 2009-11-06 08:39:00
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Armstrong - 2009-11-06 08:24:45
If you were a man of thought, you could get the informations. Perhaps you may want to assemble an undercover team with a hidden camera in order to divulge their tactics. All information is available if you know hove to get it, And I mean everything Brian Armstrong
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It doesn't matter..... - 2009-11-06 08:18:15
truth be told CASA of Maryland has too much control over this state. It is beyond me why we are not able to investigate them or subpoena their records. They state on their website they operate a service that hooks up workers with employers without verifying if they are in the country legally or not. It also will not reveal information on which employers hire through CASA. If MY tax dollars are being used to fund this organization, don't I have the right to know who indeed is using such services?
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Brian Armstrong - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent
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Shubbie - 2009-11-05 23:17:40
You're calling republicans sheep? Wow...the libs are the sheep, supporting anything "the messiah" Obama suggests without question. By the way, please check your grammar before you post. Didn't they teach that subject in the school of tree huggers?
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Broken System? - 2009-11-05 20:48:15
No legal immigration avenue from Mexico?
Are all illegal immigration supporters pathalogical liars?
About 170,000 Mexican legally immigrate to the US every year, in fact more Mexicans legally immigrate from Mexico than from ALL of Africa, from ALL of Europe, more than immigrate from the world's two most populous countries China and India combined.
A similar number of legal immigrants enter from Central American and the Carribean, about 180,000.
Yet this giant immigration advantage for Mexicans, Central Americans, and Carribeans is not enough for illegal aliens supporters, a 3 to 1 advantage is not enough for them, they want a 30 to 1 advantage for their preferred race.
Tell us Stephen, why do you greatly prefer Latino immigrants over Asians, Africans, and Europeans?
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Comment removed by HometownAnnapolis staff. - 2009-11-05 18:27:57
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armstrong - 2009-11-05 18:23:50
why not share your friends business name with us so we can check him out ? I believe you not.
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Fred Shubbie - , - Karma: Terrible
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RE: Reminder - 2009-11-05 18:19:42
Reminder - There is a legal immigration process, and it used to be a HUGE source of pride amongst immigrants that came here legally, and became US Citizens. With the current path we are on, why bother? There is no respect for our laws, customs, or way of life. At some point, it has to be stopped, or there will be no more United States of America.
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Reminder - 2009-11-05 17:31:23
To those who seem to want to focus the immigration issue on people of Hispanic or Latino origins:
1. Puerto Rico is a part of the United States, Puertoricanos are U.S. citizens from birth.
2. A large percentage of the populations of Arizona, Colorado, Texas, New Mexico, and California trace their heritage back to Latin American culture and even Spain.
3. The vast majority of U.S citizens are the descendants of immigrants.
4. America includes Brazil, Peru, Canada, Haiti and many other places besides besides the 50 U.S. states.
5. Many immigrants to America arrive here from Asia, Africa, and Europe. All contribute to the diversity and strength of this continent.
6. All the discussions, fences, and laws in all American countries will never stop the natural patterns of migration between nations. Never. We need to learn to live together on this land mass, it certainly can support the population if we all work together to make that happen.
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Latest posts... - 2009-11-05 17:17:21
...are a good example of a healthy debate! Brian and Dave make excellent points and I'm sure that Stephen's views are similar to mine where we absolutely support our immigrating here LEGALLY, in principle.
To Dave's point on the posting policy: I believe because it's directed to a group, especially those seen in interviews, and not directly at a hometownannapolis user, it hasn't been removed.
To Brian's point on learn and embrace the English language: That sounds like you're in support of an ammendment to the Constitution making English the official language. That day will come when it's also ammended that Christianity is the official religion. Freedom of speech also means freedom to speak any language you want to.
Where are the suggested solutions to the illegal-immigrant problem? I keep reading our tax dollars this, free benefits that...but no suggestions on how to solve this problem with the exception of mass deportation.
Most immigrants are from third world countries and some citizens hold that against them because their countries aren't as advanced and as diverse as ours. It sounds like some citizens want to stay advanced and become not-so-diverse.
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K C - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent
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Broken System - 2009-11-05 11:16:06
The immigration system is broken. A legal avenue for immigration from Mexico and Central America does not exist. However, there is still a demand for labor at the lower end of the economic ladder which the domestic US workforce cannot or will not satisfy. Legal or illegal, Latin Americans have found a niche in our economy that US-born Americans are not interested in. Most of these immigrants are not going back home nor will they deported en mass. The only viable solution is comprehensive immigration reform which would legalize many of the Latin Americans already living and working here. None of those of a conservative ilk answered my previous question. Would they still have a problem with Latin American immigrants if they had legal status? It's an important question. I personally still believe their is a racial component behind the right-winger's belief system. Please tell me if I am wrong.
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Comment removed by HometownAnnapolis staff. - 2009-11-05 08:40:51
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Comment removed by HometownAnnapolis staff. - 2009-11-05 08:30:47
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Comment removed by HometownAnnapolis staff. - 2009-11-05 08:24:43
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Comment removed by HometownAnnapolis staff. - 2009-11-04 18:00:31
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Illegal alien supporters - 2009-11-04 17:25:00
Why do illegal alien supporters lump illegal aliens in with true (lawful) immigrants? These two groups are polar opposites, they are in no way the same!!
This practice if very insulting and offensive to true immigrants.
True immigrants make a positive contribute to America, illegal aliens are the opposite.
Also illegal aliens DISPLACE immigrants, this is explained in detail at www.immigrantrightsfoundation.org. Thus the illegal alien supporters are ANTI-IMMIGRANT.
Assitionally since the US allows in 30 Latino illegal aliens for every single Asian, African, or European illegal alien allowed in, illegal alien supporters are racists or bigots for supporting this extreme 30 to 1 bias in favor of Latin Americans.
In conclusion, ILLEGAL ALIEN SUPPORTERS ARE ANTI-IMMIGRANT RACISTS OR BIGOTS.
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Actually... - 2009-11-04 15:57:12
Most illegal immigrants declare about 5-6 dependents so that they pay very little taxes at the time of their paychecks. However, I do agree with everything else you said Stephen.
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Comment removed by HometownAnnapolis staff. - 2009-11-04 13:55:35
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Inadequacy in or Politicians - 2009-11-04 13:34:08
Those are the ones who are slapping the rest of us in the face. Yes, I am angry that illegal aliens are using taxpayer funded services to their advantage without paying into those services. Yes, I am angry that legal, taxpaying citizens are losing their jobs to illegal aliens who will do those jobs for a lower wage. Yes, I am angry that public school sports & arts programs are being reduced to hire more ESOL teachers to assist the students who do not speak English. And yes, I am angry that our own elected officials seem to care more about illegal alien rights than the rights of people who are in this country legally, pay taxes, and strive to provide for their family. I have zero feelings of self-inadequacy. Although I do hate myself for paying into a tax system that does more for people who are in this country illegally rather than support & assist it's legal citizens. Did you know it is estimated that for every LEGAL household in Maryland, you pay an extra $1,200 per year to "cover the costs" that illegals don't pay? How ya feel about that to know YOU are shelling out an extra $1,200 PER YEAR simply to allow illegal aliens to roam freely in Maryland?
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Brian Armstrong - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent
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Projection - 2009-11-04 11:26:45
I get the feeling that people who are rabidly ant-immigrant or anti-fill-in-the-blank are projecting their own feelings of inadequacy and self-hatred towards another social group. This is called projection, just another neurosis that is infecting our country. It's far easier feeling hatred toward another social group, in this case illegal immigrants, than acknowledging and dealing with one's own negative emotional states.
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Stephen Martin - Crofton, MD - Karma: Bad
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Get ready for the invasion.... - 2009-11-04 07:58:13
Now that Virginia & New Jersey elected Republican Governors. Those two states will now, most definitely, step up to the plate and start making harsher laws against illegal immigration. So guess where they will flock to? Yep. Right here in Maryland. With Virginia and New Jersey starting 2010 with Republican leadership, a leadership that promises to fight illegal immigration, Maryland is now the island stuck in the middle. I guarantee you by this time net year, our illegal alien population in Maryland doubles.
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Brian Armstrong - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent
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Anti-Immigrant group - 2009-11-04 00:55:30
If you're going to showcase Help Save Maryland, why not mention the group S.S. Regalia in Edgewater? The Southern Poverty Law Center lists them as a hate group, too.
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Laurel Maury - Annapolis, Md - Karma: Neutral
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2nd warning - 2009-11-03 20:52:26
I warned not long ago to stay away from name-calling directed at other users. If you want to know how commenting is going to be different from before this is it. I'm not talking nasty words either - I'm talking about calling other users ignorant, stupid, racist, idiotic or worse. Be civil or take it elsewhere.
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Nick Lundskow - Annapolis, MD Staff
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Comment removed by HometownAnnapolis staff. - 2009-11-03 20:38:10
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I want...... - 2009-11-03 19:11:45
People say illegal aliens "want a better life", so they come here. Well guess what??? We ALL want a better life. We ALL want better things for our families. We just don't break the law to get those things. I want a better TV, so is it ok for me to steal one from my neighbor just because I "want something better"? If you want to live in America, you should obey the laws of the land, become a legal taxpaying citizen, and oh yea, speak English too.
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Bigotted SPLC Con artists - 2009-11-03 18:37:10
"Illegal aliens are not immigrants, they are foreign intruders."
Jean Baptiste Truong
Executive Director
Immigrant Rights Foundtion
www.immigrantrightsfoundation.org
Additionally illegal immigration benefits 30 Latin Americans for every single Asian, African, or European who benefits, and the SPLC supports this 30 to 1 immigration advantage for Latin Americans over the rest of the world.
The SPLC are bigots for supported this massive bias in favor of one race.
They are also bottom feeding con artists who intentionally and wrongly paint anyone against illegal intrustion as racists for the sole purpose of keeping millions in donations flowing into their coffers.
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illegals - 2009-11-03 18:33:57
why don't you libs take your illegals and go find another country that will take you in . GOOD LUCK because there are none. any other place will either put you in prison or kill you. take your pick. and good luck to you
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paul phipps - Ephrata, wa - Karma: Neutral
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KC - 2009-11-03 18:11:25
Please cite the source of you knowledge regarding our legal citizens. I have never read any statistics and would like to know if you have any verifiable statistics to support you damning comments.
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Fred Shubbie - , - Karma: Terrible
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I meant... - 2009-11-03 17:36:54
...it's nearly impossible to account for who is illegal versus legal immigrants just by looking at them.
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K C - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent
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There are far too many... - 2009-11-03 17:33:42
LEGAL residents here in MD sitting on their laurels having baby after baby and living on public assistance and could care less if their kids are educated or not.
LEGAL residents here in MD defrauding insurance companies because it's a lot easier to sit at home and get paid than to go back to work.
LEGAL residents here in MD who never finish high school and end up selling drugs to your US Citizen druggie.
LEGAL residents here in MD who invade your privacy by burglarizing your home, vehicle, snatch your purse, etc. because it's a lot easier than working.
Are you saying you just want to get rid of those illegal aliens who specialize in these acts? Just because this article is about illegal immigrants, doesn't mean you should profile illegals from the south and not our rif-raf fellow US Citizens.
Bottom line is hold your government agency accountable and ESPECIALLY those companies or farmers who hire undocumented immigrants. Make them wish they never hired one!
I'm not pro-illegal whatsoever, but I'm also not pro-racial-profiling. Our entire immigration system needs to be fixed from the bottom of the barrell all the way up to the head of ICE. Admit it...it's nearly impossible to account for who is illegal versus legal residents.
I don't drive by the 7-11 and think they're ALL illegals.
Do you?
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K C - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent
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Cool it - 2009-11-03 16:56:24
Please remember that everyone has a right to their opinion. You can disagree without being nasty. If you can't, you're going to be deleted.
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Comment removed by HometownAnnapolis staff. - 2009-11-03 16:24:17
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Comment removed by HometownAnnapolis staff. - 2009-11-03 15:38:59
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- Karma: Excellent
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Teabagger Ignorance - 2009-11-03 11:07:06
It's really too bad that the anti-immigrant movement cannot see the Hispanic community for what it is. These folks, legal or illegal, are striving for the same things most Americans value; decent livelyhoods, family, hard work, etc. To demonize the entire Hispanic community because a very small minority turn out to be criminal is pure ignorance as well as racist. The myth that illegals pay no taxes and are freeloaders is just that; a myth. Community based organizations, like CASA, provide much needed support for the immigrant community as well as offer some protection from the anti-immigrant teabagger types. Many immigrants would come here legally if only a mechanism for leagal immigration existed. It doesn't and that is part of the problem.
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Stephen Martin - Crofton, MD - Karma: Bad
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Oh, and HOW THE HECK - 2009-11-03 09:03:43
can my post which lists FIVE incidents of innocent folks MURDERED BY ILLEGAL ALIENS be given a "negative" rating? It's important for the citizens of Maryland to be aware of the crimes committed by illegal aliens in our state, illegal aliens who are protected and coddled by our own elected officials.
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Brian Armstrong - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent
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WOW CASA!!! - 2009-11-03 08:55:50
So you have a bunch of PRO-ILLEGAL ALIEN ACTIVISTS sitting at home clicking "thumbs down" to every comment, huh? You kinda scared to see that so many of us LEGAL TAXPAYING CITIZENS are aware of your anti-American tactics? Tactics that promote the tax evasion illegal aliens commit? Tactics that help illegal aliens find jobs when so many legal, taxpaying citizens are out of work? Tactics that teach illegal aliens to not cooperate with law enforcement? Wow CASA, must feel really good to be a bullying, anti-American, law-breaking HATE GROUP, huh?
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Brian Armstrong - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent
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Annapolis election today - 2009-11-03 08:17:33
I wonder how many illegal aliens CASA de Maryland is hauling over to the polling booths? Hmmm, if Annapolis residents would wake up and smell the coffee, they'd be rushing over to the polls to vote for David Cordle. Sure, I know, I know, most of you cringe at the idea of voting Republican, but the Democratic nominee (like most Democrats) are the ones aiding and abetting illegal aliens. Go to the polls and vote for David Cordle if you want to see a true end to the illegal invasion in our area.
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Brian Armstrong - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent
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We are a sanctuary state - 2009-11-03 07:39:22
Here's a list of only a few of the crimes committed in OUR STATE because our state government refuses to protect legal citizens from illegal alien crime.
1.) Virginia & Michael Spevak, of Chevy Chase, 67 & 68 years old, were tied up in their own home and BEATEN TO DEATH by illegal aliens last November. Both victims died from sharp blunt force trauma to the head and neck inflicted by a bladed weapon. KILLED BY ILLEGAL ALIENS LIVING IN MARYLAND!
2.) A 24-year old waiter from Gaithersburg, was STABBED TO DEATH by an illegal alien and MS-13 gang member in June 2008. he was a popular waiter who was walking home from work when he was murdered. KILLED BY AN ILLEGAL ALIEN GANG MEMBER LIVING IN MARYLAND!
3.) Lila Meizell, 83-years old from Wheaton, was attacked in her home last December by illegal aliens who did her landscaping. they entered her home, slammed her head repeatedly into furniture before determining she was unconscious, poured gasoline over her body and the living room floor and lit a match, lighting the house and her body on fire. Investigators believe she was not dead when the fire started and was burned alive. KILLED BY ILLEGAL ALIENS LIVING IN MARYLAND!
4.) A 14-year old child, Tai-Lam, YES A 14-YEAR OLD CHILD, was shot to death on a bus by an illegal alien and MS-13 gang member last November. 20-year-old Hector Hernandez, an illegal immigrant, was charged with first-degree murder. and this wasnt Hernandezs first run-in with the law, he had been arrested Oct 3 for carrying a concealed weapon, but was released on his own recognizance. so he was free to roam the streets and kill a 14-year old. KILLED BY ILLEGAL ALIENS LIVING IN MARYLAND!!!
5.) Mary Frances Havenstein, 63-years old, was hog-tied, gagged, suffered blows to the head, as well as a broken rib, bruised shoulders, and scrapes to her elbows and knees, by an illegal alien last September. KILLED BY AN ILLEGAL ALIEN LIVING IN MARYLAND!
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Brian Armstrong - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent
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Stop electing idiots! - 2009-11-03 07:36:57
How can illegals legally vote?..That's an easy one. The idiots who run this state gave em all a drivers license with no questions asked, when they register to vote, they show their drivers license that gives their address and then, when they go to vote, no one asks for an ID because that would be politically incorrect. Let's fix this mess by getting rid of the stupid people who call themselves "State officials" and are responsible for this B.S.! If you or I did our jobs they way these morons perform, we'd be unemployed!
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Fred Bralman - Arnold, Md - Karma: Excellent
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Why is this even an Issue? - 2009-11-02 23:53:09
Why is this an issue? The law states, VERY CLEARLY..that it is against the law to be in the United States UNDOCUMENTED! PERIOD! There is NO DEBATE! It's the Law. The problem is that those who are supposed to ENFORCE THE LAW..HAVEN'T...WHY? I Don't know. Incompetence maybe! It's so simple, if you want to live here and be a citizen...get in line and go through the process that we, as a country have set up to facilitate that process. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure it out! If you don't want to follow the simple rules then GET THE HELL OUT! Just because I'm sick and tired of putting up with people who think they don't have to follow the rules doesn't make me a hater or a racist! And by the way, if you go to Mexico and try to live like a citizen when you're not...They put you in Prison!
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Fred Bralman - Arnold, Md - Karma: Excellent
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We all welcome immigrants! - 2009-11-02 18:33:55
But they must come here legally. We are a nation of Laws.
We need immigrants but not Illegals undermining our economy and at the expense of Legal immigrants that have been waiting in line.
Opposing Illegal immigration does not make one a racist.
I've met many wonderful folks from all over the world that come here legally if only on a temporary work permit. They obey our laws, pay taxes and take home with them the ideas of Democracy and Freedom. When they see illegals they no longer see the rule of law but instead nothing better than the Despotism and nepotism they are seeking to avoid in their birth countries.
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Paul O'Flanagan - West River, MD - Karma: Good
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Stephen - 2009-11-02 13:31:28
Not all Hispanics are illegals. Not all illegals are Hispanic. Somebody that does not believe illegals should allowed to be here in this country taking up resources, jobs and not paying taxes, does not necessary make them racist.
Our country was founded by foreigners and most of us have ancestors that orginated from abroad. But, most of those individuals came over legally.
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Rick M - Laurel, Md - Karma: Excellent
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capital staff prejudice - 2009-11-02 13:30:21
i keep reminding the capital staff that they are guilty feeling white people and they keep proving it over and over again.....this comment removed by a guilty white person.....the capital needs to learn to judge a book by it's content... not it's cover...now please remove my remark because it refeers to race and you are a guilty feeling white person .......
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stanley davis - mayo, md - Karma: Terrible
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Rascism - 2009-11-02 13:12:15
I think it would be a little uncomfortable to be a Hispanic citizen in many parts of the country, including Maryland, in the current racist-infused environment. Those of you who are rabidly anti-immigrant; do you see all Hispanics as being illegals? How do you tell the difference? Or, are you reflexively racist whenever you see a Hispanic? What the hell is wrong with you?
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Stephen Martin - Crofton, MD - Karma: Bad
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Mr. K - 2009-11-02 12:46:10
How can illegals legally vote? Your statement makes no sense/
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Rick M - Laurel, Md - Karma: Excellent
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Illegal this - 2009-11-02 12:27:02
Maryland Delegate Victor Ramirez, D-Prince George's and Delegate Ben Barnes, D-Prince George's are only making noise against HSM because they are being elected by the very illegal immigrants this organization is protesting. Every illegal vote cast nullifies a properly registered voters vote. Just think about that. If there are 14 million illegal aliens in this country and half of them managed to vote last year.... how many votes did Obama win by.... hmmmmm
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Mr K - Crownsville, Md - Karma: Excellent
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Thank you - 2009-11-02 11:44:30
Thanks to the Capital for this article! I now know of an organization to join who is working put an end to the criminal invasion.
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Michelle Buchholz - Edgewater, MD - Karma: Excellent
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CASA de Maryland is the "hate group - 2009-11-01 19:47:30
CASA is an anti-American hate group. Pure & simple. It is an organization funded by OUR tax dollars, and it is an organization that aids & abets illegal aliens in Maryland. It is an organization that teaches illegal aliens how to steal jobs away from legal taxpaying citizens. It teaches illegal aliens how to get government assistance. It teaches illegal aliens how to use the taxpayer funded services offered in this country, even though they do not pay into such services. The citizens of Maryland are beginning to realize that our rights are being violated by our own elected officials who allow these undocumented illegal aliens to trample on our Constitution.
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Brian Armstrong - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent
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BTW, Tina Irgang, - 2009-11-01 07:05:59
Why do you call Help Save Maryland an Anti-illegal-immigration group, and call CASA de Maryland and Identity Inc. immigrant advocacy groups. Why not ILLEGAL-immigration advocacy groups, which is what they are, at least in the context of your article. You also characterize some groups as conservative or strongly conservative. Yet call the Southern Poverty Law Center - an Alabama-based non-profit (group). Morris Dees and the SPLC is one of the most left-wing radical groups in the country, and has been for half a century - at least many people who you call conservative see the organization that way. While I believe you have tried to write a fairly balanced article, do you see how our unconcious bias interjects itself into our writing?
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Nathan Durhing - Arnold, MD - Karma: Neutral
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There are people... - 2009-11-01 06:42:58
...from all over the world who want to come here. The way we enforce our laws, or rather the way we do not enforce our laws, favor those who can cross the Rio Grande. This not only allows people seeking work into the country, but also a host of criminals and undesirables. I do not really blame the people who want to work or even the businesses that hire them. I believe few illegals are paid less than minimum wage, but that they depress prevailing wages. This is directly the fault of the federal government, elected officials and immigration policy - starting in 1965 and led by Ted Kennedy. Mexico is our neighbor, and we should help our neighbor. It is a travesty that so many people want/need to leave their country to better their lot in life. If we would focus more on our neighbor to the south - politically, economically and socially, perhaps Mexico could be China.
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Nathan Durhing - Arnold, MD - Karma: Neutral
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