Illegal immigration and you...

Okay - I think I've ranted about this before, but I feel the need to do so again. It's not like anyone's going to read it anyway...;)
But I read an article in our morning paper that showed highschool kids marching on our state capital to make a statement about a new proposal to make stricter illegal alien laws. One of the students was born in the US, but her parents were illegals and she was marching 'for them'.
It just kills me. She says that they came here to make a better life, and they do a lot for this country. This country needs them. Okay... Let me say that one thing...her parents started the problem and this kid is fortunate to have benefited from it. On the other hand... Her parents have the obligation to be legal.
There are thousands of illegal 'aliens' who are able to receive welfare and other federal programs because of glitches in the system. I wouldn't make that big of a deal about it, but there are many who come here just to get a hand out. There are thousands who are like that girls parents who come here to make a better life for themselves and contribute to society in the small ways they can. Ever been on the west side and seen all the Mexican themed stores and restaurants there? (grin)
However, if they don't follow the laws, how great is this country going to be if we let anyone who wants to come here come without authorization and substance and desire to do something for the improvement of our society?
Our nation was built on the backbone of the immigration of thousands from countries all around the world. We aren't called the melting pot for nothing! But you know, they had to come through legal channels. They didn't have a handy border that they could sneak across and find someone who might be a relative to live with for a while or just show up on a farm of someone who wanted cheap labor.
Yes, the west has come to depend on these cheap laborers, but it doesn't make it right. It doesn't mean we wouldn't survive without them either. We have thousands of young people that need jobs - they're perfect for it. Yes, the cost of produce and other things might go up a little, but hey - there are solutions and there is a way to work this out.
I am happy to have them here. I am happy to have them stay, but you know what? My Greatgrandfather had to come here through normal channels when he came - why should they be any more special?
The other problem is schools. These people clog our lower income schools with their children that don't know how to speak English, and don't attempt to learn it themselves. They also expect their children to have all the same privileges as the other students whose parents are paying TAXES for these schools and their programs to operate! That is part of where the whole debate is coming. These children take advantage of something that for them is essentially free of any cost to them or their families. Evenutally they learn English through our excellent teachers - and sometimes they are able to teach their parents. Then, half the time the parents yank them out of school to go back to Mexico (or wherever - I'll try and be non-judgemental here) and expect when they decide to come back in a month or two that the kid will do fine in their class. It isn't going to happen.
I read an article about someone suggesting we all go move to Mexico and demand to be given equal treatment as a natural citizen there. Go ahead. Demand the healthcare and welfare and care that they are given here and see where it gets you. Think they would do it? NOT. GO to any other country in the world and expect them to take care of you - IT WOULD NOT HAPPEN!
But we are the bad guys! We have been soo taken advantage of, and yet when we realize that it has become a larger problem than benefit, and decide it's time to take care of things, we are THE BAD GUYS!
I am sooo tired of it. I feel like many of the emails I've gotten over the years that state -
Hey, if you don't like it here, WE DIDN'T INVITE YOU! And if you want to stay, we'd love for you to do it WITHIN THE LAW.
Laws are necessary to have the freedoms that we enjoy in this great country of ours. There are lots of men and women fighting around the world to keep our country a free place and trying to make others a better place to have people whine about following the rules in coming to stay here. Good grief!! Get a life!
Okay - I guess I'm calm now... ;)