My name is Ju Hong, and I am undocumented and unafraid.
On Tuesday, July 12, six other undocumented students and I conducted an act of civil disobedience to empower young undocumented immigrant youth and to protest the inhuman treatment of immigrants. We sat in the street near San Bernardino Valley College and submitted to arrest.
We were taken to jail, and we are now being threatened with deportation. This is one of the first times in California where undocumented youths have participated in non-violent acts of civil disobedience.
We chose to protest in San Bernardino County because organizations like the National Socialist Party and the Minutemen and anti-immigrant legislators have been terrorizing the immigrant communities.
In San Bernardino, a 17-year-old student was arrested and deported simply because he was riding his bike without the headlights on. Another student was arrested and deported because he was playing basketball on campus late at night.
Where is the justice? Why are so many talented immigrant youths being targeted?
After our arrest, we were held in jail for almost 12 hours. All seven of us were confined to a single cell room with one toilet, one roll of toilet paper and two long wooden benches. It was very cold.
One of the youngest participants, 19-year-old student Jorge Herrera, led the unity clap inside the cell. With our eyes closed, everyone followed by the rhythm of the clap.
I shouted, “Isang Bagsak!” a Filipino unity cry, “one down, one fall!” — meaning we must stand together and fight for justice. Even in jail, the room was filled with energy and strong determination.
Several hours later, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer came to our cell to interrogate us. The ICE agent looked directly at me and said, “I will not detain you today, but I will detain you soon.”
In reality, the ICE agent has the authority to deport us, to separate us from our family and friends and to send us to a country that is foreign to us.
ICE was notified because of the “secure communities” program that allows local law enforcement to share information with ICE to initiate deportation proceedings. This is an unjust program because it leaves immigrant communities vulnerable and distrustful of the police.
A year ago, my family’s home was burglarized. The door was broken into pieces, the windows were completely shattered and our valuable belongings were gone. All of my family was terrified. My immediate reaction was to call the police, but my mother stopped me, “Ju, do not call the police,” she said. “What if you get deported?”
Like many other undocumented immigrants, I was living in the shadows and living in a constant fear of deportation. However, I have decided to stand up and fight back. I am sick and tired of remaining silent.
Today, I am proclaiming to the world that I am undocumented and unafraid.
In the next couple of weeks, I will find out if ICE will start removal proceedings on our cases. If ICE decides to put me in deportation proceedings, I will take full action and I will fight until I regain my basic human rights.
I risked my life because I wanted to empower other young undocumented youths. In particular, I strongly encourage my fellow Asian American undocumented youths to take the next step and come out of the shadows.
Start sharing your personal story to your friends, your relatives, your counselors and your communities. This is the only way we can empower our communities and fix our broken immigration system.
I risked my life because I wanted to show this is not only a Latino issue; in fact, this is a human rights issue. I hope we can stand united as a movement and not let divisions hurt our work.
We are calling on President Barack Obama to stop the deportation of all undocumented students throughout the country. Please join us.
This is our home, this is our country, and we want to contribute to make this nation a better place.
You can make our dreams come true. Thank you.
Ju Hong is an ASUC senator for the 2011-2012 academic year.
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[You know
everything you tell and compute comes from your experiences.]
Well, I actually HAVE real world experiences and responsibilities, which is clearly more than you do…
Well it is sad that you are a bitter person. Especially if you are old.
I’m certainly older than you, child, something I’m not ashamed of whatsoever.
[I am telling we should get off our high horse. Ethnocentrism doesn't
work. Who are we really bombing, it is usually civilian casualties, more
hate towards us.]
Cirus03, I realize you have a high opinion of yourself, but you are clearly ignorant on many things. For starters, the civilian casualties in both Iraq AND Afghanistan are significantly less than many past wars, including Vietnam, Korea, and WWII.
If you were a veteran of the armed forces, you would be quite aware how the military and DOD often err on the side of increased risk to our OWN troops, in order to minimize civililan casualties – unlike our enemies, who do all they can to MAXIMIZE the deaths of innocents and non-combatants. You aren’t even attempting to have an intelligent conversation on this issue. You’re merely spewing a lot of nonsense on many things you clearly know NOTHING about.
Hate to break it to you, but just because you’re a college student doesn’t make you a freaking expert on world affairs. You really need to get out of your little cloistered PC progressive universe a lot more…
Well being a condescending person who claims seniority is quite foolish aswell. I still have a chance while young to look at other factors at life. But you should check yourself in how you treat people sir. It is sad that a person that considers me dumb because i lack experience is willing to go on this debate and continue to be biased. Thats fine.. But you are a bitter person considering the responses you have made to me. Trying to figure me out and make me feel bad because of it, what kinda person are you. you may be old but there are other things you should recognize about yourself that need some work. Again lets just agree to disagree.
[Well being a condescending person who claims seniority is quite foolish
aswell. I still have a chance while young to look at other factors at
life.]
How about looking at employment and real responsibility? Or is that too much of a threat to your narcissistic little world view?
[But you are a bitter person considering the responses you have made to me.]
Not bitter at all, just fed up at having to put up with sanctimonious little assholes like you, who are full of theory, but painfully lacking in real-world experience and common sense.
Tony, it’s useless to debate this guy. His responses are all emotional. He’s unable to frame a logical argument.
[Take mexico for example, ever heard of the maquiladoras , boder towns
American owned sweat shops, and the harsh conditions they work in? How
many people die?]
That’s funny, given that I worked as an engineer at a maquiladora in Mexicali (Fabrica Seagate S.A. in Parque Industrial II) for a while in the late 1990′s, and nobody died while I was there. Nor were the conditions especially harsh. In fact, it seemed to be a popular enough place to work that whenever job openings were announced, as lines 2 to 3 blocks long would form for people wishing to fill out job applications. Where exactly do you get your news and information from again? The Daily Worker, or perhaps the Weekly World News?
“That’s funny, given that I worked as an engineer at a maquiladora in Mexicali.”
Yeah you have a privileged viewpoint.
How am I “priveleged”? Please explain – this ought to be good for a laugh.
No answer, huh?
Nope.. you are privileged, plain and simple. you probably never have experienced poverty and thats good, cause people dont deserve to be poor. You go back to your house in the end of the day and its not a shanty town. thats all i mean. In all honesty, Good for you that you can afford the things that most people cant, its not your fault either, you are responsible for yourself and you have done a great job. But for me to explain to you why you worldview is influenced by the way you were brought up is like explaining a Moslem why he should be a christian. no point sir..
[Nope.. you are privileged, plain and simple. you probably never have
experienced poverty and thats good, cause people dont deserve to be
poor.]
Well, thanks for sharing your absolute ignorance with us. I spent a semester at Cal alternating nights between sleeping in my pickup truck and in Foss’ lab in Gilman Hall because I had no money for housing. I also spent close to 2 years sleeping on a cot in a garage while I was trying to get my own cash-starved small business off the ground. I also spent a summer decades ago as a roadie for an LA punk band, sleeping in carports and warehouses. Some of the “priveleged” places I lived over the years: Elizabeth, NJ, West Oakland, Southwest LA. Even still, I didn’t complain half as much as you do. I’m sure your closest brush with poverty was when Mommy and Daddy didn’t give you your allowance fast enough to spend on pizza and soda.
Don’t EVER lecture me on “poverty”, you sanctimonious little shit. You have NO idea what the hell you are talking about. YOU are the spoiled little child, and I have outed you. Got it?
And another point, you miserable little left-wing turd:
I didn’t wind up as an engineer working all over the world because I was “priveleged”. I took the GED to get out of high school and join the Air Force, to see the world and get away from home. I enrolled in math and science courses at a local CC, and worked my butt off to maintain a decent GPA (>3.8) that allowed me to be accepted to Cal as a transferring student. I graduated into a slow economy, and took the first job offered: $12/hour working as an engineering tech for a plating company in So Cal. Not the best job or pay, but I busted my ass, paid my dues, and learned a lot about manufacturing in the process.
After working there a year, I was able to demonstrate my engineering skills and was hired for $42K/year by capital equipment company manufacturing specialty tools for high-tech (I now make significantly more than that). I wound up working in Mexico because (1) I can read, write and speak Spanish at a college proficiency level, (2) I learned the equipment inside and out, (3) I have a solid understanding of Mexican history and culture, having traveled through most of the country by car as a teenager, and (4) I wasn’t afraid of 50-60 hour work weeks in a hot, dirty manufacturing environment.
That isn’t “privelege”, little boy. It’s called QUALIFICATIONS. I was the best person available for the job – just as I was the best person available for the job when future employers sent me to work in Japan, Israel, Ireland and the UK. THAT is how the real world rolls, you ignorant little child…
Hey, cirrus, I noted that you are so obsessed in getting in the last word on you silly diatribe about Pinochet and the military that you didn’t respond to my post above. Wassamatta, afraid of being spanked again at the top of the page?
No is just that i am quite surprised, cause you are the type that is “my country right or wrong.” blind loyalty to a failed political structure that doesn’t even follow the constitution anymore. You are a biased as the next person. Its not a surprise. You wanna have the last word, thats fine. Doesn’t change the fact that we are Empire Building bullying people to follow our policy around the world, which causes instability. I rather spend all that money here on its citizens. You wanna follow the establishment go ahead.
[No is just that i am quite surprised, cause you are the type that is "my
country right or wrong." blind loyalty to a failed political structure
that doesn't even follow the constitution anymore.]
You project a lot of absolute nonsense. I’m sure in your small mind that you’re quite proud of the fact that you have learned to memorize and regurgitate a large body of tired Chomsyeque and neo-marxist talking points, but you clearly have no idea how the real world works. Why don’t you try sticking to the original subject instead of flailing all over the place?
Yeah i am not the only one who is doing that btw. You are biased yourself. And i believe in giving people opportunity. and on that we will have to agree to disagree..
[Yeah i am not the only one who is doing that btw. You are biased yourself.]
You mistake life experience with “bias”. Typical lefty mentality…
Tony M:” [The US takes advantage of other countries' natural resources, people,
etc ]
Nothing
stops other countries from taking advantage of their own natural
resources and people if they would ever get their own sh!t together. You
want to blame the US for having a working model, while refusing to
admit that the reason most countries in the world are impoverished is
due to their own cultural and political dysfunctionality.”
Ummm my friend. Have you heard of Chile in the 70′s and CIA help to
Pinochet.. The bringing down of Allende, People have tried and are
trying but Imperial tactics, because of corporate interest, they wont
allow it. Why are people in the West worried about Egypt and the Moslem
Brotherhood? In Islam usury is frowned upon… ooppps banks cant really
make a profit now can they. Why are countries in Latin America critized
by the west (what happened to sovereignty there huh, only for the USA?)
when it was a majority (through democratic process) that put these
leaders there. Leaders that oppose Western interest in their own land.
This is hypocracy to say that “why dont people get their act together in
their own countries.” They are you douche, they do try. You know it, i
know it. People are trying but they are called: “communist,”
“socialist,” “terrorists” because they want to rule their own land and
want western hands off their political structure. Be clear that when
people do make these movements there are elites who pound them with guns
and bombs, so watch what you say. I bet you never lived or know what is
like to live in the third world. In that sense you are truly ignorant.
Fool!
You can always try to go off on some long-winded diatribe to divert the discussion, but it’s clear to most people that you can’t even defend your own ideas – all you can do is cut and run. Why don’t you try sticking to the subject at hand? Maybe because you know deep down inside that you can”t win the argument…
Why are we supporting dictators around the World. Why did we support mubarak, why mussharaf in Pakistan when these are know dictators. Billions of dollars to waste, for this supposed “war on terror.” How can you have a war against a tactic. All that Money that we borrow from other countries now, for war… and we are broke. When we could use it here. Dont forget that we have the strongest military in the world. By defense alone we should be fine. Who is really gonna F with us? China? Russia? Are you that subject to fear from war-mongers. Dont forget that if we continue this route we will fall like the Romans did. Everything usually is derived and is influenced by the Political Economic structure. Why was Lockheed martin involved in creating the constitution for Afghanistan.? Why does most aid to these militaristic governments require these countries to buy weapons from the western world? Is your memory short, didn’t we have a scandal with the wikileaks about our Imperial Activities around the world. Economic and political instability influenced by the west on parts of the world is why the USA is hated. We will reap what we sow. We should bring that money that we wasted overseas and spend it on its citizens, maybe help out social security and all these people that are gonna retire soon?
And the matter is education, be realistic if the military can go to another country and take out Hussein and dig him up, we have the power to do it with undocumented immigrants. why dont we do it? Because its not humane… Plain and simple. I don’t agree with welfare, and I know that some people take advantage of the dole. That is not right. BTW it is hard for an undocumented person who doesn’t have a Social Security number to receive these benefits. And if they have a medical emergency. Again: its being compassionate, thats the America i Know. We all know there is a corporate influence in the medical industry.
Most people on Welfare are in fact Americans, and there is around 15% of people that are foreign born. A minority. Thats the reality. Again we are taking about Education. I personally believe that everyone. EVERYONE should be given the chance to learn how to fish, that way we invest on people that want to contribute in this society, instead of bailing out and giving Welfare to Wall Street and these banking cartels. The article is about education and the opportunity to contribute to this nation they Love by learning how to fish. Thats is something respectable. Everyone in respect to getting an education should be given the opportunity, because it is a benefit for all. Because these people are not leaving, this is their new home. we should encourage them to become Americans rather than reinforcing fear and hate of the American people. Like i said before: I rather have educated immigrants than gang bangers on the street.”
Blah, blah, blah… you make my point exactly. You can’t offer any specific defense of why Ju Hong should get a free pass for coming here illegally, so instead you go off on some long-winded diatribe. Typical lefty, incapable of focusing and discussing ideas intelligently.
I just told you, it is respectable when people want to better themselves, and education should be given to all who live here. I rather invest on the youth than wars or create gang bangers in the street. Plain and simple. Why turn away people that want to learn how to fish.
[I just told you, it is respectable when people want to better themselves, and education should be given to all who live here.]
Why should I pay to “better” the lives of foreign nationals who I did not invite, and did not come here legally? Where is it written that the US has to let everyone in the world come here and sponge off our taxpayers? Mexico, the Phillipines, and every other legitimate nation on the planet has the right to determine their own immigration policy, and so do we. Please take your nonsensical crap elsewhere…
Well if everyone wanted to come, I think we would have noticed it. And a great military would have been in the USA mexico borders, and the seas. But they dont. Not everyone wants to come here you know. It is only a few if you compare it to our population. I think america is also having an identity crises because the population is the future is not going to be white and protestant, and thats partly the reason why we are having this debate.
No, we are having this little talk (not much of a debate, given you are losing) because silly people like you ridden with guilt complexes think we should let moochers and lawbreakers sponge off our taxpayers.
Maybe you are the one that doesn’t want to deal with its guilt. You know everything you tell and compute comes from your experiences. Maybe you are judging me by your standards. Why are you getting personal? I am talking about our political structure and how it affects people. How agency is applied here because of ideological ideas. But you are starting to want to decipher me? thats weird.
“Well if everyone wanted to come, I think we would have noticed it.”
This isn’t a logical response. Our borders are closed, so only a portion of those trying to enter can succeed. But if the borders were open, a flood of migrants would appear.
“education should be given to all who live here”
It already is. K-12 education is free, and attendance is mandatory. Higher education is optional. There is no entitlement to free higher education, as the Legislature frequently reminds us.
[Why are we supporting dictators around the World. Why did we support
mubarak, why mussharaf in Pakistan when these are know dictators.]
Because the real world isn’t a nice, neat place like in your silly little Utopian vision, and sometimes in life you have to choose the lesser of two evils. Funny, however, given that the Left in this country campaigned for decades to support a certain dictator named Josef Stalin, because was our ally in the war against “fascism”…
Well we took care of it at home, so why not let other people do it themselves. Is that really your perception of the world a negative one? Have you met with people that live outside the USA in the developing world, dont be so biased and closed-minded.
Why are we bombing pakistan right now, more hate towards us. We have a CIA that works with the best intel around the world. Again pakistan didnt even cooperate with us when they knew bin laden’s whereabouts. this is plain inefficiency, and we waste billions by doing at it.
[Well we took care of it at home, so why not let other people do it themselves.]
In the case of Afghanistan and Pakistan, people using those countries for refuge attacked us and our citizens on our own land, and we struck back. What part of WAR do you NOT understand, dimwit?
People in caves sir.. That attacked us here. Now where was the defense that we waste billion of dollars on.
[People in caves sir.. That attacked us here.]
And those caves were located where, again?
Have we solved the problem? with those people in those caves ? its almost ten years? really? come on? this is what the CIA term, blow black! Even Reagan admitted in his memoirs that it was a mistake to go into lebanon, because we dont understand the rationality of other cultures. Lets not be ethnocentric in dealing with other people around the world. That attitude is what got us there in the first place.
And your solution is what again?
Once again, you’re going off on silly tangents because you can’t back your own position on the original issue…
I am telling we should get off our high horse. Ethnocentrism doesn’t work. Who are we really bombing, it is usually civilian casualties, more hate towards us. We have the best military in the world if they were really a danger we would we getting attacked every day, but we are not. You diverted me to answer the pakistan deal, you yourself wanted to argue about this.
[Why did we support mubarak]
Who SHOULD we have supported after Sadat was assassinated by extremist factions of his army? Or do you even know enough about middle eastern history to answer that question?
The clash between the west and the orient dates way back even before Alexander the Great. Lets not forget that the Europeans took over the Ottoman empire. Lets not forget what the CIA and BP did to distort the Democracy Iran wanted to install and then the sha came. All im saying is that we need to stop meddling in other peoples affairs.
[The clash between the west and the orient dates way back even before
Alexander the Great. Lets not forget that the Europeans took over the
Ottoman empire.]
All irrelevant. Once again, you complained about our support of Mubarak. Who should we have supported in Egypt after Sadat’s death?
[Lets not forget that the Europeans took over the
Ottoman empire.]
Let’s not forget that the Muslims tried to take over Europe long before Europe went to war with the Ottomans. Fortunately for western civilization, they had brave leaders such as my Great(35)-grandfather, Carolus Martellus, leader of the Franks, who defeated soldiers of the Umayyad Cliphate at Tours in 732.
[All that Money that we borrow from other countries now, for war.]
You’re wrong. We still spend more on entitlements than we do on military/defense spending.
“We still spend more on entitlements than we do on military/defense spending.”
Why is this relevant? Is there some fixed proportion between these two expenditures? Do the needs and costs stay constant?
[We chose to protest in San Bernardino County because organizations like
the National Socialist Party and the Minutemen and anti-immigrant
legislators have been terrorizing the immigrant communities.]
What a bunch of crap. You’re not an “immigrant” – you’re an ILLEGAL. And I’m sure YOUR country has immigration laws as well. What happens to people who violate those laws where you come from? Something tells me it’s a lot more severe than what is happening to you…
[We were taken to jail, and we are now being threatened with deportation.]
So you broke the law once, then broke it again to bring attention to the fact that you broke the law, and now you’re being prosecuted for breaking the law. What are you complaining about again?
“My name is Ju Hong, and I am undocumented and unafraid.”
Is your suitcase packed?
We support you Ju Hong! You represent the continuation of the American dream, the progressive legacies of Emancipation in the 19thC. , and the Civil Rights movement. You remind us of the American dream to always better the life of whoever contributes to this country. This is the land of Opportunity. Keep fighting there are Americans who support you. Power to the People!
You clearly don’t have a job or pay taxes.
Some of the comments below show a misunderstanding of how people can become legal residents of the U.S. It’s not just a question of “waiting in line” or “going through the process.” Most people who are here without papers have no way to gain legal residency. If there was an option, they would surely take it.
It’s also bothersome that people talk about undocumented immigrants in the abstract. My own perspective changed when I started to know some “illegals” on a personal level. Some of them are like Ju Hong — young people who have grown up here and want nothing more to be a contributing member of the society of which they are already a part. Others came as adults and just want to work and avail themselves of the opportunities they don’t have at home. They don’t look like criminals to me.
I doubt that the authors of the unsympathetic comments would support the treatment of women in Saudi Arabia just because it’s the law in that country. I doubt they would applaud the segregation of restaurants half a century ago just because it was the law then. The immigration laws we have in this country exclude a great many people who have earned their place in America. The solution is to change the legislation. But in the short term, calling for deportation of these lawbreakers — or should I say “illegals?” — feels like applauding the imprisonment of black students arrested for having the audacity to take a seat at a whites-only lunch counter. Law and justice aren’t always the same thing.
Hear! Hear!
Spoken by someone who obviously doesn’t pay taxes…
You wish douche.. I am an American Citizen. A compassionate citizen. I am just not short sighted.
You’re pretty short sighted if you think we can just keep letting people break the law, come here illegally, and expect the taxpayers to pick up the tab without a word of protest.
Its called Budgeting our budget. 5% of Americans own most of the wealth and the middle class is shrinking and you want to scapegoat undocumented immigrants.. I am not a fan of Keynesian economics and of wasting money on Empire Building. How much money did we waste on the war when it could have been used here.
[Its called Budgeting our budget. 5% of Americans own most of the wealth
and the middle class is shrinking and you want to scapegoat undocumented
immigrants.]
That 5% of Americans also pays 40-50% of all personal income taxes. How much do you pay again?
I put 1 on my W2 bro. I pay taxes aswell, and it makes a difference. I don’t make millions. Me getting taxed takes a significant money for me to live. So i dont quite agree with that response, in which you justify the rich because in the end of the day ther are still rich and can afford medical care and any education they desire. Now good for them in all honesty, it sucks to struggle. But dont bring these justification for people that will continue to be well off.
[I don't make millions.]
Neither do I, but unlike you, I don’t demand what is not mine, or harbor resentment towards those who are successful.
[Most people who are here without papers have no way to gain legal residency.]
So they broke the law, then found that they have no way to gain legal residency?
That’s what happens when you come here illegally. Now go home, we don’t need you. There are plenty of prospective immigrants who will gladly follow the rules. We would rather pick and choose among them instead.
Somewhere in this state, there is a legal tax-paying American citizen who had to attend CSU because this guy got his/her slot at Berkeley.
Every time I read/hear “undocumented” I think “illegal”. Why not just say illegal?
The implication people are trying to make is that these people are “really” Americans who just happen to lack documents. If the government issues documents to them, all will be well.
Hong should go to DC and see the head Lib aka Odumbo.
Talk some social justice smak to him. Maybe he will read his TelePrompTer and smile.
I applaud Ju Hong and the other millions of undocumented individuals who struggle each and every day to survive as well as realize their own dreams of a better life. It is important that before we address this issue politically, we understand the dynamic of every human being’s will to survive at whatever cost. Nonetheless, politically our country cannot afford to SURVIVE economically without the labor of undocumented immigrants. Our country cannot THRIVE without educating every child regardless of race, class, creed, or immigration status. It is unfortunate that we have abolished slavery but only to have been replaced with a 21st century form of slavery named “The Prison Industry Complex” & “Undocumented immigrant manual labor”
“Nonetheless, politically our country cannot afford to SURVIVE economically without the labor of undocumented immigrants.” Well thats a matter of economic principle. Look your argument on this is true because it is being played out that way. No resident or citizen will accept the harsh conditions given the progress that we have made for the franchised members of our society. And thats why you are allowed to say that no American will do the work that an undocumented immigrant does. I’m sorry to say it but the economic policy and behaviour since we work towards profit allows for the watering down of job conditions. If citizens would get paid a wage where it allows me to be a middle class citizen you dont think they would accept this job?
“It is important that before we address this issue politically, we
understand the dynamic of every human being’s will to survive at
whatever cost.”
On this issue this is very true, people forget that people deserve respect and dignity, two wrongs dont make a right. Just because a person is undocumented doesnt mean i have the right to be arrogant and should treat them as enemies or dirt. that is wrong. People should be given dignity. I truly think the word illegal while used non-chalantly these days is a degoratory term equivalent to the N WORD. No one is illegal. When blacks were not allowed to cross a restaurant the law would back up that xenophobic behavior, and peoples dignity was disregarded. I know America is better than that.
[I truly think the word illegal while used non-chalantly these days is a degoratory term equivalent to the N WORD.]
Your bias and ignorance shows. Section 8 of the US Code, subsections 1101-1125, define “illegal” and “alien” explicitly as legal terms. Stop playing silly Orwellian games of banning words merely because you want to silence opposing ideas or points of view.
While we can agree that these terms are a debate of semantics. The word “illegal” does have a derogatory intention. it completely destroys a persons identity, dignity, disregarding respect for another human life. Those are not the values i was brought up with and i am proud of that. And thats why i don’t use that word. Just how corporations can do structural damage whether in “free trade agreements” or just by i.e. Ford Co. or companies similar to it when they manufactured faulty products that kill people, they decide to call it “white collar crimes.” And no one is to blame or is held accountable. A paycheck will do. Hypocrites.
[While we can agree that these terms are a debate of semantics. The word
"illegal" does have a derogatory intention. it completely destroys a
persons identity, dignity, disregarding respect for another human life.]
What a bunch of nonsensical crap. You are pushing PC terminology in an attempt to obfuscate the difference between LEGAL immigrants and ILLEGAL ALIENS. As far as your “values”, clearly not dealing in truth or reality isn’t something you should be proud of. Really now, you need to grow up.
you need to stop being a robot sir..
You’re the robot, Che boy. You have recycled every progressive/communist/socialist catch phrase in the playbook. Now consider yourself spanked…
Don’t really follow one doctrine sir. That is quite a foolish thing to do. Dont judge me with your pessimistic prejudices and label me something i am not. I like to find out as much information as i can and then make judgement out of that. If you think I am biased, are you able to admit that you are biased yourself sir?
[Don't really follow one doctrine sir. That is quite a foolish thing to
do. Dont judge me with your pessimistic prejudices and label me
something i am not.]
Oh, come on now. You’re spouting the sam type of doctrinare left-wing drivel that has been coming out of the mouths of Berkeley malcontents for decades now.
Give it up, kid – you’re really not fooling anyone but yourself.
Unfortunately there is no legal process in the system right now for
all these youth to be legalized… when all of YOU ask these youngsters
to get their citizenship or residency cards the legal way … well the reality is that there isn’t one!!!
That is why we are in the situation we are in where we have more than 12
million undocumented people in the country.
Marilyn, ask your stepfather what he had to do to obtain his
citizenship? marry your mom?
Please people come on! These youth came to this country not because they
made the choice, but their parents made the choice for them. Most of
these youth don’t know another home but America. Most of these youth are
more American and have more love for this country than many CITIZENS
do.
The reality is that we need to work on trying to change foreign policy,
so that the life in other countries is improved, so people don’t have
the NEED to come to the US.
The US takes advantage of other countries’ natural resources, people,
etc so the US should take care of the few people who are able to come
to this country! We need a comprehensive immigration reform.
US immigration laws are not unusual in any respect. No country on earth permits unrestricted immigration.
In fact, the US is notably generous in allowing all persons born here to be recorded as citizens. Many countries would never consider doing that.
A little fact that the lying left-wing activists repeatedly ignore.
[The US takes advantage of other countries' natural resources, people,
etc ]
Nothing stops other countries from taking advantage of their own natural resources and people if they would ever get their own sh!t together. You want to blame the US for having a working model, while refusing to admit that the reason most countries in the world are impoverished is due to their own cultural and political dysfunctionality.
Ummm my friend. Have you heard of Chile in the 70′s and CIA help to Pinochet.. The bringing down of Allende, People have tried and are trying but Imperial tactics, because of corporate interest, they wont allow it. Why are people in the West worried about Egypt and the Moslem Brotherhood? In Islam usury is frowned upon… ooppps banks cant really make a profit now can they. Why are countries in Latin America critized by the west (what happened to sovereignty there huh, only for the USA?) when it was a majority (through democratic process) that put these leaders there. Leaders that oppose Western interest in their own land. This is hypocracy to say that “why dont people get their act together in their own countries.” They are you douche, they do try. You know it, i know it. People are trying but they are called: “communist,” “socialist,” “terrorists” because they want to rule their own land and want western hands off their political structure. Be clear that when people do make these movements there are elites who pound them with guns and bombs, so watch what you say. I bet you never lived or know what is like to live in the third world. In that sense you are truly ignorant. Fool!
[Ummm my friend. Have you heard of Chile in the 70's and CIA help to
Pinochet.. The bringing down of Allende, People have tried and are
trying but Imperial tactics]
Typical idiot lefty tactic – start babbling about something else when you can’t win the discussion. Sorry, I graduated from Cal a long time ago, and dealt with lefty spin-meisters far more talented than you. Save your dialogue for the noseringed little freshman whose panties you are trying to get into at your next silly political rally, child.
The truth stands and that was a reality. You wanna support Empire and corporate fascism, go ahead..
You want to blather nonsensical left-wing talking points, go ahead. It’s quite clear by your complete evasion of the initial subject that you lost the argument some time ago.
It is interesting because the same way you judge my answers is the same way you act when you respond to my comments. hmmmm?? If i am biased you yourself are too.
“If i am biased you yourself are too”
Not quite. Tony offers reasons to support his arguments. You don’t.
I gota admitt this kids has some big brass ones. but as the law stands. he is in violation of immigrations laws. so as a matter of FACT he shuold be and must be deported/removed. He wishes to be an example to his fello illegal alien students. well so be it. let the others also fear the wrath of the immigration gods.
A very courageous and principled act. You are a fabulous model for everyone; human rights are due to every human. I know from personal experience that the “simple, legal way” is not a option for many many people from distressed countries.
You – who know no other country but the USA – will bring great value, energy and talent to our country.
With deepest gratitude for your efforts in our communal struggle. ”one down, one fall”eva
I’m sorry, but what is “inhuman” about the way you’re being treated? You seem to be attending my alma mater, living illegally in my country, and exercising US citizens’ right to free speech, which we are willing to extend even to you, who are not a legal citizen.
The 17-year-old student was NOT arrested and deported simply because he was riding his bike without the headlights on. He was arrested for riding without his headlights on and deported BECAUSE HE WAS NOT IN THIS COUNTRY LEGALLY.
And that student who was arrested because he was playing basketball on campus late at night? He was deported BECAUSE HE WAS NOT IN THIS COUNTRY LEGALLY.
Why do you think you deserve the rights of US citizens when you acknowledge that you yourself are not interested in following the legal procedures, however lengthy and bureaucratic, that would make you a citizen or at least a legal resident? Following your logic, just because I enjoy eating dinner at Gregoire and have padded its owners’ coffers over the years with my patronage, they owe me a free meal. No, that’s not how it works.
My stepfather came here from a foreign country, pursued a PhD at UC Berkeley, and followed the legal route to legal residency and eventually citizenship. It took him man years, but he pulled it off. You can be a contributing member of society from a foreign country and still do it legally.
I very much agree with your comments. I think this dialogue is healthy because communication is key. I two became a citizen through a “Legal” process, my mother came to the states and waited 8 years to obtain her residency and 6 years after that so we can obtain naturalization. I now proudly consider myself an American. I am a true believer of the Republicanism that Lincoln and company brought forth to this nation because it respected the individuality and innovation of individuals. What does this have to do with “undocumented immigration you say: that is our foreign policy. We see too much of the effects and actions of undocumented immigration but we never ask why is this happening. Lincoln believed in free trade and cooperation between nations, also respected the sovereignty of other nations. I don’t see this happening currently. Why are we nation building around the world and asking them to follow everything we say?
The USA was founded on a revolutionary process that hated everything that was British Empire Free trade because it didnt respect the potential and capacity of other people around the world. I see this arrogance in our foreign policy, we have adopted measures that we were completely against. We waste billions of dollars every year on Aid that encourages militaristic governments to protect USA foreign interest. That is wrong. You know when we claimed Independence from Britain the British said that was an ILLEGAL act, because that land belong to the crown. Sound silly now doesn’t it. Sometimes things are not so black and white. When we meddle in other peoples affairs this is what happens.
“Sometimes things are not so black and white.”
So you’re saying that anyone can live in the US because history has ambiguities? I don’t follow the argument.
There is a reason we have history and that is to learn from our mistakes.
BTW i was pointing out a causation not a justification. You cant’s have your cake and eat it too my friend. Our tax dollars make a great impact in the world, positive or negative it always come back its called karma.
You aren’t explaining causation. The US is only one of the most recent nations attempting to dominate international events. Many have come before it, and none of them have found it expedient or sensible to admit an influx of aliens.
And what’s called for here isn’t causation but justification. What sound reason is there for the US to do something as stupid as opening its borders to hordes from Asia, Africa, Latin America? The only result would be insolvency, famine, and murderous strife.
By the way, karma is a dumb justification. It’s sentimental bullshit,
like the “pie in the sky” justification for the world’s misery.
You are very ignorant. Reasoning with emotion and impulse. and not with respect. How old are you? and what is your major or what did you degree did graduate with? You cant even articulate your argument and resort to using bad words. Sad. Makes you look very immature completely brings down your argument . and karma is just cause and effect that people have observed before you were born, dont be so condescending. you are nothing but dust in the universe, humble your self, and dont be so negative. you sound like you have too much hate in your heart.
“Many have come before it, and none of them have found it expedient or sensible to admit an influx of aliens.”
Yes many have come before it. Some empires before did bring back labor as slaves back home, the Egyptians, Romans. You should research what transnational corporations do in the developing world.
What sound reason is there for the US to do something as stupid as
opening its borders to hordes from Asia, Africa, Latin America? The
only result would be insolvency, famine, and murderous strife.
I never said we should open our bothers. You assume too much. I think the matter should be resolved, i believe in the people migrating here with documents. I am just pointing out that it is not a surprise that we have exodus of undocumented people coming to the States. Take mexico for example, ever heard of the maquiladoras , boder towns American owned sweat shops, and the harsh conditions they work in? How many people die? Also do you know that we are the one of the biggest arms dealer in the world, and USA is the biggest consumer of narcotics. HMMMMM I’m not surprised why mexico is running loose with drug kingpins and is on the brink of destruction. Its all about opening markets right, even if its a black market? But we sit back and just say: sorry its just good business. If you wanna be blind thats fine, but please at least when you answer back articulate your words and dont get all emotional kid…
There’s no evidence for the transmigration (or existence) of eternal souls. There’s no evidence of universal justice. Yes, many people have believed in such things. It’s called superstition.
You like to put words into peoples mouths, and also change the subject. You are still very disrespectful and that’s your parent’s fault. You were given a lot of entitlement when you were raised. People like you make me upset because you are proof of reports i read when they say that Americans are being dumb down. You hold the little accountable, when the our political structure encourages this deviant behavior. People say that undocumented immigrants take jobs, well what about the American companies that are taking jobs to china, India, and other parts of the world for profit and not for the well being of Americans. You wanna support British influenced free trade that takes resources from other lands and people which only benefit a few with no regard to other life instead of fair trade. People like you is why America is turning into a Facist state.
“People like you is why America is turning into a Facist state.”
You mean people who want accuracy rather than vagueness?
No. people like you. that know that there are other factors encouraging undocumented immigration (and ignore them,) that is aware of companies taking jobs from Americans overseas, and is stuck in his chair doing nothing but being a douche criticizing known facts in why this country is on the brink of corporate and oligarch take over. And still has the audacity to say “oh that’s vague.”That’s all?: Oh i don’t like your answer pick another one”: Wake up you douche. Who put you in a pedestal? I know one thing for sure, you don’t care about the mistakes your country makes. You are just a xenophobic bigot. Who is full of it. Don’t you have anything better to do? Loser.
I rather help out people that come here to enrich their lives and contribute to this country than keep talking to a xenophobic bigot like your self any day. Go do something better with your life douche. Last time i remember this Nation is known as the Land of Opportunity.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaI5IRuS2aE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjF6iLeVcgk&feature=fvst
“people that come here to enrich their lives”
But you won’t say how economic migrants can be regulated!
You are still at it huh douche.. So much xenophobia you wanna be right. check this out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=768h3Tz4Qik
By the way, karma is a dumb justification. It’s sentimental bullshit, like the “pie in the sky” justification for the world’s misery.
So you think it’s a mistake to limit immigration? Sorry, but no nation on earth permits unrestricted immigration. You’ll have to make a much stronger argument for why the USA should change its laws.
Haha.. you like to put words in peoples mouths.. Geez kid… dont assume too much.. If you would read i am merely observing the factors behind these acts. I am supported of documented immigration, i am just not short sighted either and see the factors of thee events.
Well, if your only interest is in saying why people migrate here illegally, there’s little point to your remarks. These factors have been catalogued time after time. The point of discussion is to address WHAT IS TO BE DONE ABOUT IT.
Reform foreign policy. That where im getting at kid.. It is a great factor. We dont need to police the world.
“As recent as the year
2000 we won elections by saying we shouldn’t be the policemen of the
world, and that we should be nation building. And its time we got those
values back into this country.
”
Ron Paul
“I am just absolutely convinced that the best formula
for giving us peace and preserving the American way of life is freedom,
limited government, and minding our own business overseas.
”
Ron Paul
I don’t beleive in mass deportation. The Government simply messed up, and we are partly responsible for trusting them to do all the work. I rather invest the trillions of dollars we make here than overseas. I rather have educated immigrants than gang bangers in the street.
Guest is a Douche. you can’t have intellectual conversations with a douche.
This is a very useful excuse. Now you don’t have to address specific points at all.
“Reform foreign policy.”
This is nothing but a vague generality. What specific reforms would solve the problems? And why do you think so?
There is nothing more to say. If you cant connect what i have pointed out, that’s not my problem. There is no point trying to reason with somebody that is overly objective and biased. A person that has no input and has not brought anything productive dialogue to the table. but just to look like they have important points (which you did not bring any) by attacking know Facts about how the world is and what needs to be done about it. Your are what the ancients Greeks called a Sophist, you like to indulge for the sake of argument and not for the production of truth and knowledge. Otherwise you wouldn’t be so objective and biased. Good luck being a Douche. Good Day.
If you won’t give specific answers, then I agree there’s nothing more to say. By the way, I think you mean “subjective,” not “objective.”
Hey Xenophobic Bigot, Check this out; Enjoy it douche.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=768h3Tz4Qik
Who is Ron Paul? Do you mean Rand Paul?
Ron Paul is Rand Paul’s father you dumb bigot. Who picks on any little argument you think can make you look more credible. loser.
[The USA was founded on a revolutionary process that hated everything
that was British Empire Free trade because it didnt respect the
potential and capacity of other people around the world.]
Sorry, but your understanding of the US Revolution is colored by your own agenda. Washington, Jefferson, et. al. did NOT by ANY stretch of the imagination “hate” everything the Brits stood for. In fact, their movement started initially as the American colonists wished to exercise their free rights as ENGLISH CITIZENS to freely assemble, petition, and have elected REPRESENTATION in Parliament. In addition, the protests again the Stamp and Tax Acts, and the monopoly granted by the British East India company, where in FAVOR of the prevalent ANTI-free trade position held by England w/r/t trade with the colonies.
Hate to say it, but the combination of Political Correctness and the legacy of neo-marxist “Liberation Doctrine” that has been the vogue at Cal for too many decades now has apparently produced a lot of ignorant young people pontificating about things they know nothing about. May I respectfully suggests that you LEARN something about American History from a more objective source so you don’t make a fool of yourself in the future?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLTZqbIlPj0
You Know alot of this bickering and xenophobia is happening because of the Economy. Because alot of people believe in supporting the establishment. I agree that people have to be accountable for their actions, but alot of these things are happening through indirect control from failed Political economic policies. It’s sad that people are short sighted and are willing to jump off and start scape goating people. It is true that people have to respect the law, but don’t give me this crap that on a technicality about undocumented people here illegally when there are people on the top who are benefiting off of it and who think they are above the law treating people like commodities. You know that exists aswell. And we get idiots like that dude in Norway doing dumb violent xenophobic acts because of short sightedness. Sad really.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBfHD2n13OA
[You Know alot of this bickering and xenophobia is happening because of
the Economy. Because alot of people believe in supporting the
establishment.]
Once again, you’re babbling and peddling your silly little left-wing world view instead of dealing with reality. The kid broke the law coming here, he broke the law a second time with his so-called “civil disobedience”. Now he’s on the radar screen, and can pay the price. No sympathy is needed here.
Cirus, this response verges on total incoherence. I think you should follow Tony’s advice so you don’t dig yourself into a pit of absurdity. Stick with logic and reality.
This student is very brave and is standing up for not only social justice but for what is best for the US. we need bright, brave young people and we need immigrants to make our economy strong and to strengthen the social fabric of the country. “Just apply for citizenship” is the usual kind of oversimplification that misses the mark. We need immigrants to support an grow our economy!
“I will fight until I regain my basic human rights.”
Residency in the USA is not a basic human right. Your human rights will be recognized in the Philippines, where you will enjoy full citizenship.
I understand you are a law abiding citizen, and that is very respectable. But you should have
compassionate as well, don’t be so naive and impulsive. That type of
behavior (your approach in comments) is what discredits the argument. It’s kinda silly that the USA whether through NGO’s or “Aid” can go to any country and dictate policy. There is a cause to this effect (undocumented immigration.) There are more pieces to this puzzle. It’s not so black and white, there are institutions with capitalistic and profit means here in this country that encourage this behavior as well. Keep in mind that the USA is one of the biggest influence for a Globalized economic system. I ask you to think systematically.
Why would you deport someone who isn’t from the Philippines to the Philippines??? Read the article!
I did read the article: “I shouted, “Isang Bagsak!” a Filipino unity cry, “one down, one fall!”
Note that Ju Hong never says “I am Korean.” He apparently wants to deny that he is.
Human Rights is a “Wolf in sheeps clothing” when it comes to the
ideological war from the modern world. Take our example of the Western
World in the Middle East. Granted that in the USA it is an acceptable
argument; “this human rights argument. I think people that have come
here undocumented do deserve recognition and dignity, we cant punish
them for the mistakes our Government has made. The Government has been
very neglectful on this issue, and undocumented immigration needs to be
addressed. On the other hand we can’t continue to accept this behavior
(of undocumented immigration) because it undermines our sovereignty.
Everyone is accountable, from companies who encourage this behavior, to
Free trade agreements that mess up countries which leads to a mass
exodus of people to this country. If people are willing to risk their
life’s coming here, then i think politically they should risk it at home
to make their home a better place. Its everyone’s responsibility. we
cant continue to encourage behavior that undermines our system of laws
either. There has to be a middle ground here.
It’s not hard, just become a citizen.
Don’t go to a country you weren’t born in and demand that the country adhere to YOU. You need to follow the laws of the country. Simple.
Honestly, Obama is doing the right thing if he is telling people who don’t live here that they need to leave. Would you let a squatter sit around in your house, just because they claimed it’s “their home”?
Every American has to follow laws. Just do the same. Not hard.
Sorry, I understand it’s not easy, but you don’t get to be exempt.
If you are afraid of being deported, why not apply for citezenship? If you want to be here and not be deported, that is the [right] way to go about it. If your native country is foreign to you, then obviously you don’t have any national tie to it. So you are welcome to stay in the United States, if you want and follow our laws. Those same laws have been designed to protect its citizens… so become one and don’t fear the authorities (i.e. ICE or local police etc.). YOU state: ” This is our home, this is our country, and we want to contribute to make this nation a better place.” SO FOLLOW THE RULES AND CONTRIBUTE OR DON’T FOLLOW THE RULES AND RISK DEPORTATION…it’s that simple.
It’s pretty much at least a 10 year wait for an undocumented to obtain a residency, not citizenship. It’s not as easy as it sounds.. The easiest way for a person to obtain dicuments is if you come from a Country of Political turmoil and instability.
“a 10 year wait”
Yes, and thousands of people have been waiting those ten years in accordance with the law. They should get their citizenship before the hundreds of thousands of others who chose the illegal route.
[It's pretty much at least a 10 year wait for an undocumented to obtain a residency, not citizenship.]
Then maybe he can GO BACK HOME and apply the right way like everyone else…
The San Bernardino student was stopped by the police because he was riding his bicycle with no lights on. He was deported because he was an illegal immigrant.
If I happen to have the body of a person I’ve murdered in my trunk, and the police pull me over for speeding, they will probably search the trunk, and once they find the body they will take me to jail. I will not have been incarcerated for speeding, but for murder.
Your elision of the reasons why these people have been deported is disingenuous and mendacious. I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised.