37 replies to this topic

[Waser Lave]

If given the choice between the US and Mexico, I'd choose the US.

 

There's still serious danger/persecution in Mexico that we don't have here yet. 

 

They have nice beaches and genuine Mexican food though. They aren't massively likely to get murdered in Mexico really.

[NapisaurusRex]

They have nice beaches and genuine Mexican food though. They aren't massively likely to get murdered in Mexico really.

They might not be more likely to get murdered, but are they more likely to starve to death, be homeless, or get sold into sex slavery? 

[redlion]

Right. They are refugees dependent upon who you ask. If the consensus is as long as you're a refugee, you're welcome to relocate, then suddenly there are no more immigrants, just refugees.

There is a definition debate, that's true. But the source of international law on the matter is not so watery. I don't think people from other parts of the country really get the size of the influx. This isn't a few people coming over with the coyotes, the drug runners, this is like a mass exodus. Like I said in the OP, many of them don't even try to make it to a city. They are actively seeking out ICE once they cross into the US.

People fleeing war torn areas usually get squalid living conditions and a new slum to live in (like this), and if they're lucky they get a UN mission and blue helmeted multi-ethnic escorts (like this old conflict, still going on).

I agree, they're not as bad off as the people of Syria or the Congo, but shit, how bad off do they have to be before someone steps up and feeds them? I mean they're destitute, completely indigent, and many of them are children.

[talbs]

I agree, they're not as bad off as the people of Syria or the Congo, but shit, how bad off do they have to be before someone steps up and feeds them? I mean they're destitute, completely indigent, and many of them are children.

 

I agree completely. I just hate that the "someone" always has to be the United States. The world would look to us to act anyway, regardless of the fact that in these instances it just so happens to be people from neighboring country/countries (for the most part).

 

When will someone bail us out?!

Edited by talbs, 23 July 2014 - 11:00 AM.

[Waser Lave]

They might not be more likely to get murdered, but are they more likely to starve to death, be homeless, or get sold into sex slavery? 

 

Compared to America you just described 90% of the rest of the world.

[NapisaurusRex]

Compared to America you just described 90% of the rest of the world.

They'd probably die faster trying to swim to Africa.

[Sweeney]

I find it baffling that a significant proportion of Americans are so against helping refugees. I heard part of a spot on NPR where they were talking about protesters trying to prevent a bus full of immigrant orphans reaching their orphanage. Like... what?

In my humble opinion, being a part of a country that tries to help residents of other countries is reason to be proud, not upset.

[Waser Lave]

They'd probably die faster trying to swim to Africa.

 

My point was that them being relatively poorer doesn't mean that America (or any 'rich' country) should just be obliged to allow them all in. Fair enough if they're genuinely being persecuted but living in a slightly more dangerous country isn't persecution.

[NapisaurusRex]

My point was that them being relatively poorer doesn't mean that America (or any 'rich' country) should just be obliged to allow them all in. Fair enough if they're genuinely being persecuted but living in a slightly more dangerous country isn't persecution.

I don't disagree with you.

[luvsmyncis]

I find it baffling that a significant proportion of Americans are so against helping refugees.

When the hatred isn't fueled by racism, it's fueled by greed.

Many people are unwilling to be inconvenienced on account of another person, even if there's something to gain from it. Imagine how many people are willing to be troubled when the situation produces financial loss. Forget about it. I just hope none of us ever find ourselves in the position where we would have to depend on a stranger's kindness, because basically you're fucked if you are ever in that situation.

[Frizzle]

America, a country founded by immigrants, suddenly dislikes immigration....

[luvsmyncis]

America, a country founded by immigrants, suddenly dislikes immigration....

We are hypocrites.

[redlion]

My point was that them being relatively poorer doesn't mean that America (or any 'rich' country) should just be obliged to allow them all in. Fair enough if they're genuinely being persecuted but living in a slightly more dangerous country isn't persecution.

But "allowing them all in" is an over simplification. Most are still deported to their country of origin. At some point, we have to trust the legal and immigration system to screen people. That is their job, after all.