Immigration ala Lindy

My sister-in-law's social networking page had an interesting exchange on it. It educated me a little bit, and I really appreciated the attitude of the exchange. I thought I might share:

Initial Post:

"The Mexican population law, article 67 says: "Authorities, whether federal, state or municipal ... Are required to demand that foreigners prove their legal presence in the country, before attending to any issues.""

E:Hope you have your papers in hand next time you go to AZ. I figure everyone with brown hair and eyes better be prepared to be stopped for being brown. ;)

C:It's not about racial discrimination, it's about being a legal citizen. You wouldn't be stopped for how you look, you would only be stopped if you did something illegal (which if you get pulled over for no matter where you are you would be required to show some kind of documentation, ie: driver's license, etc).

N:It is so interesting being so close to the drama here in Az. I was talking to chad about it all and he informed me when he was in Brazil he had to keep his Passport and papers on him at all times. I just wish that it would stop being a political jumping board and for people to really look at the law and laws in other countries before they jump to the law being a race issue!

Ch:So, since my husband is German and looks exactly like everyone else in this country, does he still have to carry them around too? Or will he get stopped for looking...American? Stupid AZ

Poster: When [my husband] lived in Germany for two years, he had to have his papers on him at all times, and check in with each new city when he moved.

I'm an immigrant. I'd rather have to carry my documents with me all the time to prove that I'm allowed to be here, than to know that people aren't here legally.

I just think it's funny that Mexico's law (which is what was quoted above) is more strict than Arizona's.

Alana (me):Sad that your political statement went over everyone's head! I guess that's just a token that Americans need to be more educated on this than find red flags of discrimination everywhere.

Ch:I think, then, that they also need to be reminded that this country has long been a great melting pot. And having just gone through the green card process, I can completely understand why people would try to be here illegally. It's complicated and expensive for someone like my husband who is here through work and now marriage, and has been a taxpayer for 5 years and did everything correctly. Maybe there should be fewer laws excluding people, and more education to help them stay here legally.

Poster:You're right. I went through the process. It's by no means easy, or cheap, or fun, or fast for that matter. I moved to the U.S. in 1992. I had a green card for 12 years before I became a citizen in 2004. The process sucks. But that's how it works. Just like how it sucks to go to the DMV, or sometimes the post office. But that's your option if you want a driver's license or want to mail a letter.

I also learned a lot while I went through the citizenship process - like why it has to be so hard. They fingerprint you and do a background check so they know they're not letting some serial killer or bank robber into the country. They interview you to see if you speak a basic conversational amount of English. They test your basic knowledge of the country's history and government - so you are at least somewhat aware of what you're getting into.

What most people don't realize is that EVERY country has immigration laws and processes. It's not easy to become a citizen anywhere. It's not just the U.S. picking on people...even though I hated the year or more I spent completing the process, I at least see why they had to do it.

B: It IS funny. If you go anywhere else in the world, say, France...you have to have your paperwork or VISA. Mexicans, or Canadians, or whoever, are not exempt just because we're all neighbors. We ALL pay the price in the end.

And the comments continued. Not only was this a very respectful political exchange, but it reminds me that America is not the only one with immigration laws. Draw whatever conclusions about it that you must, but I've gotta say, this makes the people boycotting AZ sound a whole lot more unfounded.