Way to go St Joke. Can you imagine how backward rmap's comments make non-hispanic residents of this little town look? Why don't you try stepping out of your stereotypes and get to know your new neighbors.

Oh well, native St. Joe people have never welcomed, or appreciated, newcomers.

First off not all Hispanics are illegals.
My more important point is this: St. Joseph needs to look at Marshalltown, Iowa (the city mentioned in this article). Marshalltown had an influx of Hispanics in the past, and while there were growing pains at first, the community came to realize that in the long run the newcomers were an asset to the town - both economically and socially.
For those who will simply say - 'Well, ALL the Hispanics are breaking the law' - that is a childish and ignorant response.

Though I think Rmap's comments were a bit much, I'm sure he/she is refering to the influx of violent crimes committed by illegals. You can't argue with that.

It would appear it's up to the local community to find a solution. D.C. certainly isn't doing anything about it.

There is a problem with illegals, make no mistake about it. I just hesitate to make sweeping generalizations.

rmap..... since there were virtually no latinos here before, why can't you look at this is achieving diversity? i am encouraged to see others here speaking up against the pervasive assumption that everyone with an hispanic accent is illegal.

Of course not all hispanics are illegal, but a majority are. We are our own problem to this issue.

I received a meat packers union card at work. For some reason (your own guess here) this person put down that he lived at our business. We are a block long with no residential area on it. When I called the union that issued the card, she verified the address with what was given, then told me she would note the card not to send further mail. Now why would you send your union card somewhere else???????

Then if you want a good chuckle on the government, check out the I-9 form. This is a form now required to be filled out on all new employees hired after 1985. Which basicly ask you to verify that you are a US citizen. However you may not ask the question nor help anyone fill out the form. However if you can not fill it out you may get a third party to assist in filling it out, or can even get it in spanish. But no where does the government ask you to send them off to verify the picture provided and the social security number match. Now what good was that??????????

I know of another gentlemen who owns a business that went to a disaster area to do clean up of damaged homes. He hired some local guys who did okay but wanted smoke breaks and when 5:00 hit, considered themselves done for the day. Now when you work a disaster area you work pretty much all day. So the next day he found the local corner (St. Joe has one too) where the hispanics wait to find work for the day. He hired about 4 people. He says they were the hardest working people he ever hired. They worked none stop and didn't ask for breaks and where thrilled to have a job.

Here are three examples of what illegal immigrants have brought to us. They are here and they want to work. Sometimes I feel the easiest way to solve the issue is make them legal. Then they will become like the rest of America. Just go to work and get the paycheck with the least amount of effort required. It would even the playing field again.

This is not a racial issue, it is a criminal issue. I'm tired of all the bleeding heart PC bologna in this town. We need to crack down and stop this before it gets out of control.

i would like to know what basis you use for the comment that the majority of hispanics are illegal. that is bunk.

Use the media stats.

This is the most outrageous thing I have heard yet. Saint Joseph is proud of the fact that they are in this position. Housing illegals is not a positive concept that will bring people to this town (well except for more illegals I guess). NO I am not being racist, rather stating facts. If Triumph will call in the ICE and prove that no illegals work there (all 1488 of them) then I will personally come down there and shake every Hispanic’s hand.
Some facts:
- The United States spent $281.6 million to reimburse state governments for the cost of incarcerating illegal immigrants
- Illegal immigrants in 2004 accounted for 95 percent of all outstanding homicide warrants in Los Angeles and two-thirds of unserved felony warrants
- One out of every 20 workers in the United States is here illegally

“St Joe your looking proud, standing up, shouting out…St Joe you know your looking proud!”

Side note to anybody that wants to call me racist:
My wife is mexican.

Did you marry her out of spite? ;)

Oh and I have a suggestion for Mr. Ochoa in the article. One way they could use the mechanic is to SPEAK ENGLISH! That is always a good option when you are IN AMERICA!

shocked.... how about a reference that states that the majority of hispanics are illegal. i don't think you can produce one. perhaps you are trying to say that you think most illegals are hispanic? i don't agree with either assertion. i am appreciative of your tolerance, so i don't mean to bash..... just worry about anecdotal evidence being taken as definitive facts.

“If you’re Hispanic and you don’t speak English, you cannot tell the mechanic what is wrong,” Mr. Ochoa said. “How do they tell them their water pump isn’t working if they only speak Spanish? I’ve also seen a lot of people get cheated, or someone takes advantage of them.”

All I can say to this is "LEARN THE LANGUAGE"!!!! You are now in America and we speak English. As for the rise in crime, it's obvious that many of these (I didn't say all) Hispanics are breaking the laws when Muni Court has to PAY a translator one day a week to have a "Spanish" Court session. Who's pocket does that money come out of???? OURS! I do not have a problem with anyone comming to our country to make a better life for themselves and their families if it is done legally. Most of the legal aliens are good hardworking people, the illegals are the ones causing the problems!!

Unauthorized Immigrants

How many unauthorized immigrants are in the United States (adults, children, mixed-status families)?
In January 2006, there were approximately 29.1 million foreign-born individuals living in the United States who entered the country between 1980 and 2005. About 16.3 million (56 percent) of them were legally resident (including lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees), about 1.3 million (4 percent) had temporary or other immigrant status, and approximately 11.6 million (40 percent) were unauthorized. The unauthorized population was estimated to be growing at 515,000 people per year in 2006.

Approximately 6.6 million of the unauthorized in January 2006 were from Mexico (57 percent), 510,000 were from El Salvador (4 percent), 430,000 were from Guatemala (4 percent), 280,000 were from the Philippines (2 percent), and 280,000 were from Honduras (2 percent).

In terms of the highest rates of unauthorized population growth between 2000 and 2006, India is first (125 percent), followed by Brazil (110 percent) and Honduras (75 percent).
For more background information on the unauthorized population in the United States, see the September 2005 article Unauthorized Migrants Living in the United States: A Mid-Decade Portrait.

I stand corrected

THUTCH, you seem to have done your research. The glaring omission from your statistics are numbers reflecting how the quality of our Mexican food will decrease if said "illegals" are deported. Please take this into account and repost said statistics.

Sorry NObama, you are exactly correct. I love mexican food, so we need to come up with a solution to this. Haha, very good post!

Before we get into a statistic debate, may I quote a commercial on TV
"90 percent of all statistic can be used to prove your position 50 percent of the time."

Which means absolutely nothing.

Oh NO!! We can't have that!! My family has to have it's ElMaguey fix!!

Sounds to me like you're flip-flopping a little bit. Pretty typical of liberals like you. First you say you want illegals gone, then you say you want to keep your good Mexican food. Well, which one is it? Make up your mind, Barack.......and listen to Michael Savage sometime. You might learn something.

shocked, thanks. that is good info. i LOVE your admonition about stats, one of my pet peeves. 50%of the time the numbers are made up.....hahahahaha

or....... barbosa's could have a huge upswing in business?

"60% of the time, it works every time."
-Bryan Fantana

Has anyone ever considered we trade some of our non working lazy citizens for the mexican population that wants to work?
I think most people are tired of supporting anyone that doesn't take care of themselves.....so maybe we could start trading out.
I myself welcome anyone that is legal and not afraid of working for a living,and supporting their own families.
We DO NOT however have room in our city for anyone who is making a living on criminal activity or involved in gang activity, but that means any race.

"They've done studies, you know. 60% of the time it works, every time." -Brian Fantana

I am so sick of this issue. Legalize them and get it over with.

For example look at today's police briefs... It's horrible!!

Make it King City.......no one in their right mind lives there anyways.

Everyone go out and learn Spanish because they are not going to learn English but they will take state health care and child care but to do that the employees will be required to speak Spanish!

The situation with immigration is not likely to change. We should be working on learning how to make the best of it. Like all other races, there are good and bad among them. I do think it should be mandated the immigrants learn basic English, along with passing legislation depicting English as the official language.

I am he as you are he as you are me and we are all together.

what did evyone expect when triumph came in?

"Sounds to me like you're flip-flopping a little bit. "

C'mon NOBAMA........Can't you take a joke????

NOBAMA doesn't joke around when it comes to Mexican food.

Orliandor, I am the walrus.

I do not believe all Hispanics are illegal or criminals, that is just an ignorant statement to make. I also don't care how hard they work, if they are here illegally then they need to leave. I do like the comment suggesting that we trade all the lazy, criminal Americans for hardworking, law abiding immigrants. Great idea. Let them come, but let them all come legally, pay taxes, get a job and SPEAK ENGLISH.

this article makes me hungry for Barbosa's

Oh what a tangled web - I try to keep it as simple as possible. If you are documented and legal wonderful and if not you are being returned to your home country.
AZ along with other border states has a terrible problem with this issue but there is a sheriff by the name of Joe in Maricopa County the deals with it most effectively.

apmastrangelo we all know you are using code language to cover for your home grown St. Joe racisim. ;)

Seriously guys? 600 more hispanics in the county and we are panicing? We need to make sure they are legal, but I don't think we need to launch the "white flight" out of St. Joe just yet.
It may be scary when people are different from you, but it will be OK.

Az has also passed a law holding the employers accoutable for hiring illegals. The first time they are caught they lose thier business license for 10 days. The second time they lose it for good. As to the SS# the illegals will share the same one maybe 10 on the same card. They also send their hard earned money home to pay for more to come to this country!!! It cost between $500 to $5000.00 to get help to get accross the border.

My father is a superintendant for the largest home builder in Colorado, Classic Homes. Of course, hispanics are the primary labor force. They bust their you know whats to put up these houses. They are extremely hard workers. Harder than most white guys/gals I know. He knows some of their bosses (also LEGAL hispanics) on a personal level. My Dad couldn't help but ask "Are there any illegal immigrants working for you?" The guys of course respond with a no answer. But one of them reinterated on his answer that if there was he knows they are good men. I guess they send the money back to help ther struggling families in Mexico.

They are in a huge predicament and I really feel sorry for them. I wish we could do something. But in my opinion, they need to figure it out themselves. Mexicodoesnt have many resources and their economy is garbage. What do they have to work with besides Tequila and tourism? We could open up the border and sffer a mass influx of workwers that would destroy our country's economy. TOO MANY WORKERS and not enough demand.

I am all about my family so my take on this is, seal it up and get their you know whats out of here. And you better do it asap. This is BS

I can't believe you took down my post. This is pure censorship, what we are communist now? There was nothing in there that warranted that action. What you don't want people to know what Pat lilly was up to? These illegals don't care about our laws don't care about being an American. The very face of your community is changeing and not for the better. Why has I.C.E. not been cleaned house here. You bleeding hearts are clueless. if you do not see the problem then you are part of the problem.

I wonder if this will triger more strict laws passed by the city gov't that we have seen in other cities. Punishment for those to rent to illegals and such.

It's not a question of who works hard or is a great guy/gal. It's all about breaking our laws.

I bet they have a system that automatically erases them. See the "Suggest Removal" link attached to every post. Click suggest removal for this post. Lets see if they erase it. I got a good one to try out.

I love the News Press. You guys are the greatest.

Now sugest for removal and see if it erases. This is fun. I guess... It's better than work on a Friday.

Hey remember the hispanic in TX on death row. They executed him the other day but he was actually appealing because they wouldn't allow him to speak to his Mexican Consulate. Thats dumb. You raped and killed two people and you think your consulate's gonna do anything. Go to hell!

Mr_America - Your comment might make sense IF I were from SJO and for that matter even in SJO at the moment.
You and others often confuse or want to make two very distinct issues the same; the law (legal vs. illegal) and "RACISM".
Sorry but you gain no ground on this one with me. During my life some of my closest friends are Hispanic, black, and of various religions.
I also strongly agree with "devinbroncs" that the vast majority of the Hispanics are extremely hard working people.
The issue comes down to whether, as a country, we expect and demand that our laws be respected and followed. If the answer to that question is yes, we as a people can not simply ignore a situation growing ever more out of control. Otherwise what is the purpose in having any border and immigration laws at all.
"Mr_America" this issue is about our values as a country and whether they are to be respected. If you do not think illegal immigration is a problem so be it and the test of time will be the judge. Do not, however, think that every person concerned over this issue is motivated by race.

I was being sarcastic. I myself am hispanic and think the world we live in is far too pc. I heard a rep for La Raza say using terms like undocumented or illegal aliens are code words for racial slurs.

Did you miss my previous post?

Mr_America - No I didn't and just wanted to be sure the record was clear. As for Rep. La Raza; words in of them-self do not represent racism. Rather one must watch for where the message takes you. Even politicians use issues for their benefit.

I wonder if the Native Americans had the same things to say amongst themselves when all of our immigrant ancestors came to America and took over. They were done a huge favor by being shoved into reservations and forced to become civilized. I'm sensing a lot of civility here.

FYI, to those who are asking, the News-Press removes postings that accuse a specific individual, company or organization of committing a crime, unless there is evidence to warrant those comments.
The News-Press allows comments that are more general in nature and deal with opinions on illegal immigration, or any other issue, as a topic of public policy.
The 50 or so postings that remain available for public viewing indicate a fair amount of tolerance in this public discourse, in our view.
As far as equating removal of postings to Communism, it should be noted that this Web site is the property of the News-Press. A company's ability to protect its own property is sacrosanct under the capitalist system of private ownership.

-- the editors.

I am sure the American Indians had the same things to say amongst themselves when all of our immigrant ancestors came to America and took over. What was done to them was awlful, I will be the first to say so. I guess what you are saying is that we better do something now before we are moved to an american reservation. We need to learn from history and change what we can. We are AMERICANS and we owe it to everyone that gave their lives for us to keep it AMERICAN!!

Albert Einstein once said " The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it.

Younggrandma
I ask you younggrandma what are you doing about it--what have you done for your country???

This is not a public forum, it is privately owned and represents what the owners what it to represent.

Just like the newspaper only prints what they want, doh!

Capitalism, no one ever said it was fair.

And we have way too many lazy white folks in these parts to be bashing hard working hispanics - the only issue is the illegals and the companies/UNIONS that support/promote/exploit them -

Guess what, they've got money and power, they do what they want - or so it seems.....

Maybe we need FEDERAL intervention?

Who is paying who, sometimes all you need to do is follow the money trail -

Where did it start, who was involved and who it making money from it now?

Sad situation, going to get far worse before it gets better, if it does...

My city used to be white... really white. Now it's only *kind of* white.

I'm outta here...

gettinafterlegty..... Let's see.... Did I fight in a war..... No I did not. I vote and I will do everything I can to let my voice be heard and do my part to keep America great. If more people spoke up instead of constantly trying to be PC we would be far better off..... Just courious, what have YOU done?

StJoeMoe - One part of your last post is exactly right; much of the illegal work force exists because big business benefits from it. That is exactly why people should demand their law makers put laws in place to punish those companies. AZ is a good example of a first step. There are penalties for each degree of offense up to ultimately taking a business license away. It really is not just individuals braking the law, companies are doing so also.
It is amazing how quickly things change at a company once they have been found in violation.

before everyone posts there are rules that state:

Rules: We don't allow comments that degrade others on the basis of gender, race, class, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation or disability. Epithets, abusive language and obscene comments will not be tolerated... nor will defamation.

i feel like we've been pretty lenient with the rules today. but those are the rules and we reserve the right to delete any post that breaks these rules.

Ricky Gipson
Internet Team

I never in my life thought that I would live in a racist town...and then I read all of this garbage..for all of you saying "this is America and we speak English"...you obviously never been out of Missouri..all coastal towns have many different cultures living in one place and everyone speaks a different language..take Cali...whites that you think speak English don't..they have Asians, Russians, Mexicans, Etc... and if the Mexicans weren't dark skinned but white and spoke anything else then nobody would have a problem..I am ashamed that I was born and raised in this town..everyone says ..we didn't have any Mexicans before triumph..but thats not rue..what about Barbosa's..La Mesas..the Mexican fiesta..are those families that run those places and make the food for you not foreign enough to be considered Mexicans...I myself am Mexican and I would agree that there has been an influx of crime but don't say its everybody and don't say that everyone is illegal..they are all here just like everyone else that migrated to another country..they just happen to be our next door neighbors so its easier for them to come over. they want the American life of freedom,rights and wealth just like everyone else but unlike 'other races' they are working for it and not just sitting on there a$$ taking government money to help raise their 6 kids they had by different people they are working and saving money to send back home to help take care of everybody..I agree that everyone should be legal and that they should pay taxes like us..But the USA was not built by 1 race and its not ran by 1 race..and everyone on this site that is talking a bunch of racist b@ll$h!t you are showing your true redneck KKK bigot white A@@ and you are the reason that this country will never stand up to its true potential

We have laws for a reason. I would feel the same if a bunch of illegal lily white englishmen tried to colonize our city.

Mr_America..... Could not have said it better myself!!!

Grandma, you go gurl!

How dare you remove comments that are in Spanish. You fail at diversity.

So, younggrandma, I'm being PC because I referred to "American Indians" as Native Americans? That's what they are. They were here first. Then came the British, Scottish, Irish, German, and so on. They became Americans. Anyone after them that took the proper steps also became American. Having illegal immigrants running around isn't a new concept. Whether the people causing crimes are illegal is irrelevant. We have crime no matter what. It's sad, but true.

You talk like the only solution is to exterminate those that don't look like you, speak like you, etc. I totally agree that anyone living in America should speak English, even as a second language. But, the fact remains that our forefathers never bothered to name any language as the official language. So, who's fault is that? Mine? Yours? Anyone else that wants to complain because immigrants come to our country and take our jobs? The immigrants themselves? Get real!

If they come here to get jobs to feed their families because they don't have the resources in their home country, who am I to begrudge them of that? I was fortunate enough to be born in this free country. However, I do expect them to abide by our laws. But, I won't ostracize them simply because they're among us.

At least somebody's willing to work around here. We either have so many lazy people on welfare popping out kid after kid to take advantage of the system, or we have people who are legitimately in the welfare system that can't help themselves because of the way the transition from welfare to self-sufficiency is so warped that it's nearly impossible to get off of welfare without a familial support system.

The point of my rant-I don't care if you're white, black, brown or purple...legal or illegal. If you have the wherewithall to take advantage of the system or choose a life of crime to support yourself or just for kicks, you'll do it (I'm speaking in general terms, of course).

It takes little effort to blog about all the wrongs with our own country. If you want the illegal immigrants out of our country, then maybe you should recruit a few thousand of your closest friends and go tell Immigration that you want to work for them to help in the effort. I'm sure they could use the manpower.

bearie:

Please get a clue!! Most of the posts that you are crying "RACIST" on also say "ILLEGALS". I believe the Barbosa's are AMERICANS!! This doesn't have anything to do with skin color, I don't care if they are white, black, yellow, purple or green. If they want to come here for a better life, they need to it legally period! I feel the same way about all the other languages too. English IS the language of this country.
Your comment.... "'other races' they are working for it and not just sitting on there a$$ taking government money to help raise their 6 kids they had by different people".... sounds pretty racial to me!

we all need to step back for a minute and reflect on the words of that great hispanic band leader, ricky ricardo, "ju got some splainin to do, lucy!"

I have read the postings on here today, aside from the deleted ones, and I'm not sure people are being racist. I think people are fed up with supporting illegal immigrants no matter where they are from. St. Joseph does have a large hispanic and asian population, and I for one would love to see tougher laws prohibiting the hiring of and or selling or renting property to someone who does not have proper identification, such as a SSN and a bank account, and a utility bill in his or her name with an address on it. Is that being racist? No, not hardly, that is being a working class person who is sick and tired of seeing people making more in government assistance who in fact don't deserve to be supported by the American government, because 1. they are not a legal citizen, and 2. do not pay taxes like the rest of us, and 3. and have no desire to become an American citizen. But yet they are making more money than the Sr. citizens who are legal citizens, and have paid their taxes.

Well now bearie, I know plenty of American women (all different colors, white included) who have 6 kids from different fathers and are sitting around collecting government assistance. Go sit at the social welfare office for an afternoon.

United States citizenship requirements states the following requirement, among others: "The ability to read, write and speak English". - You can read that on the United States Immigration Support website

That's as much of an "official language" as we need.

weese:

Did I say it was the "official" language???? What language do the majority of Americans speak? Just beacause it isn't documented doesn't mean it isn't our language!

rush: Very well said!!

I just want to say I love Mexicans.

I failed a citizenship test. But I was born here so it's okay.

If you want to split hairs, English isn't OUR language...those who built our country could've easily been German, French, Japanese...and have you not been paying attention to the news for the past months. We have NO OFFICIAL LANGUAGE. I heard that there's a movement to make the official language Spanish, and I don't think that'll ever fly. But who knows? Remember, our country was built by immigrants.

If there are not supposed to be any racial or ethnic slurs, then why can bearie call white people " redneck KKK bigot white A@@"? She/He is just as bad as some of the idiots who think all Mexican's are illegal or the one's soely for the increase in violent crimes in the area.

I have to say when Triumph first came to St Joe, I was like the mind set of a lot of people. "Great, now the town will be over ran with Mexicans." But as I got older I started thinking... my grandparents were in the exact same position when the came over from the Ukraine. My stance is like what most Americans believe...come here and make a better life for you and your family, but do it LEGALLY!! I really do not think that it is too much to ask that someone wanting to come to this country to be able to speak the language. Maybe not fluently, but be able to communicate at the very least at a basic level. Both my grandfather and grandmother, spoke English, but unless you knew them, they were hard to understand. But you know what, they made the effort to learn. There are a lot of families that share my story.

what I would like to know is...if my brother, Edward pamir, who has not been allowed to come back into the United States since my fathers funeral in January, who has lived in St. Joe for over thirty years, worked for AGP Processing for over 18 yrs, but cant return home because someone who works for the immigration department faied to do their job properly during the amnesty years, if my brother were hispanic would he be able to return home?????oh and by the way, he started kindergarten in to United States in 1971 after my family moved from Canada, and yes...he can read,write and speak perfect english!

wickedtruth..... Where did I ever say someone should be exterminated? As far as illegal immigrants go, I know they have always been here. I do not think there have always been this many. You say "Whether the people causing crimes are illegal is irrelevant." Lets see what you have to say about that when it involves you or someone you love. We have enough crime and illegal activity here. I think any illegal activity should be dealt with. Go ahead and take out your frustrations on me I raised two daughters and survived, I can take it.

So, ksrogers2000, what you are saying is that your family moved here from Canada in the early 70's, and your brother lived here and went to school here and worked here and paid taxes here for 30 years? How did he get to Canada? What is the problem? What does your brother need and why are you still here? Were you born here? I'm just trying to understand your plight. I would think if anyone could prove he is a US citizen it would be your brother! AGP could surely pull employee records for your brother that would show a SSN and steady employment for 18 years. I don't understand how he is having a problem. Please give more information.

There's a proposed L.A. City ordinance that would require big box home improvement stores to have an attached center for day laborers. As previously discussed, the great majority of those workers are illegal aliens.

There's a bit of an update in "Making a place for workers", but it doesn't have much more beyond "...and our day laborer sites won't encourage illegal immigration" and Home Depot, Antonio Villaraigosa, Fernando Guerra, and Microsoft.

Antonio Villaraigosa--listen to what he thinks about legal Americans and their rights
http://www.fileden.com/files/2007/8/22/1372576/MAYOROFLOSANGLESSPEAKING.mp3

"It's an incredible issue for urban California," said Fernando Guerra, a lobbyist for Home Depot and professor who heads Loyola Marymount University's Center for the Study of Los Angeles.

Guerra, who said he was speaking for himself and not Home Depot...

And, this:

Home Depot officials said they have yet to review the recently proposed city ordinance.

"Day laborers are not a Home Depot issue alone," said Kathryn Gallagher, a spokeswoman for Home Depot. "It's a community issue. It needs to be a community effort. We are happy to sit down at the table and be part of the solution."

It's not what say that speaks volumes, but more what you imply. Get over yourself. I'm not frustrated. Maybe you should reread what I said, because I don't think you quite understand what's being said. I'm not the one moaning and groaning about illegal immigrants. Just take a step back and look at the big picture. This is not a new problem, but apparently you've been living under a rock and blind to the world around you. The only reason there's an outcry about anything anymore, whether it be illegal immigrants, teen pregnancy, war, whatever, is the media. We are so much more uber-informed about everything, people act like these are new problems and "It's an outrage!" "It must be fixed!" Get a grip. Nothing's changed, except the media coverage. As for how I would feel when me or my family is victimized, I wouldn't care if the Pope was the criminal, I would feel the same. What a stupid comment to make.

Enough wasted energy on clueless yg...

ksrogers2000-I'm very sorry for your brother and your family. I certainly hope that there's an end in sight for your situation. I haven't heard anything lately about Edward, don't know him, but my heart goes out to you.

well gradma if I listed what I have done I probably be accused of wrapping myself in the flag, but anyway I served my country for 33 years-fought a war and been places for my country most Americans would not want to go. Besides that--I am an American just like you--and like you proud of it!!!!!!

All my postings have been deleted by some little staffer that probably has not been out of the state of Missouri, and being a pseudo journalist as he or she more than likely is they are more than likely leaning far to the LEFT--you know the warm and fuzzy party-the cut and run party--and the party that is always bringing up racism when it makes them look good.

I will stand by what I have tried to get across here--St Joseph will be sorry for their current attitude towards illegals--they are law breakers and they all should be deported every last one of them...

long story short about my brother...My father was a doctor in canada. He moved to Boston MA to accept a job in the hospital. They moved to the states in 1970. My brother started school in Pennsylvania where I was born in 1972. My brother got his social security numbers when he started working at Godfathers pizza. He was 16 yrs old. That is when he found out that my parents never did the req paperwork for him to become a citizen. So in 1987 my brother was married to his wife, who is American born, went through the amnesty program. He gave all his scholl records, received his card and was told to go to work. Flash forward 14 months later. The immigration dept lost some of his paperwork and sent a letter stating that he needed to give more proof or he needs to leave the country within 6 months. The letter was sent to an address that he know longer lived in. He never got the letter.
In the meantime, he went on to live his life. He worked for AGP, bought a house, started a 401k plan, etc.
In January of this yr, my father, who lived in Vancouver BC, passed away. We all went to Canada for the funeral. When trying to cross the border back in the US, we were told there was no record of my brother being an american citizen. He has been living in Canada ever since. His wife commited suicide, he was not able to come home for the funeral.
We have hired a lawyer, and Congressman Graves office has been notified. Any other ideas???

Sounds like he forgot to set his forwarding address when he moved to a new residence.

Now this is a true wildwest gunslinging debate! :) I love it.

ksrogers - Sorry to hear of such a story. You are going in the right direction with the congressman but do not accept the political excuses. Take it as far up the ladder as necessary to get attention. Suggest you also contact each of the major networks for greater exposure. That always gets the politicians off their duff.

MovingAway - Ridiculous and insensitive remark.

Moving away - I hope it will be sooner than later. What an insensitive boob.

(Mr_America) <-- awaiting sophomoric boob joke.

I'm just saying...

We have policies and procedures in place and when they're not followed properly is when small problems like the one being discussed can become out of control quickly. He had no idea when he left for Canada that he would not be allowed back in because of ONE letter that was sent to an incorrect address?

his ssn number and his work records-school records should prove his us citizenship--but with all the illegals now entering our country with fake ssn numbers DL's and just about anything you can think of including id theft--this is what illegals have bought us. Your brother is now suffering from this lack of enforcing the laws of this country and Congress and those who look the other way are to be held the ones who are responsible...

this is for moving away....
He never had a problem receiving his voters reg card, or income tax, why did the immigration dept have a problem finding him. It was utter caos during the Amnesty international years, the fact is they lost the records that were given to them. it took 14 months for them to review his case once he applied for residency. The documents they sent him had to be signed for. So if they were returned, dont you think that during the computer era, they should have been able to find his address? The IRS did. This is someones life. Instead of letting him continue to live in the counrty for another 15 years, dont you think they should have made sure he either provided the documents or followed up to make sure he was gone?

Who says he didn't file for a change of address. Just because you do-doesn't mean you will get all of your mail. I am still getting mail for a prior resident at my address some 6 years later (and they filed change of address). And as well, even though I filed a change of address, mail continued to go to my old address. Besides, there is no "law" stating you have to do that. Paperwork of this importance should have been sent certified. Its obvious this was a clerical screwup. They should be doing more to help this guy out.

Moving away-That was very uncalled for. Shame on you.

KSrogers- I would try and get the story to the major news networks. I hope your brother gets home soon.

Shame on me. I'm an insensitive boob. I just can't imagine that one letter was sent to notify someone that they are missing paperwork of this type of importance. He was working, and married. I would imagine that someone could find contact information fairly easily in a case like this.

Here you go you legal US TAX PAYERS

Illegal Alien Students

"A proposed federal law called the Dream Act would enable undocumented students who have attended U.S. schools and met other conditions to gain legal status and qualify for some student aid. But, so far, the meas-ure has failed to win enough support in Congress, leaving states to cobble together their own policies for handling these students in higher ed.," says US News and World Report.

"Heightened concern about the slowing economy and illegal immigration already has led some states to close the doors of higher education on undocumented students. This summer, South Carolina became the first state to ban such students from all of its public colleges and universities. Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, and Oklahoma have also drawn a line in the sand and now deny illegal immigrants in-state tuition benefits."

----------------

thank you for the support. If any of you want to try to help, Call AGP Processing. They can help bring him home by signing papers allowing him to work while he is getting things straightened out. Alos, Congressman Graves should remember this is an election year. And he should be tryingto get his citizens home. Especially those that voted for him

Moving Away- I definitely agree that it would have been easy for the government to track him down, why didn't they? I would think looking at his SSN would have enlighted someone. Also, what good did ignoring a letter of that significance (if that is what you are trying to infer) would it do for Mr. Pamir. There is absolutely nothing positive to be gained from it. Why would he just do that? Its obvious he has tried everything to become legal. Why would he go through all that just to ignore a letter to resend documents OUR govenment lost? Doesn't make sense. AND why did it take 14 months for our government to "try" and notify him of lost paperwork?

Which brings me to my next question. I freely admit, I am not up on immigration/citizenship processes. Why is it so hard for people to come here legally or become citizens (aside from the obvious screw up with Mr. Pamir's paperwork)?

ksrogers- I am sorry to hear that this situation has not been resolved yet. I remember reading about it in the paper. If you have some kind of petition or something to help out let us know. I will call AGP and give you my support. I hope it all works out for you.

I am so un saavy whenit comes to starting an online petition. I wouldnt know where to start. Is there anyone that can help me with that?

Clinton Thomas - This would be a great human interest story.
Might even help make everyone feel more warm and fuzzy about the sjoenews.net

ksrogers - I just sent a e-mail to o'reilly at fox news I know it is a shot in the dark but maybe it will help.

Yes I watch Bill O'Reilly, they are a fair and balanced network :)

if anyone wants to read the first article that was writtien about my brother just go to Google and type in Edward Pamir. There a a couple of articles that were written about this situation.

"Posted by rush620 on August 8, 2008 at 2:42 p.m.

Well now bearie, I know plenty of American women (all different colors, white included) who have 6 kids from different fathers and are sitting around collecting government assistance. Go sit at the social welfare office for an afternoon."

So true, freaks me out, the percentage of these people is a lot higher here than anywhere else I've lived. Moochers -

But, they are legally here.

I've worked and known many "Hispanics" in my day, good people, people like you and me and most are willing to work hard - something that can not be said for a lot of the established people in this community.

When they get exploited, we have a problem. It is not hard for them to get here legally, albeit only for a short period of time.

And yes, it is sad when some illegals come over just to have babies, thus, they are most certainly going to be "legal" as who is going to seperate a mother from her now "American" baby? No one I'm aware of......

Anyway, in closing, I want to thank the staff of StJoeNews. I understand the politics of your position is out of your control, you're doing a great job and I for one appreciate it.

THANK YOU (Muchas Gracias)

All you need is love.

ksrogers, my legally resident husband of 25 years was taken from our home a year ago under the homeland security act. he has never had more than a traffic ticket,, never worked a day without full documentation. we have a son who is 23 years old. the government stole tens of thousands from us, and ultimately said....ooops, we drop this "in the interest of justice". if not for my brilliant georgetown educated sister and representation by the president of the florida bar in the middle district of FL where this case originated over six years ago, pedro would still be in leavenworth. yes, this does happen. i feel for you. i sent you a pm, maybe i can put you in contact with the attorney we retained. he was outraged after he finally realized that this horrible miscarriage had taken place. for most people, once you are in the federal system, you are toast. that is where the phrase "don't make a federal case out of it" comes from. you may never get your brother back.