Comments on: Marylanders debate same-sex marriage

By: John F.

John F. — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 15:04:31 +0000

I stand corrected – that part of my statement was indeed inaccurate.

By: Al Fresco

Al Fresco — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 00:23:39 +0000

I do not wish to argue for either side here, but I want to point out that John F. (above) is mistaken in saying “most of them (aliens) were born here”. Federal law as I understand it, grants automatic citizenship at the time of birth to all babies born in the U.S., regardless of their parents’ status. By Federal law, NO ONE actually born in the U.S. is an alien or would even pertain to the Dream Act. Therefore, John F.’s statement is inaccurate.

By: Dave

Dave — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 00:29:35 +0000

I think it’s a common misconception that it’s at all possible for an average foreigner to obtain US citizenship legally. Only via lottery can you obtain a green card without having family in the US or a job that will sponsor your immigration. Through family sponsorship, depending on your relationship to the sponsoring citizen you could wait up to 25 years just to obtain your green card, then you’re required to hold that for 5 years before obtaining citizenship. It’s quicker to obtain a green card through an employer, but few companies sponsor, especially if you don’t hold a graduate degree. I work with some very good Indian software developers who are still working as contractors years after being offered full-time jobs at my company because they would not be sponsored if they signed on for a salaried position.

Immigration is not some black and white issue where illegal immigrants could have just waltzed into the MVA and become citizens. It’s ridiculous what we expect immigrants to go through to gain citizenship. Perhaps if laws were loosened to allow more legal immigration, we would not have a problem.

By: John F.

John F. — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 15:45:25 +0000

Back? Most of them were born here. And contrary to popular belief, they pay taxes, just like you.

Your original argument was about paying taxes. They (and their families) pay taxes – yes, including payroll tax. So what’s the problem?

By: True American

True American — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 15:11:00 +0000

Towson Student said,
“Why do you feel that you deserve special treatment because the woman you came out of also came out of a woman inside the borders of the United States?”

—R U KIDDING ME? Why do I feel I deserve special treatment over an illegal alien? WHY? Because I am a US CITIZEN. My parents are US Citizens. My father served in the Military to defend this country. You have got to be out of your mind to even ask such a question.

If they want rights, become a citizen first or get a green card. If they dont like the rules, they can go back Mexico. Its that simple.

By: Towson Student

Towson Student — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 13:38:19 +0000

@True American
The purpose of this law is to protect those children who were brought to this country by their parents or born in this country.
According to the law, these children will have to have attended a high school in Maryland for four years in order to qualify for in-state tuition. I moved to Maryland three years ago and all I had to do to qualify for residency was show that I’d lived in Maryland for one year.
Why should it be easier for me to gain in-state tuition than it is for someone who may have lived in the state for their entire lives, and has probably already worked in the state for several years?
Also, in order to qualify, these students must be working on getting citizenship while seeking their degree. Gaining citizenship is a hard process, but hopefully we can make it easier for these students to go through the process by the time they’re ready to enter the work force.
Why do you feel that you deserve special treatment because the woman you came out of also came out of a woman inside the borders of the United States?
If you were really a ‘True American’, you wouldn’t be so quick to deny the rights you were given freely, based on location of birth, to someone who, based on their location of birth, should be afforded those same rights.

By: John F

John F — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 03:56:53 +0000

The students who want in-state tuition have lived in the state all their lives…and in most cases were born here.

Don’t add to the tax base? Not true.

But don’t take my word for it…have a look:

http://seattletimes.com/html/nationworld/2017113852_immigtaxes29.html

http://articles.nydailynews.com/2011-04-20/local/29470037_1_sales-taxes-tax-revenue-property-taxes

http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/incometaxandtheirs/a/Illegal-Immigrants-Pay-Taxes-Too.htm

-J

By: True American

True American — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 22:15:34 +0000

John F.,
I have. They want to give in state tuition to illegals. Illegals who will also take spots from legal citizens who will be applying as well. Think about it, affirmative action will apply to them as well, so they will get a slot in school over a someone else. Not to mention the other students from Mexico and South America who come here LEGALLY and have to pay the full out of state tuition. What a bunch of MALARKY….. Now, think about this, they come get a cheap education, but cant be employed because they are not citizens, so they cant get a good paying job, so they dont add to the tax base.

By: John F.

John F. — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 13:27:35 +0000

Unfortunately, I think you may be right. I can’t even comment on the “scam” part of your comment, except to encourage you to do a little research.

By: True American

True American — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 22:21:23 +0000

My Prediction. Both gay marriage and the scam, I mean Dream Act wil lget voted down and not pass… Slots will though.