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Reporting Suspected Illegal Immigrants

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  • 08-31-2006, 07:51 PM
    JoeW
    Reporting Suspected Illegal Immigrants
    The other day, I went to registration for my school. Meaning, we collected our schedules, got our pictures taken (thus got our ID cards), got our books, locker, etc. Well, when I was done with my registration I sat down to assist in selling goods for Student Government (spirit gear - sweatshirts, beads, etc.) and a hispanic family walked up, and asked if we could help them figure out how to open the locker. Well, I jumped up and I decided I would help them.

    When we walked there, they were having troubles with their rights and lefts, and spoke very little English. Because I didn't recognize the girl, and she was in my class I asked them if she was new. She, as in the mother said that she is new and I asked them where they came from. She didn't immediatelly respond, so thinking nothing of it I asked them if they moved from a diffrent state, or Mexico. She said that "she was born in Guadalajara" and apparently she just moved from there.

    I am questioned on, is she possibly illegal? I was under the impression that if you were illegal, you would hide from the government - thus you wouldn't go to a public school etc. My question is, would somebody who is illegal go to a public school, or would they hide completely?

    Now, being an American, I feel as if I should do something to report the possible illegal status of this family - however, by doing such I would feel horrible as a person. I am a national level debater, and I have debated topics including "the average american should do more to prevent illegal immigration" - thus, in theory report illegal aliens if their status is known. In most cases, I have won on that topic, thinking that nobody I know is illegal. Now, I am in a position - should I report them? Morally, it is wrong because they are just here for a "better life", however... am I contradicting myself and my beliefs? My mind says "report", my heart says "let it go". She hapens to be the locker right next to mine - I will see her almost every day.
  • 08-31-2006, 09:58 PM
    aaron
    Re: Question about Illegal Immigrants
    You want to report them because you have a hunch?

    You are asking a moral question, not a legal question - perhaps you should consult a professor of philosophy at your college.
  • 09-01-2006, 10:03 AM
    froggie58
    Re: Question about Illegal Immigrants
    I agree with Aaron, it is a moral issue...are you going to go around your school or your city and pick out all of the people that don't speak English, or don't look like they are "American" and question their legal status? This may be considered somewhat offensive or borderline racism/stereotyping.
    Remember, America is a melting-pot...people come here for many reasons (many “Americans” have ancestors that we not “Americans”…)... I’m not saying it’s right or wrong, but you are dealing with many different issues…
  • 09-02-2006, 08:34 AM
    JoeW
    Re: Question about Illegal Immigrants
    Quote:

    Quoting froggie58
    View Post
    I agree with Aaron, it is a moral issue...are you going to go around your school or your city and pick out all of the people that don't speak English, or don't look like they are "American" and question their legal status? This may be considered somewhat offensive or borderline racism/stereotyping.
    Remember, America is a melting-pot...people come here for many reasons (many “Americans” have ancestors that we not “Americans”…)... I’m not saying it’s right or wrong, but you are dealing with many different issues…

    I suppose none of you read my entire post?
    Quote:

    I am questioned on, is she possibly illegal? I was under the impression that if you were illegal, you would hide from the government - thus you wouldn't go to a public school etc. My question is, would somebody who is illegal go to a public school, or would they hide completely?
    Quote:

    Now, being an American, I feel as if I should do something to report the possible illegal status of this family
    How about you help answer those questions, versus flaming me and calling me racist because she told me she entered with an illegal visa?
  • 09-02-2006, 09:44 AM
    jk
    Re: Question about Illegal Immigrants
    Quote:

    Quoting JoeW
    View Post
    Now, I am in a position - should I report them? Morally, it is wrong because they are just here for a "better life", however... am I contradicting myself and my beliefs? My mind says "report", my heart says "let it go". She hapens to be the locker right next to mine - I will see her almost every day.

    Why would it be immoral to report a criminal. "they are just here for a better life" could be applied to many criminals. He robbed the bank so he could have a better life. He killed that guy because the other guy was preventing him from enjoying his own life to the fullest. Where are any poor morals involved in reporting a crime?

    Would it not be more ethical to support the laws of your country? Is it not unethical for someone to break laws (not speaking of oppressive or other laws that are not for the betterment of society). Would it not actually be unethical for you to refrain from from aiding in the implementaion of those laws?

    Unless you have actual reason to believe the family are illegally in this country, you have no reason to report this. If you wish to investigate to determine the truth and then act accordingly, that is a different situation.

    and no, many illegal immigrants do not hide from society. They often find methods to utilize government resources. Those actions themselves are often criminal acts. So we have an escalation of crimes to remain in our country. Where does it stop?

    and to this:
    Quote:

    How about you help answer those questions, versus flaming me and calling me racist because she told me she entered with an illegal visa?
    Do you think it might have been important to include this bit of info in your origianl post. While you respond to your answered morality questions negatively, you failed to inform any that you had actual reason to believe they are here illegally.

    Due your civic duty and report them.
  • 09-02-2006, 10:00 AM
    aaron
    Re: Question about Illegal Immigrants
    I neither flamed you nor called you a racist. And even with your new disclosure it remains a moral question.
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