Though some like to portray the issue of immigration as a clear-cut matter of pushing out the undesirables and sealing up the border, it is a much more complex situation than that. Two stories I read today at Boston.com highlight this.First, the Vermont ski industry is trying to get Congress to change the law so that the 2,000 to 3,000 foreign workers that the sector employs can return to the US to work this winter. Without legislative action several seasonal industries would be affected. More than 120,000 people enter the country each year under the H-2B program alone, which provides foreign labor for summer or winter work.
Second, David Arias lives in East Boston and attends Latin Academy, but the 16-year-old said goodbye to his classmates last week because his parents are being deported to Colombia after 17 years in the US, where David and his younger brother were born. David is, of course, an American citizen. He attends an exam school, has already passed the MCAS and was on the path to college. His parents paid taxes and worked hard enough to buy their apartment, but they've been given the heave-ho.
Maybe some see simple solutions in all of this, but I don't. Like nearly every other unwieldy and far-reaching issue, there are many parts to it and just as many consequences.
42 comments:
...immigration is a complex thing, the system has been broken for decades. The first comment is about the ski industry in Vermont, we can see that a lot of different industries all over the country are going to have that effect. Why is it that until now the federal government is trying to enforce laws that exist for decades? why is it that the federal government first don't go to the industries whos primary workforce is immigrants? Instead of bringing fear and terror to the immigrant communities? Immigrants are not here to take someone elses job, most of them are here to work in whatever job they can find...for example, can all of you imagine downtown buildings being cleaned up by white american, crews, working part time from 6-10pm and overnight crews from 11pm to 7am, cleaning bathrooms, vacuuming, pickin up all trash in the buildings, polishing floors, washing windows, etc, with a low wage, making anough money to pay the rent, and for your other expenses, you have to have another job with different company doing the same thing...without having time and/or energy to go to school...
David Arias...this is something that shoud not happened... I new his father, great guy... this is another example about how broken is the immigration system. The following is a comment in from the sapnish newpapere SIGLO 21, from Sept 26/07: OFICIAL STATISTICS SHOW THAT 80 TO 90 PERCENT OF THOSE DETAINED BY THE AUTHORITIES ALLEGEDLY BEING UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS "ARE IN FACT AMERICAN CITIZENS AND LEGAL RESIDENTS"
Do we know if the young man who shot that poor Revere police officer is legally present in the United States of America?
... there you go again...I am sorry for what happened to the officer, but just tell me, WHY THEY WERE DRINKING...I heard that the police in Revere tell everybody to do not go behind the High School at night...THEY SHOULD KNOW BETTER, that is something weird, just think a little...
PLEASE, forget about legal or ilegal people, let's get that way of thinking out of our minds. What about the shooting last week by Forest Hills T station? Do you thing that the person who shoot the young guy was legal or ilegal?
The two shootings are "crimes" and the people who commited those crimes have to pay.
What I am wondering is that Why the violence is increasing in our neighborhoods?
Forest Hill, JP, Dorchester and other parts of those neighborhoods are HOT spots for crime, the violence has to stop... we have to take care of our neighborhood without any race, color or religion discrimination. The East Boston police have to work hard to gain the community trust, and I mean with community, people from all backgrounds, etnicities and differences... lately, I haven't seen officers walking on East Boston streets...
Nearly every person in the US came from somewhere else, or for those who are sticklers for technicality...are descendants of those who come from somewhere else. It seems natural, sadly, that once one has secured their own they oppose those who might come to enjoy the same hardship and benefit. I hear people speak degradingly of other people as aliens and illegals who somehow have it easier or are stealing this or that. With such,maybe we should strip Liberty of her proclamations?.
Personally, I would hope that we come to our senses. Why? Because I know that I would not exist without immigration, and in fact immigration under policies that was far less clear and cogent than we aspire to today. Dozens of my family members perished during the Holocaust, but some were lucky and made it to the US. For that I am thankful, and I know that I and my ancestors owe the same opportunities that we were granted.
I knew Esperanza briefly. She was one of the hardest working people you could meet. The only thing she wanted was for her sons to get an education and they obviously are capable of that. This is a tragedy all around. Our laws have sent two American children to one of the most unstable and dangerous places in the world outside of Iraq because of our shortsighted and unfair laws.
I wonder what their civil status will be in Colombia? Will they be illegal immigrants there?
EastBostonRules
Says to evryone;
And I am sure I will be crucified for it but here goes;
Yes I feel bad for the children,but hey were born here so that the mother could use them as leverage to stay in America.
This is a fact uncovered by 60 Minutes,Dateline,and so many others.
They went to these countries with hidden cameras ,and showed how Americans are teaching classes on how to come here Illegally ,have a kid ,and use that kid to try,and stay here.
Lets not forget this family ,as well as millions of others NEVER made a single attempt to go through the process leagally.
My mother,and Father had to wait on a list for 4 years to come to America,prove they had a sponsor in America,prove they had a job lined up,proove they had a place to live and get all Vaccination shots.
They did it 100% legitimate.
They had no English classes to go to,they learned to speak English in 6 months by watching T.V..
I know of people in this country that after 20 years refuse to learn English,and have to provide translators for them.We do not provide translators.
So let the critiicts attack me,but my moter,nd father respected all America was offering,and did it the Legal,and Right way.
Enough with it being Americas fault.Don't they have any blame.
Proud Son of Italian Parents who respected America,the same America a lot of people use ,and abuse.
Joe Mason
Their status in Colombia will be citizens.
Furthermore, proper immigration status is more than merely a "technicality." Sorry.
Brian?
Wow, you are way off base.
to who the anoymous said...
EastBostonRules
For one I will not crucified you for your comments.
I am also a Proud Daugher of Italian Parents who went through the same process as your parents did.
Also, my partents became American Ciztens.
Yes I do feel bad for her sons, and yes her sons are being punished. But the fact remains they entered into this country illegally and that the problem.
It does not say immigrant, legal or ilegal... It is a "crime"
Suspected orchestrator charged in officer's death
Revere authorities say 3 associates are sought
By Maria Cramer and Shelley Murphy, Globe Staff | October 3, 2007
CHELSEA - The altercation that ended in the shooting death of Dan Talbot began when 17-year-old Derek Lodie allegedly confronted the off-duty Revere police officer and his friends as they socialized near the bleachers of Revere High School early Saturday, a court was told yesterday.
PLEASE TO ALL, open your eyes, immigration is not a problem.
EastBostonRules
Says to the infamous Anon
Immigration is not a problem?
Are you talking about those who do it the Legal way,or your closeted Libral Illegal Alien friends?
Go to your Merriam Websters Dictionary ,and just look up the word "Illegal",
There you will find it saying "As in Illegal Alien"
The countrys health care system alone has been destroyed by the Millions of All kinds of Illegal people who Broke the Law .
So you need to get your facts straight,and admit it you are a far left libral who would give away the farm to them.
This is the best country on earth,and everyone who wants a shot should have it,BUT only if they do it legal.
Deport all Illegals who broke the laws of this great country,and let the honest ones have a chance to become a citizen.
Proud son of Italian parents who respected America.
Joe Mason
Whats your name ?
No, but, the legal way is the way to go.
how many "international laws" us government has broken? how many "ilegal" activities us government has done in other countries?
"So you need to get your facts straight,and admit it you are a far left libral who would give away the farm to them."
Well, tell me, who are the workers in our farms?
Who are the workes taking care of the horses in Suffolk Donws?
How many immigrant workers are in the East Boston clinic?
What is the mayority group buying houses in East Boston and other neighborhoods?
Forget about legal or ilegal, the system it's been broken for decades, and you, your parents, grandparents and others, didn't have to deal with a broken system like the one we have now. How long did your ancestors waited to get their legal papers, and how much did they paid? months or couple of years and paid what, 10, 50 or more than 100 dollars... today you have to waits years, I know people who have been waiting for more than 10 years, and all they have is a letter saying that their papers were received and have to wait! Check the fee people have to pay know, compare that with what you family paid 50 or more years ago, and is there is a family of 5, how much is it!
Get it!
I like to see Joe Mason as "ilegal" in some other country. You have not idea what you are saying when you said: "and let the honest ones have a chance to become a citizen."
Do you know how many pages/books is the IRS law? The immigration law with all the modifications during the years, I think is bigger that the IRS.
It is "ilegal" for companies to hire an undocumented workes, but, the multimillon companies are doing it! How many "ilegals" do you think worked and still working in the reconstruction of New Orleans, doing "jobs" that no one else wanted to do? No one said anything about that, right, why?
If some big corporations and companies in usa have been hirering "ilegals" during a period of 25 five years, why do you think the government did not do anything about long time ago?
the government or agencies let the immigration system be broken little by little, and now it's not easy fo fix nor to understand.
EastBostonRules
Says to Jimbo
The last post by Anon that starts with "I like to see Joe Mason as illegal in some other country" Is the 4th time you have allowed him / her to suggest I move.
Since I have never attacked anyone,esp him/her why are you allowing this to continue?
I do not appreciate the personal attacks.I want that post removed.
If a person can not post dialogue thats consistant with the topic of the Blog,I suggest you not post it.
I see nothing in my previous post that would get anyone upset.
However it appears this person who refuses to identify themselves has a green light to continually suggest I move out of East Boston.
His/Her blatent,slanderous,and defamatory remarks about me must stop at once.
I was on point,and was not negative Jimbo.
NOT GOING ANYWHERE!
Joe Mason
I think that what East Boston need is: cleaner and safetier streets; what is foing on with all the digging around East Boston streets, and those parts of the streets never gets covered the proper way; people drinking at central square, noone is doing anything about it, and when the van from the boston medical comes, why they choose to park at central square?
Hey compadre Mason, i do not think that person wants you out of East boston, may be wants you to understand better the reallity that inmigratns are living today. If you go to a country in centro america may be you can understand better. No think legal or ilegal, not think inmigrants. We all are people, human bein. i can give a little donation for airplain ticket for you to el salvador.
Joe Mason, stop trying to make sense to these liberals. they just don't get it. If you are here illegally then get out of the Country. I'm glad they deported those kids and I hope they start deporting every single illegal immigrant. There is a process that has to be followed. If you can't follow it then too bad. I want to make English the official language of the United States but the liberals voted against it.
EastBostonRules
Says to ANON
You are a coward for hiding behind the anon B.S..
Your probably an illegal ailien enjoying the fruits of our country,and if so you,and the rest of your Compadre illegals should be sent packing .
You ,and the rest of them have destroyed this country.
DEPORT ALL ILLEGALS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
A LEGAL CITIZEN
JOE MASON
These attacks on Joe must stop. I do think that we should have a martini bar, but, the immigration debate is getting more than a bit out of control. When did Joe ever say he wanted to move to El Salvador? And, why should he? After all, these folks made the conscious decision to move here without the proper documentation. They knew there would be ramifications at some point. Why should Joe move to El Salvador to share their plight? The whole argument is RIDICULOUS.
You go Joe (at least on this issue);)
Tommy Di
Joe is absolutely wrong on this issue!I think Joe is bordering discrimination.
We are all God's children and we should be one.
Joe, let me ask you a question. Are you any less of an american because you Never served in the arm forces. I think that would be a ridicolous argument.
Now stop the madness and give a helping hand.
No one is asking or telling anyone to move. It's a good idea go to other country for couple of weeks to understand better the real situation or to have a better idea on why people are coming to this country, but for some people, this can ONLY be done being in that country and see what is happening in the real life of those people.
Totally agree that immigration is a very complex issue. My grandparents immigrated from Ireland - have no idea if they were legal or not. Not a subject that was ever discussed. This is family is an example of the complexity of the issue. Both parents with very stong work and education ethics, raising their sons to be the best they could be. It makes me sad this family is leaving East Boston.
EastBostonRules
Says to "Tired of hypocrits"
I do not see how you can even come close to calling me a person who discriminates.
YOU KNOW NOTHING ABOUT ME,OR MY BELIEFS,AND ITS OBVIOUS YOU CAN NOT READ WITH UNDERSTANDING.
Furthermore where do you see any correlation between a citizen who is in the military ,or not. They are both American citizens,and have nothing to do with the term "Illegal Ailiens".
In the last 5 years 89.7 % of all cases heard by the Land Use Council were from the "Latino" world.Brazilian,Spanish,Mexican,El Salvadore etc.
Both myself,as well as the Council are very well respected by those that we have helped get thier store open,or an addition to thier house,while most of the,
"Establishment"that "Used" to control Eastie (Pre Election)tried to trounce them.That must hurt Huh.
These are all honest Immigrants who came here the legal way,and who play by the rules.
Even a majority of them will tell you that they feel cheated by the Fence Jumpers because it gives them a bad name.
Although you are upset about the results of the Election,its only the beginning.
Theres a bunch of new sherrifs in town ,and thier names are "The East Bostonians".
Wow now that sounds like a good name for a Second Newspaper Jimbo,don't you think.
"The East Bostonian "
Remember if your Not Laughing,Your Not Living !
Dee De De
Joe Mason
How does not serving in the military equate to illegal immigration?
Just wondering,
Jenni
EastBostonRules
Says to Jenni
It has no connection at all.Mr.Anon just likes to use the race card to deflect facts he / she can not dispute with other facts.
I still feel ,as he/she slipped in a previous post "as a former resident",that he does not live in Eastie.
He/She was offered a 1000.00 dollar challenge to meet me ,and show a valid license showing an Eastie address,if so I would donate to his/her favorite charity,and if he/she could not,then pay to my charitable choice (Cancer research).
Not taking the offer !
There is plenty of Military Service in my family,and I am sitting across from the folded flag ,and Medal of Honor that draped my fathers coffin from the funeral at Bourne National Cemetary.
Yes he is a hero to me,but that does not make him a better citizen than anyone else.
Illegal Immigration from all over is destroying this country.Just look at the health care industry.
I have decide to no longer respond to Mr.Anons accusations after this post.
Proud son of Legal immigrant parents.
Joe Mason
Hey guys, do you think that David "BIG PAPI" Ortiz was "illegal" at some point, or Manny, or Coco, or mi amigo Julio Lugo or someone else... if that's so, the MLB should strip the Red Sox from their winning games and from the championship...
OR, why we never question the "illegals" from Ireland or Canada??????????? There are a lot of illegals from these countries...
EastBostonRules
Says to John,and Jenni
As you can see Mr.Anon LOVES the race card.
He/She can't read with understanding.
The words, "ALL ILLEGALS" means from every country.Maybe he/she should look up the word "ALL" in a dictionary.
But you were correct,Liberals they are,but they also LOVE that race card.
Along with that,I think Denying that Illegal Immigration is destroying this country,is like saying Global Warming is not happening as we speak.
But we have a double problem with this poster,He/She "In My Opinion"might be here illegally,and is unhappy about the election results.
I wonder how many Illegals used forged documents to vote in this election,
and am afraid to even think about how many will vote illegally in the Presidential election?
Isn't it sad they will buy forged documents to 1-be able to vote,2-be able to a driver license,3- get all kinds of benefits, YET refuse to become a real citizen !
Enough is Enough.
Joe Mason
Joe,
Are you 1000000% sure that 89.7% of cases before the Land Use Council are Latino? And why do you call them cases? Are Land Use Council meetings some kind of legal proceeding?
Just out of curiosity, from where does the Land Use Council get their funding? I noticed that the EB Land Use Council gives scholarship money and has made donations to the Italia Unita festival and other things. For new residents, it would be nice to know.
... Hey Mr.Mason,please stop talking about "illegals, because immigration can go to Fenway Park and one of our best Red Sox players may be deported before the word series, and it's all going to be on you. Just swallow the word "illegal" and forget tha word forever...
EastBostonRules
Says to N.STAR
First of all since you didn't follow directions ,and read the lists posted on line you just gave yourself away.
You are not an East Bostonian,and have no clue as to what a community meeting is.
How do I know that? Your 4 years behind on who got what.
Our last donation to Italia Unita was 2003 ,so much for you being current about the Land Use Council,or East Boston.
We stopped because they are no longer a Non Profit,and didn't start posting till 2005.
So you are looking at 4 year old records that never made it online.
Gee I wonder who has you doing thier dirty work for them?
You also gave yourself away by questioning where the money comes from .Its always posted with the list of Grants we publish in the Times,as well as on line.
Now again you show that you have no clue about East Boston meetings,or the current population.
The figures are correct,and so is the make up of them.
Since I cant possibly list every country,I listed those from the past two years.
I did not coin the phrase Latino,they did,as was done in numerous articles during the election.Do you read any news papers in East Boston?
Care to say where you are from?
4 year oldinformation dates you,and makes you look kinda out of it .
I am not going to allow you the satisfaction of getting information from me on this blog when its posted all over the net.
You need to be prepared before you try to take on the Land Use Council.
OUR GRANT AD PROGRAM IS PUBLISHED FOR 3 WEEKS EVERY TIME WE AWARD GRANTS ,SO AGAIN YOU GIVE YOURSELF AWAY AS HAVING NO CLUE!
Wow that elections got you peeved!
Just a caviart;
Our meetings are also posted on line for 6 months at a time .Come on down,and show us proof you live here.
I think ,both you,and Anon are the same person,so I will also no longer be responding to you after this .
Reading is fundamental !
Joe Mason
Again Joe, why are you against immigrants? They come here for a better life and thats all you do is say things like"throw them out". Why so much hate?
I bet they pay more taxes than you do.
“According to Alan Greenspan, the Social Security Administration, as well as the US General Accounting Office, it is fact that immigrants, with or without documentation, contribute to our society and economy through the product of their labor and through sales, property, and income taxes. It is also fact that undocumented immigrants are not eligible for any federal benefits. Undocumented immigrant families, no matter how hard they work, and no matter how hungry they may be, cannot receive food stamps, welfare, or Medicare.
Joe,
It was a simple question: where does the EB Land Use Council get its funding? I did not ask to whom you gave money, I asked from whom you receive the $15,000 a year you give away.
And for the record, Italia Unita is a non-profit corporation. As a non-profit, I can look at their 990 and other filings to determine where their funding comes from. Unlike Italia Unita, the East Boston Land Use Council is not an incorporated non-profit. It is a community group, just like the Jeffries Point Neighborhood Association. This means that you don't file any reports or tax returns with the government, making it very difficult to determine from where you get your money or how you spend it. I could be wrong, but I don't think that Jeffries Point Neighborhood Association has $15,000 to give away every year, and neither does the Eagle Hill Neighborhood Association nor the Orient Heights Neighborhood Association. As someone who studies these things, I find this interesting.
If you do not want to say where the EB Land Use Council gets its funding, just say so.
Lots of folks without valid employment authorization work for "under the table" cash. Some of these individuals pay taxes, while others do not.
Nikki
The EB LUC biggest material benefit to East Boston is managing the Leonard Florence Memorial Fund. Florence was an internationally well known philanthropist and humanitarian. I find Joe's position on a number of issues inconsistent with the person in whose name this fund exists:
1a. Leonard Florence grew up in Chelsea and never lived in East Boston (he lived in Chestnut Hill).
1b. Joe is quick to make accusations about who lives here in East Boston, assuming some relationship between living here in East Boston and having a right to say something about what's going on here.
2a. Leonard Florence is the son of Russian-Jewish immigrants who came to this country when there were no laws preventing them from coming here, working here, or making them pay thousands of dollars to become US citizens (nor did it cost his family $1,100 to renew their green cards).
2b. Joe seems to believe that Latino immigrants do not have a right to come here, work here, open up businesses here, or buy homes here. He also seems to think that becoming a citizen or even regularizing your civil status is like going to the RMV to get a drivers license.
3a. Leonard Florence was one of 8 children born to his Russian immigrant parents.
3b. Joe believes US-born children to immigrant parents are no more than "anchor babies".
4a. Leonard Florence received free dental care from Tufts University as a child.
4b. Joe believes that immigrants have destroyed our health care system (and presumably the millions of dollars that go to marketing and executive salaries has nothing to do with the cost of care).
Apparently, Joe doesn't believe that Latino children should have the opportunity to become the next Leonard Florence.
Lots of American citizens work under the table for a variety of reasons. Some are exploited in the same manner that immigrants are. Some don't want to pay their taxes and some employers are happy to not have to pay for workers comp or their share of our collective tax responsibility.
To: n. starluna: If memory serves me correctly, the Land Use Council was the chosen conduit for money paid to the community by the late Leonard Florence as mitigation for his property's impact on the neighborhood and the mitigation fund continued through subsequent owners. Mr. Mason and the Land Use Council have done an outstanding job of facilitating the distribution of grants to worthy organizations and to students of tuition-based schools. The process is quite open, by all accounts, and the payments are made directly to organizations, vendors or schools - never to individuals - and that makes it a credible process, at least in the minds of those who can appreciate the amount of work that goes into such a process. I believe my explanation to be correct, but, perhaps, someone else has another recollection of that particular grant process.
Ok Star
EastBostonRules Says!
I will repeat myself only one more time.Then I will not be posting in this category anymore.
Where the money comes from is posted on line each,and every time we adverise the program,and in the print media also ,or when we advertise who gets what.
But here goes.
Please print it and save it .O.K.
In 1993 before I ever attended a single meeting,a zoning case came before the community from a very wealthy man by the name of Mr.Leonard Florence.
He Loved East Boston,and in return set up a Mittigation settlement that is attached to the deed of the property,and left in perpituity.NO ONE CAN BUY THE PROPERTY WITHOUT GIVING BACK TO EASTIE.
It is a 13 page legal court document ,and a public record.
He listed several conditions.1-for Eastie residents only,2-to non profits,or scholorships,3-The Land Use Council is not allowed to take a single penny to process the fund,and is ineligible to ask for a grant.
We pay for all of the postage,copies,envelopes etc.out of our petty cash drawer to process it.
Mr.Florence wanted to be sure that every single penny of the 15,000.00 went to the community.
It also paid Savio "DIRECTLY" 5,000.00 dollars a year that to this day are unaccounted for.We had no control at all.Thats 70,000.00 dollars that NEVER made it to the kids.
Now to Italia Unita ,good luck getting any info from them.The reason we stopped was that they refused numerous requests to see the expenses for operating the featval,so we had no choice.
If you are from Eastie,and say have a kid going to a paid tuition school our rules are also published ,and very simple.
1-Must prove you live here
2-Must send a one page letter from the heart.We have no application forms
3-The checks go to vendors only,and never to any person.I.E. say B.U.,or for a Senior group ,its the bus company.
Mr.Florence pasaed away last June from brain cancer,and will be missed very much.You should check it out on www.eastboston.com Article titled A true Humanitarian.
He has built hospitals,nursing homes,schools etc.
I am sure you are a nice person,so I am inviting you down to our next meeting this Thursday 7p.m. at the Social center.
Processing the fund is a labor of Love.We open all the requests at a public meeting,and everyone votes except me,or any L.U.C.President.
Let the hate filled people on this blog be who they are,sooner or later it will turn off people,and they won't be blogging.
But this group has done good things for many residents.
We even do a "Make A Wish Grant" every year.To me those are the best.
Good Luck,and have a nice day.
Joe Mason
p.s.,If you want to send me an email ,again go to www.eastboston.com,click open civic groups,click on land use ,and you will get an e-mail link.Our by-laws are there also,and it only costs you your time,and Love of Eastie to join.
NSTAR
You knew all that,and asked me where the money comes from .BEFORE my previous posts.
Hey Jimbo,I am done with this blog,you are allowing to much hatred.
I will be monitoring it ,incase you allow these haters to get personal.That includes any Slander,or Defamation of the East Boston Land Use Council,as well,as n star did.
I will be consulting with our attorney about her remarks about the Council.
I tried to post in a respectful manner maner but its not a two way street.
Good Luck with your blog!
DONE
Joe Mason
Mary, Thanks for the post,it was right on target,and filled with personal knoledge.You are ,and always have been a class act.
Hey Joe, Jimbo was good when he allowed you to post what you wanted. Now, people who are calling you on the carpet and your getting mad at Jimbo?
You are the one who is always on this blog making crazy statements, no one asked you to make your judgements.
If you don't like this blog than stay off because Jimbo has done a great job!
Good job Jimbo.
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