Readers share their thoughts on the May 1 demonstration
We asked you to share your thoughts about the scheduled work stoppage and rally in support of immigration reform. Here is a representative sample of the hundreds of responses we received.
I am liberal in my views of impoverished people everywhere and believe wholeheartedly that anyone that wants to work, obey the law and pays their way should get a helping hand when they need it. Immigrants as a whole are fine hardworking people that deserve the benefits that the country they have legally entered can afford them. Illegal immigrants and the people that knowingly employ them should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. They do not deserve the benefits and/or the protection of a country they have entered illegally.
— J, Jerry Kirby, Spanaway, WA
I'm open to anyone coming to our country. Just be legal, register and pay taxes.
— Mark Ackerman, Scottsdale, AZ
My great-grandfather sneaked into America from Ireland to work on the railroads. An impact far greater for America than most of today's anti-immigrant know-nothing's have contributed. His whole line continued to be productive members of society. I graduated from an Ivy League school. I have no doubt that today's immigrants, documented or un-documented contribute and will continue at least as much to building our society.
— Ed Schott, Tacoma
If you come in my house, whether through the front door or the back, it's with my permission. And if you're willing to do work I don't want to do, I may very well welcome you. And of course pay you. You still have to follow my rules. Same for our country.
— Dave, New York, NY
I support comprehensive immigration reform. Today will hopefully show that this is not just a Latino issue. We are a nation of immigrants and it is not right to split apart families that are not 100% US citizen. My childhood best friend was deported because her uncle did not understand the complex US immigration law.
— Rebecca Chan, Seattle
I think it is ridiculous that we are allowing so much coverage for people who are celebrating those who have chosen to break the law! What is the difference between them and drug dealers marching to attempt to change our minds about them continuing to sell drugs to minors? Both groups would be trying to improve the quality of their life.....
— J, Sammamish, WA
I think it's truly beautiful to see a community unite for a common goal of American ideals. We are seeing the rhetoric of America being enacted by those who may not even be considered Americans. Freedom, equality and justice are on display and it is time for Washington lawmakers to take note.
— Anna Stevens, Seattle
I have been in the US legally for 8 years and I can't even get a Greencard easily. I have never broke a single law and paid my taxes. And these people came in illegally and start demanding rights? Talk about being fair...
— Dino, Bellevue
This is a capitalist economy. Employers aren't going to accept lower profits, so until we're ready to trade higher prices for higher wages, we have to accept that employer demand for low-wage workers will keep immigrants coming no matter how many fences we build. And it's both hypocritical and rude to punish people for doing what our own insatiable desire for cheap goods demands that they do. Get over it and let them come, accept higher prices, or give up on capitalism and institute wage and price controls. It's that simple.
— Beverly Marshall Saling, Seattle
Many of Americans whine and gripe about events that effect them. Our immigrant population has decided to stand up and fight instead of whining and griping.
— Anthony Freiss, Mill Creek, WA
This great nation was created and forged by the blood, sweat and tears of immigrants from every corner of this planet. Do not disrespect their sacrifices by changing the words to our national hymns, or by placing your nation's flag above ours. Assimilate to this country and all that it stands for, life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
— Sergio A. Zamora, El Paso, TX
These illegal immigrants have invaded our country without permission. We have no idea who they are. The country is a country of immigrants, but mostly legal. They have no rights to demand anything from us. They need to go back and come over legally. I have nothing against any nationality, only that they obey the laws of our country.
— Ann Bunton, Edmonds, WA
The issue is not the migrants work, but whether they work legally. I support legislation that will make it easier for people who want to immigrate to the US, but tougher on illegal immigrants and those who cross the border illegally just to gain access to welfare services (citizen status for children etc).
— Jim S, Bothell, WA
Illegal is illegal. Round them up and ship them back and don't let them in again. Go thru immigration like every other country on the planet.
— Christopher Tarter, Black Diamond, WA
Hey folks, who do you think does all of the jobs that none of us "Americans" want to do? What do you think we would be paying for groceries if we "round them up and ship tem back"?
— Paul, Seattle, WA
I feel for these people but their approach has put me on the other side. I am an immigrant myself but I think "demand" is not the right approach
— Karen, Los Angeles, CA
I have no problem with this group of people or any other holding a demonstration, however I think that it will definitely hurt there cause to disrupt so many other people's lives by holding it during the height of the weekday commute. I do not think that this group or any other should be allowed to block city streets at this time of day on a weekday.
— John, Lake Stevens, WA
I feel that their right to rally is protected by our constitution. But, I hope they do not denigrate our flag or our country. If they truly want to be respected they should do it in a way that celebrates our freedom.
— Charles, Tillamook, Ore
This is stupid. Why are people supportive of immigrants who have entered this country illegally? This is a nation of laws. The media has not separated the issue from lawful immigrants to illegal immigrants. American's are not against legal immigration. American's are against illegal immigration and want the government to stop it through tougher laws and tougher enforcement.
— Pat, Woodinville, WA
This is a nation of immigrants; I fully support immigration reform that does not criminalize illegal immigrants, but instead provides a reasonable legalization process for those who wish to become American citizens and contribute to our society. The ability of millions of people to organize, demonstrate, and continue doing so until action is taken represents what this country should stand for: The ability to achieve anything with enough persistence and heart.
— Sunny Diaz, Seattle
Clearly our immigration laws are messed up, and this is again made painfully clear when we try to introduce another law to say that a current law is legal. It's a big issue that needs more than another band aid or knee-jerk reaction.
— Keith Fernandez, Seattle
I support getting tough on immigration, AFTER we fix our broken immigration system. I personally know a family from the Philippines that has been waiting almost 20 years for their sister's legal immigration application to be adjudicated (reviewed). People do not realize that every year a number of how many people can emigrate from each country is decided by congress, and that's all that get in. These inflexible limits also affect business.
The numbers of H1B and H2B work visas authorized by Congress are inadequate. The annual visa quotas often are snapped up by the first day of the fiscal year, leaving employers another year of time and expense to try to get legal work permits for people they hire. We need to fix how people legally immigrate here before cracking down on illegal immigration. That's what I hope all of these demonstrations accomplish.
— Sherleen Yanez, Marysville, WA
I don't mind supporting immigration reform but I don't agree with illegal immigrants being allowed to become legal residents. Granting resident status to people that entered the country illegally is a slap in the face to those people that entered the country legally. Crime shouldn't pay.
— Rebecca Hathaway, Federal Way, WA
We must curtail illegal immigration to the greatest extent possible. We must discontinue the practice of offering entitlements and citizens rights to illegals. We also must recognize that we can not reasonably send all of the current illegals home tomorrow. I believe that President Bush has offered the most practical proposal to reform immigration.
— Michael Gingerich, Port Orchard, WA
Whatever happened to the term "illegal?" I cannot smoke with 25 feet of a building entrance, yet people that are in this country illegal can march thru downtown of a major city and stop traffic? Something is very very wrong with this picture.
— Kelly Britton, Kent, WA
I think that illegals have a lot of nerve demanding better working conditions for jobs they aren't even supposed to have! I feel strongly that they should be rounded up and deported back to their own countries on the cheapest thing smoking. I have ZERO sympathy or support.
— Chanin Rae, Bothell, WA
I think demonstrations will serve to advance the immigrants concerns. No one is going to listen until money becomes an issue. If the immigrant movement can become organized to the point of really putting pressure on our economy, then you'll see our congress suddenly act like they care. I think there should be a path to citizenship with passing an English test one of the mandatory requirements.
— Andrew, Seattle
I do not understand why the city of Seattle is, once again, allowing marchers to create gridlock downtown on a weekday. I am going to have to leave work early today and, since I am an independent contractor, this is going to cost me money. Both the city and the organizers of this march are acting irresponsibly and in complete disregard for the citizens of Seattle who work for a living. To add to the frustration is the fact that there is no clarity whatsoever as to the goals of the march — simply marching for "fair" immigration reform is meaningless, in my opinion. The only conclusion I can draw is that "fair" to the marchers really means amnesty.
— Anne Braudis, Seattle
Fully support the march. It's about time somebody had the guts to stand up to this corrupt government. The democrats couldn't do it. The immigrants will.
— Lisa, Seattle
The demonstrations may backfire. These people are demanding rights that are the sole province of American citizens. If they want to be Americans, and they want to become citizens more quickly, they should join the military. Not only would they be fast-tracked for citizenship, but they could improve their skills in a variety of fields, earn an opportunity for college, improve their English, and develop a network of friends from across the country.
— Nancy Eltrich, Hoquiam, WA
These people should put this effort into their own country not ours then they wouldn't be trying to make ours a mess like theirs. If they aren't citizens then they have no right to come here and cause trouble.
— Larry Ruff, Des Moines, WA
The demonstration will hurt their cause — if they strike they will not get paid and may lose their job. I would be glad to take their job since I'm a white male without a job.
— Bob Shumaker, Kokomo, IN
I support the Hispanics and their will power to do so. We are all immigrants, where did your great-great-grandparents migrate from? There's only one Adam and Eve in my bible.
— Rebecca Zermeno, Indianapolis, IN
For all the people who have respected our laws and the process, amnesty is a slap in the face. I would like to never pay taxes again. Can I get amnesty for that?
— Chris Stovall, Renton, WA
There are a LOT of people trying to get into this country legally. Why should we let the illegals butt in line and demand special consideration. Throw them out and let them apply for legal entry like everybody else!
— Tom NeSmith, Kenmore WA
I do not support illegal immigration. I think that if people want to come to this country, they should enter legally. This is not a race or religious issue. We need to protect America & Americans.
— John, Everett WA
Arrest them all and deport all the illegals!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
— Isaac Ruoff, Auburn, WA
I come to an understanding that reform on our immigration law is past due. However, I do not agree with demonstration where it seemed they flexing their muscles. Let's be civilized and negotiating is the key.
— GC, Issaquah, WA
I absolutely support non-documented immigrants having a way to gain citizenship! I have worked with families in this situation and all they want is to have a chance to work and raise families and become citizens.
— Pat Parman-Bethard, Kent, WA
It's no doubt that this demonstration, if it's successful, will affect daily operations of many businesses. However, it's not the time to create more problems, but to find answers and solutions. This country was founded by immigrants. Times have changed and we need to harness this runaway train of excessive illegal immigrants. I understand the need for a better life. It's only human nature. However, do we have to turn a blind eye to the blatant disregard for our laws(?) We must help our neighbors to find a better way of life in their own homes. Afterall, it is not only human nature to help those in need, it's the American way.
— Andria, Seattle