There are no illegal immigrants in America

[Radar]

Originally Posted by Kitsune

So the states can enforce immigration laws? How would that even work?

It works like this. If the people of a particular state vote to allow their state the authority to limit immigration, that state can do so. However, if any of the other states in the union choose to allow immigrants to become state citizens, they would be allowed to move into any of the other states (including those who limit immigration) and be treated as equals in those states because of the 14th amendment.

To make this more clear...

If the people of Texas decided allow the state to make a law stating "No more immigrants", they'd be allowed to do so under the Constitution. If California decided to make a law that says, "All immigrants will automatically be granted California state citizen status", those immigrants would be free to move into Texas and to be treated the same way as any Texas state citizen. They would have all of the same rights and responsibilities as anyone born in Texas.

This is according to the 14th amendment's equal protection clause.

[Kitsune]

Originally Posted by Radar

It works like this. If the people of a particular state vote to allow their state the authority to limit immigration, that state can do so. However, if any of the other states in the union choose to allow immigrants to become state citizens, they would be allowed to move into any of the other states (including those who limit immigration) and be treated as equals in those states because of the 14th amendment.

Sounds pretty cut and dry to me. I'm guessing the only reason it doesn't work like this is because of political reasons, as the only time the federal laws are seriously brought up is right around election time when the idiots struggling in congress are their most vocal. No one really seems to want to actually enforce them and, really, who would? Immigrants are good for business.

[Chris_Fletcher]

I'm not against immigration at all. I'm againt immigrants coming in and expecting to be put on welfare systems and get all of the same privaliges as those of us that have been putting into the system or who were born here naturally. Plus....we don't follow the constitution anymore anyways so why is everyone getting so pissed off? We have no true freedom of speech or expression and elected officials pretty much follow their own agendas and get their kick backs so why is everyone worried?we have no true control over anything except our own choices. I'm ready for the revoultion! how bout yall?