Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Guv'ment Breaking: Six undocumented students arrested after illegal immigration protest near Gold Dome
Posted by Thomas Wheatley @thomaswheatley on Tue, Jun 28, 2011 at 4:17 PM
Protest organizers say the students arrested were Dulce Guerrero, 18; Jessica Vasquez, 18; Rolando Zenteno, 16; Nataly Ibarra, 16; Felipe Baeza, 24; and Leeidy Solis, 16. The organizers say all are Georgia residents and high school students, with the exception of Baeza, who lives in and recently graduated from college in New York.
"I am so happy to do this because we need to stand up for what we believe," Ibarra, a senior at Pebblebrook High School, said before being arrested. "I am tired of having to live in the shadows."
Today's protest comes several months after more than 100 protesters — including seven undocumented students — urged Georgia State University not to comply with a law that prohibits undocumented immigrants from attending some of the state's most competitive public colleges. The seven youths were arrested after sitting in the middle of Courtland Street but were not deported.
A federal judge yesterday temporarily blocked parts of Georgia's law that penalizes people who aid or transport undocumented immigrants or fail to verify whether employees are authorized to work in the United States. The state says it will appeal the decision.
UPDATE 5:18 p.m.: A spokesman with the Georgia Department of Public Safety, which oversees the Capitol Police, says in a statement that the six were arrested "after blocking the intersection by sitting in the roadway and failing to disperse." All six are being charged with with reckless conduct, obstructing law enforcement, and obstructing a street.
The three adults — Baeza, Vasquez and Guerrero — are being transported to Fulton County Jail. The three juveniles will be released to their parents "with copies of the charges for Juvenile Court proceedings."
According to the spokesman, 200 people attended today's event. "No other incidents were reported during or after the rally," he says.
More photos after the break
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The 'coming out' stories of six undocumented students arrested yesterday near the Gold Dome 56
'You have a choice to make'
Comments (100)
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Not all is lost. They can certainly find a job fighting in Mexico's drug wars. The Zetas are always looking for help.
"Idiots. Really makes folks who are on the fence want to change their minds, eh?"
Yea, demonstrations and protests are stupid. They never work. Ever.
These students are in a Catch 22. Going back to their native country is usually not an option. Yet, they cannot get driver's licenses, attend college or legally work. I can't understand why some in Georgia and the US don't want these smart, committed young people living and contributing to our society.
I admire the bravery of these young people standing up for what they believe in.
Ignorance is the absolute ugliest quality. These six individuals could cure cancer, write the next great American novel, or start a Fortune 500 company that provides thousands of jobs, but all Ignorance sees is their race.
If you don't like Hispanics, get out of America. We're a nation of Immigrants. My great-grandparents sought a better life than what they had in Germany & Italy. Who am I (& who are you) to deny others that same opportunity?
"I can't understand why some in Georgia and the US don't want these smart, committed young people living and contributing to our society."
You can't? Then you have not fully embraced the xenophobia that makes this over-achieving state such a bastion of excellence. Hatred of people who don't share our hue is what makes us all so exceptional.
this isnt right. these people are seeking a better life in this country, they shouldnt be treated like this. We are mistaken if we think turning our backs on these people is a good idea.
"Yea, demonstrations and protests are stupid. They never work. Ever."
Sure they do...especially when you are in the right and justice is on your side. Ma and Pa Bubbason are going to look at these kids, though, and see pushy loudmouths with a sense of entitlement demanding something which they are not really due, though it is something which could be granted to them. That makes it counter productive to their cause. That makes them idiots.
"If you don't like Hispanics, get out of America"
It's an Anglo country. Anyone who doesn't like that needs to leave.
"Hatred of people who don't share our hue is what makes us all so exceptional."
It's always hate. How does it follow that opposition to illegal immigration automatically means hatred?
"its an anglo country. anyone who doesnt like that needs to leave"
this is straight from wikipedia....
it is one of the world's most ethnically diverse and multicultural nations, the product of large-scale immigration from many countries.[6]
The U.S. economy is the world's largest national economy, with an estimated 2010 GDP of $14.780 trillion (23% of nominal global GDP and 20% of global GDP at purchasing power parity).[3][7]
Indigenous peoples of Asian origin have inhabited what is now the mainland United States for many thousands of years. This Native American population was greatly reduced by disease and warfare after European contact.
" These six individuals could cure cancer, write the next great American novel, or start a Fortune 500 company that provides thousands of jobs, but all Ignorance sees is their race. "
Yes it could happen. They could also become a serial killer, rapist, drug dealers, or Repbulicans. Chances are they will be normal people though.
"it is one of the world's most ethnically diverse and multicultural nations, the product of large-scale immigration from many countries.[6]
And they immigrated to an Anglo country where they learned English and assimilated into the American culture. That doesn't mean surrendering your heritage. It means you become an American first and whatever you were, second.
"They could also become a serial killer, rapist, drug dealers, or Repbulicans. Chances are they will be normal people though. "
Drug dealers and Republicans are normal people, for the most part.
Really when did the concept of assimilation go out the window? I would say that most immigrants legal and illegal try to learn English and follow the laws of this country.
Republicans seem to want to convince me that rich people should not pay taxes. That is not normal to me. Democrates are just as greedy but they want to give all the money to lazy bastards.
"Ma and Pa Bubbason are going to look at these kids, though, and see pushy loudmouths with a sense of entitlement demanding something which they are not really due, though it is something which could be granted to them. That makes it counter productive to their cause. That makes them idiots."
You said people who were on the fence. You described yourself here; a person standing firmly on the wrong side of that fence, with a thick ignorant skull impenetrable to even the most basic of logic. Not that being on the fence about this issue is much better...
"It's always hate. How does it follow that opposition to illegal immigration automatically means hatred?"
Miss me with this bullshit. Your question supposes that this boils down to a simple matter of legality and nothing more. Were that the case, you morons would be as opposed to undocumented students as you are to jay walkers or people who drive faster than the speed limit.
Its not hate you jackasses. Its called obeying the law as its stood for a long long time. Now if you don't like the law then work to change it.
"Its not hate you jackasses. Its called obeying the law as its stood for a long long time. Now if you don't like the law then work to change it."
Pop quiz: Read the article above, then your statement, and identify the contradiction. Now this is open book, so you can look up "contradiction" if you can find it in the dictionary. If you have to look up dictionary, though, you're fucked.
Well people get arrested for blocking traffic. How is that hate? Saying someone that breaks the law should go to jail is not hate either. Come on Chuckie your better than that.
No one is being denied opportunity here. We are a nation of immigrants as someone stated above. However we are also a nation of laws that should be respected and obeyed. Just as those grandparents or great-grandparents came from Italy & Germany followed the immigration process in place to become citizens so should these folks do the same. Otherwise they're saying they could care less about our laws and that shows a lack of respect for who we are as a country. Do you know what the law is in Mexico for illegal immigrants and the consequences you have to bear if caught? Can you say double-standard?
Responsible people know that our kids bear the consequences of our actions both good and bad. It's not always fair but it is reality. Sad that obeying the law is being equated with bigotry. I guess there is always an excuse.
People who are against ILLEGAL immigration are not against "LEGAL" immigration. There is a big difference. I do not like my tax dollars being used to support anyone who is not legally a citizen. Not only for education, but many other public services. Our system is at an extreme financial disadvantage due to the huge illegal population. Also, consider this, most Americans could not immigrate to Mexico because their requirements are so strict. First, you must be a professional and you must have at least a couple hundred thousand dollars in cash, and you cannot receive any public services and you can never own property. If you get caught in their country illegally, you are thrown in jail immediately or worse. In light of their own country's immigration policy, it seems our Country is quite justified in asking these people to follow a proper legal course to obtain citizenship - where they would enjoy all the rights and priviledges and responsibilities of being an American - not a Mexican American. To grant these people amnesty diminishes what it means to be American. And it is not fair to the millions of other immigants who followed the law and had to spend a lot of time and money to become legalized. Yes, probably all of our families immigrated here a long time ago. Our country was vastly different then, our population was lower, and we were in need of skilled laborers and farmers, etc. And it was legal for people to come here. Our government was not overburdened with huge financial committments for social services like it is today. Please consider the whole argument before basing a decision on just the emotional issue.
"Well people get arrested for blocking traffic. How is that hate? Saying someone that breaks the law should go to jail is not hate either."
Boykin, if you insist on chronically using the wrong "your," then how can we move on to more complex ideas like how you completely missed the point of both my comments and this entire debate? Why don't you go upstairs and play with your blocks for a while...Let the grownups talk a bit.
American, do you realize what you did, you dipshit? You cited a country that supposedly has a stricter immigration policy than we do here; a country which happens to be in pretty piss poor condition, yes? So following that logic, *your* logic, we should be doing the exact opposite of what they do in terms of their immigration policy. You've unwittingly made an argument for amnesty across the board. Bravo.
If you're concerned about your tax dollars supporting illegal immigrants, then let's make it easier for them to become tax payers. Problem solved. Well, that is, unless you just hate those dirty Mexicans so much that you don't want them breathing the same good ole American air as you...
"Our country was vastly different then, our population was lower, and we were in need of skilled laborers and farmers, etc"
This is actually still the case. Your entire argument has just collapsed. You can stop posting now, thanks.
Why are they protesting...they are not legal citizens and the Constitution of the United States of America are for the citizens of this country. If they want to be heard, do it the legal way, come in the front door and not the back door.
"And they immigrated to an Anglo country where they learned English and assimilated into the American culture. "
Not like the original settlers, who immigrated to Indian country and did not learn Native languages or assimilate.
Or the settlers of Texas, who immigrated to Mexican territory and did not learn Spanish or assimilate.
California, New Mexico, etc. have been Spanish for more of their existence than they have been "Anglo", sorry to tell you oydave. And you will say "things change" to which I say, exactly.
I knew you could do better Chuckie. That made me smile. Totally trying to disdirect the argument due to grammer issues. Blocks.... what a maroon. I hate you for that.
Well we sort of took that with guns. If Mexico wants it back I am sure Texas will fight them again and win.
"So following that logic, *your* logic, we should be doing the exact opposite of what they do in terms of their immigration policy. You've unwittingly made an argument for amnesty across the board. Bravo. "
You're making a statement on his behalf and twisting your interpretation of his logic into the discussion. It's the only way someone could have taken his citing the stricter immigration policies of another country and bridged them with support of amnesty.
"unless you just hate those dirty Mexicans so much that you don't want them breathing the same good ole American air as you"
The only hate I see is of someone who apparently hates our country and those who might stand for enforcement of it's laws. Not to mention a total disrespect for opposing views.
We are already doing the exact opposite of what Mexico or for that matter, any other country in the world is doing regarding immigration. Most Americans have no idea how hard it is to immigrate to ANY other country in the world. We don't have any standards for people coming into this country - even when following the law. We don't require people to be professionals, or have any money, and once they become citizens there are no restrictions on services they receive or on property they can own. They are citizens. Your right Mexico is in terrible shape, however, I really doubt it is due to their immigration policy. And if you haven't noticed our Country is in pretty piss poor shape as well! I was merely trying to point out the blatant hipocrisy, with which some supporters of illegal immigration refuse to acknowledge. Why is it OK for any and all to come to this country with open hands and expect everything for free. If that's what you believe, you obviously don't pay taxes. As far as making them instant tax payers, I really don't see that happening. Because unless they make more than $50,000 a year, or maybe even a $100,000 a year, they won't be paying taxes. They will, however, be voting. My guess is they will be voting for more free stuff - free school, free college, free health care, free housing, and signs in Spanish. I only want immigrants to come hear that are willing to become "Americans" not some version of their former self. If you want to be a citizen then become American - don't ask the rest of us to change our life style to accomadate a mini - Mexico, or any other Country. If they are not willing to become Americans, then they need to stay home. Anyone who is willing to follow the law and learn English, and be responsible for their own self and family is welcome as a citizen.
Actually, the Constitution describes the rights of all people in the United States, not just citizens. Illegal immigrants are protected from the predatory actions of others on U.S. soil just as much as if they were native-born persons.
(A big concern about illegal immigration is how incredibly vulnerable undocumented migrants are. When you are afraid to call the police for help, you become a target for criminals. Also there is a lack of workplace protections, too.)
glennh
Yes, you are right. These "undocumented" (you mean illegal??) aliens could do a lot. Just let them do it in Mexico where they are citizens. Secondly, yes many of us are immigrants. Difference=LEGAL IMMIGRANTS. Left wing libs always want to pay everything for everyone. If you feel the need to pay the way for these ILLEGALS then just send the government all the money you want from YOUR pocket. Don't ask me to pay they way. I am having enough trouble paying my own way. Asta la viesta.
"Because unless they make more than $50,000 a year, or maybe even a $100,000 a year, they won't be paying taxes."
How many times can this sentiment be debunked before it actually sets in as a common falsehood? Good grief.
You are suggesting that someone who makes $40k or even $20k a year doesn't pay taxes. It's not even worth responding to...yet here I am, still struggling to grasp how delusional some people are.
I am glad they did this. They are brave and since American is all about "freedom" of speech and all that other BS...THIS is their freedom of speech. First of all, this country was NEVER the so called "Americans" land. I am currently in a education masters program and am learning SO much about the destruction the whites did on the Natives of this country....they took EVERYTHING...i mean EVERY THING..Including their culture, names, identity away from them! SO sad. And now...they are after people who are not legal in this country BUT they work MUCH harder than some "Americans" in this country. Once again...they are trying to KICK people off of "supposedly their" land. OH PLEASE. *rolleyes*
What I meant by THEY is the students...not the cops! I am NOT glad what the cops did. sorry.
"We don't have any standards for people coming into this country... We don't require people to be professionals, or have any money,."
American2011, you need to review you're VISA laws. . You HAVE to show you have money, that is exactly one of the requirements for application for permanent residence. It is form I-864. And yes, a number of Visas require college education also. So what you said is exactly wrong... I think most leftists would be very happy if what you described were actually true...
Allow the kids to file civil suits against their parents since they're the ones who put the kids in this terrible position. I can't imagine what it must be like to be moved to another country while young and grow up there knowing that you will never belong. The parents are big huge failures, as is the United States as a whole for allowing this situation to go on like this for so long.
We have laws and they should be followed. But our country as a whole has chosen to selectively enforce those laws for many reasons and in the end has created a huge mess. It's hard to say that some kid who was brought here illegally as an infant should go back to their country of birth but we also can't look the other way on the original crime that allowed for them to be in this position or those in the government, pressured by business interests and bleeding hearts, that purposefully ignored enforcing the law.
In summary: a plague on both your houses!
P.S. Anyone who willingly sneaks in, knowing full well they're breaking the law, pretty much deserves whatever trouble karma delivers their way.
"You're making a statement on his behalf and twisting your interpretation of his logic into the discussion. It's the only way someone could have taken his citing the stricter immigration policies of another country and bridged them with support of amnesty."
Nope, just insulting his incredibly moronic logic by showing it how it can be used against his own incredibly moronic logic - which perfectly illustrates how moronic it is. I'm not surprised that offends you.
"The only hate I see is of someone who apparently hates our country and those who might stand for enforcement of it's laws. Not to mention a total disrespect for opposing views. "
I indeed have much contempt for opposing views that are based solely on ignorant shit, yes. I have no qualms about expressing this. For instance, "you believe in a more inclusive immigration policy, therefore you hate your country." Right there. Perfect example of ignorant shit. I'm not going to engage with you as if you as if you're my intellectual equal with a different yet informed opinion. No, I'm not going call you a dumbass and possibly tell you why I think you are. Dumbass. If that bothers you, then say something that isn't stupid.
"Most Americans have no idea how hard it is to immigrate to ANY other country in the world. "
See more stupid shit, which continues to make your argument fall apart. Cite the source that supports your assertion that this is the easiest country in the world to immigrate to. Doesn't even have to be formal. Just a cursory description of where you got this information should suffice. Look forward to seeing...
"Totally trying to disdirect the argument due to grammer issues."
Not trying, and not the argument; Succeeding and you... Which by extension, includes the argument I suppose.
The real issue with the illegal immigration is those who hired them in the first place. Don't just jump on those who are here working jump on the employers it was they who created this mess. When the housing market was peaking, who did these crooks hire? Who were working on the roads..illegals? Who were on the chicken farms? It was these WHITE MEN who were and are running these corporations who hired them. The truth hurts but these people would not be here is these employers would have hired the American workers.
The nonsense that Americans will not do these jobs is ridiculous..pay them based upon American wages not pesos and they will work. I also get tired of these Mexicans saying they are doing the work Americans will not do..in essence they are pitting themselves against the American citizen to say they are lazy or not man or woman enough to do the jobs. There are many Americans who are doing these dirty jobs but you won't hear that on Mainstream Media.
The other point is if they are so hell bent on protesting here why are they not doing the same damn thing in their country? Why are they not protesting their government for better wages, school, living conditions, etc? That is the question that no one has bothered to ask them. They need to be legal and its not just them, its the Asians, Indians, African, Germans, Russian, etc. How about canning these VISAs for all of them! Enforce and reform the existing immigration laws. So should Americans emigrate to Mexico and demand the same rights as in this country. Think about it!!
"Because unless they make more than $50,000 a year, or maybe even a $100,000 a year, they won't be paying taxes."
The bottom 48% or so of income earners don't pay any INCOME taxes. They still pay payroll taxes, which are not supposed to be considered "taxes" but rather "contributions" to one's retirement, Medicare, etc. The income taxes are the revenue stream that is supposed to pay for running everything else and the Dems have succeeded in removing this privilege from the ledgers of their natural supporters.
"I am currently in a education masters program and am learning SO much about the destruction the whites did on the Natives of this country"
I'll bet you are. Academia, especially the education arena, is the province of the rabid anti-American left. The Indians were slaughtering each other most sadistically when the European invaders arrived, but for some reason it was only evil when they did it. What happened back then or during the Mexican-American War is almost completely irrelevant.
I'm surprised that creative loafing's server doesn't just crash with the overwhelming amount of BS in the comment sections. Despite the hostile (and excuse me, racist) attitudes that people have towards "illegal" immigration, the fact is that your tweerpy-I'm-too-scared-to-get-into-a-debate-in-real-life-so-I-take-it-out-on-people-on-the-internet positions are really meaningless in the face of a growing national movement. ICE & Obama won't even dare deport these kids, they're too scared. I bet ICE won't even touch them in order to try to make the case less high profile. I'm actually positive that they will get away with a slap on the wrist.
The poorly thought out NAFTA has created a significant pool of economic refugees, and it's time for the U.S. to own to some of its mistakes for once and overhaul its current (and totally flawed) immigration system.
Most kids who were brought in illegally are technically undocumented. Using the term illegal loosely just brings out the hate mongers.
Sometimes laws are either poorly written or poorly executed not reflecting true American justice - fairness & humanity. That is why the South may have had laws that made it illegal for interracial schools, for blacks to sit with with whites in restaurants, buses, etc - those laws were inhumane. Protests & even intervention from Washington was needed to override & stop enforcement of those laws. So many died in that effort.
Fact is that if you have a college degree and work in the academic, medical field, engineering, or software development you can get a work visa easily. Taking away $90k+ jobs from American college students. Yet here we are picking away at those whose who contribute to lo-paying jobs that we as a country cannot fill with our legal people.
Sometimes I sit at home watching the hateful people on the news and I can't help but think - is it that all these Southerners who are foaming at the mouth about getting rid of the Mexicans and getting "lazy for nothing" probationers, unemployed, etc really just wanting to see black people back on the fields? You know "where they belong" type of hidden agenda. .
Have you tried getting a neighborhood teen to do your yard work - too busy on their iPhone or Androids, whether they are well-to-do or poor. Perhaps those parents instead of hiring an American company who hires illegals to do yard work, they should put their kids to do the yard work.
I appreciate all undocumented youth for the courage you have to take a stand! Make us proud nation wide. Don't listen to the haters telling you to go back home, you are home <3
"Idiots. Really makes folks who are on the fence want to change their minds, eh?"
"Yea, demonstrations and protests are stupid. They never work. Ever."
Here in Los Angeles, illegal alien central, we have dumbasses like these six who have staged similar protests. On two occasions they've blocked traffic across very busy streets, snarling traffic for hours, preventing ambulances from delivering patients to hospitals, and keeping people with jobs from getting to work, resulting in thousands of dollars lost. But I for one was very happy with the outcome: It further mobilized many more citizens against illegal aliens against their moronic, irresponsible, and juvenile calls for attention, and their presumptuous sense of entitlement. I hope they continue to stage their little traffic-clogging tantrums. The rest of the country is finally waking up to what a problem we have with unchecked illegal immigration.
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