good one

[tr22]

Oops. This was a reply to Edison's post and I missed posting it in the thread

This is a good one. If several people post questions then the issue will be raised in the discussions. If it gets discussed by the democratic party candidates then it sure will be noticed by the other party and not just do lip service.
Here is what I posted to all the candidates (people can use it just in case they don’t have time to think of other good questions)

What about legal immigration?

The focus of the parties has mostly been on illegal immigration. What about legal immigration? Post 9/11 immigration policies has created delays so that it now takes 5+ years to get a green card. Money paid for legal immigrants to process their applications has been used by other agencies. People who contribute a lot to the society suffer in this long process (child education, meaning contributions to society etc.). What is your stance on this issue.

 

[norfesept01]

My itty bitty 2 bits

The issue of illegal immigration is one that resonates strongly with the people who want to keep all immigrants out. I am not sure if the voters care how long it takes for a bona fide immigration aspirant to get permanent residence. They would probably be happier to see the time taken go to 10 years or to never.

Its a good idea if the issue of time taken for legal immigration is brought to the forefront of political debate. I personally though would not like to focus on the fact (or is it folklore?), that the immgration fees paid by aspiring legal immigrants goes to fund other services, or that because we pay our fair share of taxes, we are somehow entitled to more privileged treatment. Even though I am in the same boat, I believe that immigration is a privilege this society grants to us, not a right. A little like our driving licenses.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that its one thing to say, please look at the problem facing legal immigrants because they deserve, like all human beings do, to be treated with fairness, dignity and respect. It is another thing to say, you guys, speed up the process because you're damn well charging us for this and for a whole bunch of other things under the sun.