Sanford signs broad illegal immigration law
By Yvonne Wenger
Mary Ann Chastain/AP
South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford
COLUMBIA — South Carolina became the fifth state in the nation to pass broad illegal immigration reform with the stroke of Gov. Mark Sanford's pen Wednesday.
The new law — the hallmark of this legislative session — is being touted as the toughest in the United States. Legislators said they studied the laws and lessons from Arizona, Colorado, Georgia and Oklahoma, and incorporated what worked, improved what didn't and added a number of new provisions.
"This puts South Carolina in the forefront of where all states are on immigration reform," said Sanford, who was joined by about 20 legislators for the bill signing.
The new law took effect Wednesday, although portions, primarily employment verification standards, will be phased in over the coming months.
Ann Morse, program director the National Conference of State Legislatures' immigrant policy project, said recent legal challenges to the laws in Oklahoma and elsewhere raise "a real question" of how South Carolina's law will be received.
Legislators here say they pushed the boundaries of federal limitations but crafted a law that is expected to hold up against legal challenges.
The state's new illegal immigration reform law is long and complicated. Here are some of the real-life implications:
Q: What do I need to know about hiring a landscaper, kitchen remodeling company or any other home contractor?
A: It is not your responsibility to check whether the labor is legal or illegal. That burden is on the company that employs the workers. If the contractor is self-employed, such as a landscaper, then you are not required to verify their immigration status.
Q: As a small business owner, what do I need to know about new hiring standards?
A: All employers must verify the legal status of their workers using a South Carolina driver's license, an ID card, or the documents needed to obtain one. Licenses from other states with the same eligibility requirements are also acceptable. The final option is using the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's online database called E-Verify. It is free to enroll and use.
Businesses with fewer than 100 employees have until July 1, 2010, to comply with the new law. The state Employment Security Commission and the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation are available to help with questions. Deadlines for larger companies and those that do business with government agencies are sooner.
Q: I am an illegal immigrant. How will my life, and my children's lives, change?
A: An unwelcome backdrop for employment is arguably the single biggest implication of the new law. The goal of the legislation is to ensure illegal immigrants aren't working here.
You could be charged with a felony if you provide false information to get a job or gain public benefits such as Medicaid. You would also subject yourself to a lawsuit if you steal another person's identity in an effort to create fraudulent immigration or identification documents.
If you own a firearm or try to purchase or sell one, you could also be charged with a felony.
Emergency medical treatment will still be available, as well as nonprofit services such as food at soup kitchens and short-term shelter, prenatal care and protection from domestic abuse.
Children under 18 will still have the right to a public education and public benefits, although no illegal immigrant can attend a state-supported college or receive any scholarships.
Q: I suspect a business is using illegal labor. What can I do?
A: The Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation will accept written and signed complaints and investigate credible allegations. The agency will also conduct random audits of businesses to make sure they've attempted to verify the workers are legal. If the investigators find illegal workers are on staff, they are obligated to turn that information over to Homeland Security and state law enforcement agencies, in addition to requiring those workers be fired.
Q: My church or social service organization is serving illegal immigrants. Do we have to stop?
A: Probably not. While harboring and transporting illegal immigrants is now a state crime, the Legislature built in an exception for churches and nonprofits to carry out their missions without the threat of legal action. However, if the purpose of providing aid to an illegal immigrant is to conceal their identity or further their illegal status in the country, then the organization may be subject to criminal prosecution.
Q: I hire illegal workers for my business. What will happen if I get caught?
A: Penalties are broken into two categories. The first involves businesses that do not verify the immigration status of their workers. They would be subject to a $100 to $1,000 fine for a worker who is not verified. For the first offense, employers are given 72 hours after they're caught to verify all new employees' status. Businesses that knowingly hire illegal immigrants would be shut down for 10 to 30 days for a first offense, up to two months for a second offense and five years for a third offense. Reinstatement fees would cost up to $1,000. In all cases, illegal workers must be immediately fired.
Q: An illegal immigrant stole my identity. What recourse do I have?
A: Victims of identity theft associated with an illegal immigrant can sue the thief, or anyone who helped them steal your identity, and may be awarded up to three times the cost of any actual damages, plus attorney's fees.
Q: I was fired and replaced by an illegal immigrant. What can I do?
A: Lawful workers will have the right to sue their former bosses if they are fired and replaced by someone the employer knew, or should have known, to be an illegal immigrant. The lawful worker can get their job back and collect lost wages and actual damages which would include things like the cost of a home foreclosure. The right to sue is only available for one year after the employee's termination.
Reach Yvonne Wenger at ywenger@postandcourier.com or 803-799-9051.
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Comments
Brittanicus (anonymous) says...
Thank heavens for a very few Governors, who see the plague of the illegal immigration invasion, for what it is..a agonising depletion of state funds.
Oklahoma, Arizona, Missouri, Rhode Island And South Carolina and several other future-thinking states have enacted their own predator employer sanctions. Soon no liberal addicted judge will be able to stop THE peoples landslide, towards freedom from the illegal alien occupation. Those who are in collusion with big business cartels, who have been brought and sold by the US Chamber of Commerce will be crushed. When 80 percent of the American population want illegal deported, they will be by default. Americans will no longer stand for the deception of our own government, to keep prolonging the open borders agenda. the 'Race card' has lost its influence, to send citizens and anti-illegal alien politicians cringing under the bed. The legal population will keep fighting with the pen and the vote, but when all else fails their will be another Boston harbor. When parts of our own government turns against the will of the American people, when all else fails; when citizens are unemployed because jobs are being stolen by illegal slave labor,. Then their will be no alternative...?
However, if we just demand our tainted Democrats lead by House Speaker Pelosi endorse the pending Federal SAVE ACT (H.R.4088). We will not have an iron fist bill that will not only strengthen state laws, but it is also all encompassing to remove illegal by ATTRITION from our whole nation.
We do not have to deport illegal immigrants? Nor anybody who came to America, through the back door? All we have to do is demand that the majority of Democrats CO-AUTHOR the Federal SAVE ACT (H.R.4088) If this bill is passed, the 12 to 30 million illegal immigrants will start repatriating themselves. It will not cost hardly any money. It certainly will not be costing US.taxpayers, what the expenditure is currently leaving the country. It's main impact is on the parasite employers, who cleverly default working taxpayers out of billions of dollars a year. Once the iron fist comes down on big business and they start finding their ill-gotten profits are confiscated, plus they could end up in prison. Whose going to take the chance of hiring foreign illegals?
They will leave by ATTRITION. No jobs available other than citizens? Bye Bye. They will pack up and leave for home. Go & judge for yourself at www.numbersusa.com
June 5, 2008 at 1:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jimisle (anonymous) says...
I'm skeptical. We'll see in a few years if this really works, or if it's just another feel-good law that eventually doesn't get enforced.
June 5, 2008 at 1:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
BillytheKid (anonymous) says...
I think I will start liking Mexicans and hate the bigots.
They took away a job that I was doing and do it better. They are on the job on a Saturday when no one else is.
They are doing the work while the white man is out fishing.
Are you all ready to change the system and get back to work?
June 5, 2008 at 2:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ForPnC (anonymous) says...
THANK YOU GOVERNOR SANFORD!
June 5, 2008 at 3:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
BKLYNIRISH (anonymous) says...
I would like to see otherwise, but I believe this legislation will be full of holes they have not yet discovered.
"All employers must verify the legal status of their workers using a South Carolina driver's license, an ID card, or the documents needed to obtain one."
Those "documents needed to obtain one" are what they have not been checking and have been falsified all along. What has changed?
In any event, whatever the changes are need to go into effect immediately.
June 5, 2008 at 4:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
GM (anonymous) says...
thomas1776
I think the first test should be Alejandro Dominguez.
June 5, 2008 at 5:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
a_set_love (anonymous) says...
Gee, it doesn't take a nuclear physicist, sorry Charlie Thompson, to determine that if someone in Oregon is working as a gardener and at the same time in South Carolina as a schoolteacher and in Florida at the same time as a carpenter, something might be wrong.
E-Verify the Social Security number works, unless you are a crooked thief of an employer. In that case you are stealing from all actual real citizens. I will not feel your pain when you are caught. If someone is using a stolen S.S. number to get work the money collect on S.S. tax should go to the victim of the theft, I'm looking after you granny.
Goodbye and good riddance to illegals. Try North Carolina or Georgia, liberals there will love you.
June 5, 2008 at 5:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
moonpie (anonymous) says...
GM I'm thinking the same thing and I intend to get the ball rolling. If we the citizens turn these businesses in then they'll get tired of defending themselves and leave SC.
"Businesses that knowingly hire illegal immigrants would be shut down for 10 to 30 days for a first offense, up to two months for a second offense..."
A&A GRANITE SHOULD BE YOUR POSTER BOY! HE ADMITTED IN THE PAPER YESTERDAY AT THE CAPITAL OF THE GREAT STAE OF SC, HE ONLY HIRES ILLEGALS! GET ON IT! MAKE AN EXAMPLE OUT OF HIM.
June 5, 2008 at 6:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
moonpie (anonymous) says...
By the way I'm glad we passed something but wheres the bite in this? I'm not impressed at all. How about this for rule (1), if your caught hiring an illegal your fined $500 a day until you proove their legal status. If found that your worker was illegal then we need a record of how long they were employed by you adn the dept of revenue is going to audit you to see if your reported his income and paid SC payroll taxes.
YOU STILL PANDERED TO BIG BUSINESS!
June 5, 2008 at 6:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
GM (anonymous) says...
Moonpie
It's a step in the right direction. We have pandered to the illegal aliens and the law breaking employers far too long. As more and more businesses stop hiring illegal aliens, they will move on. It is happening in Arizona, and I am sure the exodus will begin in South Carolina.
Harpo
I was wondering about why they are giving small business so long to comply as well.
By the way, several days ago you mentioned using the magnet from a computer hard drive to trip the lights. IT WORKS! Many thanks. I have been riding over 30 years and finally a simple fix to an aggravating problem.
June 5, 2008 at 6:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Riptide (anonymous) says...
I moved here from Mexifornia... does this mean I have to go back?
June 5, 2008 at 6:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Lowcountry_Bulldawg (anonymous) says...
Billythekid,
I will still be fishing. How did it become a badge of owner that hispanics will work on Saturdays? That is another issue, when you have men and women in this country working 6 day work weeks, 8-10 our shifts to make a living. Hopefully by passing this bill it will ease the work burden on the legal immigrants by not having to fear for their jobs because of illegals. It is not only the "white" man that looses there job.
June 5, 2008 at 7:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jerrytj (anonymous) says...
I AM SO GLAD THAT SOUTH CAROLINA NOW HAS THE TOUGHEST ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION LAW IN THE COUNTRY!! FINALLY WE HAVE BEEN HEARD! I AM SORRY THAT YOUR COUNTRY STINKS, BUT JUST LOOK AT ALL THE JOBS THAT AMERICA HAS SENT DOWN THERE TO YOU! GO THERE AND WORK TO MAKE YOUR COUNTRY BETTER! THAT IS WHAT OUR FORE FATHERS DID! I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY YOU THINK YOU SHOULD BE ENTITLES TO FREE SERVICES THAT WE WHO ARE LEGAL HAVE TO PAY FOR!! WE WANT A BETTER LIFE TO, AND FOR US TO HAVE TO PAY FOR YOU FREE LOADERS COSTS US MONEY WE NEED FOR OUR FAMILY AND A BETTER WAY OF LIFE! GO HOME AND DO THE SAME FOR YOUR COUNTRY. NO IT ISN'T EASY, BUT YOU WILL BE WITH YOUR FAMILY AND YOU CAN FIGHT TO HAVE A BETTER MEXICO! WE DID IT, SO CAN YOU. NOW GO HOME!!!
June 5, 2008 at 7:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bcstaffasst (anonymous) says...
Na, na, na, na.....na, na, na, na...hey, hey, hey...GOOD-BYE!!!!! Let's hope that it is enforced to the fullest!!! Maybe legal citizens can have a chance at a job now!
June 5, 2008 at 8:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
highclass (anonymous) says...
I am so glad to see this bill passed. It is about time SC leads the pack on something positive.
June 5, 2008 at 8:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gmc1 (anonymous) says...
This new bill is as full of holes as swiss cheese. You can tell this was drafted by a bunch of lawyers. Nothing will change with crappy legislation like this.
But after all, that's what the intent was. Make it appear we are doing something. Smoke and mirrors.
June 5, 2008 at 8:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
volsfan (anonymous) says...
What keeps the businesses that have their business suspended from opening another one using the same tactics? A&A Granite can become B&B Granite overnight.
June 5, 2008 at 8:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Weeeee (anonymous) says...
blah blah blah feel good legislation
Toughest immigration law...except if you have under 100 employees for 2 more years. Milk it mexees.
I still think nothing will come of this.
June 5, 2008 at 9:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
marriott99 (anonymous) says...
I'm a conservative from New York who recently moved here and I must say that, even with the flaws,I am deeply impressed that this bill got signed. The "signal" it sends is very powerful, and cannot be ignored by those who come here illegally and those who exploit them. There is, unfortunately no way this signal would ever be sent in NY where illegal Mexicans swagger about, shirtless and drunk, making kissing noises at our teenage daughters, rubbing their crotches and defecating on the streets, in full view of children walking to school ( I kid you not ).
Anyway this bill is a good thing.
June 5, 2008 at 9:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
number1volsfan1 (anonymous) says...
marriott99, did you say "New York conservative"? Isn't that an oxymoron?
All kidding aside, welcome to SC.
June 5, 2008 at 9:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Larz13 (anonymous) says...
It would have been nice to have an amendment allowing SLED to ask for documents when making a traffic stop, etc. That is what they are doing in some counties in VA and the flow out of those counties has been impressive. Since the state is currently run by liberals, these counties have stepped up to the plate to combat undocumented citizens while the state government looks the other way. That is not the case here in SC but to add that provision would have been nice.
June 5, 2008 at 9:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
UrGatorbait (anonymous) says...
It's a start. The word will start leaking out and the 2010 is just a drop dead date. Illegal immigration will slow like it has in Az. I believe most businesses will have this in place long before the 2010 date. As long as the Feds/state databases are able to cope with the predictable increase in usage; the laws will come on line much sooner.
Well I see the board xenophobes are still unhappy about the legislation. I don't think they'll be happy until we have fascist state with people having to show your papers all the time.
June 5, 2008 at 9:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scdog (anonymous) says...
McCain is NOT pro amnesty. It's a get out and get to the back of the line philosophy which is not amnesty. Neither is a guest worker program. That is complete BS. As a victim of illegal immigrant Identity theft I feel strongly about getting illegals out of the US however they are God's children and you cant treat them like dirt. If they are documented as guest workers then I fail to see the problem if they pay proper taxes and such. They have weighed down not only the job market but our healthcare system heavily. It shows the incredible step backwards America took when the democrat lead congress and senate can't resolve this.
June 5, 2008 at 10:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
snowtoe (anonymous) says...
When most people hear or see the words illegal immigrant, they think of the Mexicans. Unfortunately there are illegal immigrants from many other countries around the world that have been using the systems that Americans fund and they laugh in our faces. I do not feel one bit sorry for anyone who cannot simply comply with our laws and are getting paid under the table, living a tax free life. Boy! Wouldn't that be nice for all of us who have been working hard all our lives and have the right to be here. What illegals have been doing in our country, we would not be able to do in their country. So! hasta la vista, Baby!
June 5, 2008 at 10:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Riptide (anonymous) says...
Urgatorbait...
Fascism is an union between the socialists, the media and business. Modern day liberals like Obama, Pelosi, the Clintons, Bill Ayers, Ted Turner, even John McCain, etc. the mass media, the RINOs, Neo-Cons, and international financers like George Soros will be the American version of fascism. We may not have the parades, the rallies, slogans, uniforms, thugs in the streets like the ones in the 1920s and 30s but our version will still be unique to the American experience. Just like Italy and Germany we'll vote our version in all in the name of the common good.
June 5, 2008 at 10:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
pepemex (anonymous) says...
Let's think of next steps.....
Families leaving in mass. Would they leave their children (legal US citizens) behind? With who? Under what conditions? Any communal shelters? Any thoughts on church stepping up to the plate. Any sociologists out there that would like to comment on these issues? What about their personal belongings, liquidating their things they can't take with them? Storage available for them? Will they come back? Farewells? GPS (directions) for the road back? What a "voluntary" NEW trail of tears!
What to do when they get back in Mexico? Grants for schools to be built there? Retraining? Micro-enterprises entrepreneurial skills to be taught in a hurry!? Documentation they should maintain as in the future things may be reversed, and the US might be looking for their known skills and work ethic.
June 5, 2008 at 10:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
coolfreaknbeans (anonymous) says...
I'm so sick of people saying they work so hard.Around my neighborhood(a new home community)they take extended lunches,throw their trash on the ground(blows into my yard),leer at my 12yr old daughter and I,play soccer,walk through other peoples yards for no reason other than loitering,drive like absolute crap and guess what?They arent working all day everyday.Thats an dumb stereotype.This bill could be better but I think the community is so fed up we can push enforcement.Don't stop calling ICE folks.
June 5, 2008 at 10:37 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
charlene68 (anonymous) says...
if i pick up a chinese or any other race from the gas station that needs a ride whether it be man or woman and i dont know if they are illegal or not and i give them a ride i guess i go to jail for transporting an illegal... what am i supposedto ask her or him " Do you have papers ? and if not then get out of my car or what ?? someone help???
June 5, 2008 at 10:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
coolfreaknbeans (anonymous) says...
charlene68 My advise to you is to not pick up any strangers to give them a ride :)Keep it safe
June 5, 2008 at 10:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
titanca (anonymous) says...
Not every every Latino is an illegal immigrant and not every illegal immigrant is Latino.
This country was made by immigrants...A country that cultures could live together.
I don't know where all this hate is coming from.
This law will not benefit SC, it will affect the economy, Oklahoma singed a similar law and their economy went down after they passed it...Why? the agriculture, tourism and construction business did not have and do not have workers...
June 5, 2008 at 11:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Delawarebob (anonymous) says...
All I can say is CONGRATULATIONS! I'm very proud of you for taking a stand on this ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION! It's time these ILLEGAL ALIENS get back to their own country. They are taking this Country bankrupt!
Again, THANK YOU!!!...South Carolina! More States will follow I'm Sure. I'm working on Delaware!
June 5, 2008 at 11:29 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Jerry (anonymous) says...
Thank you my fellow citizens of South Carolina. I was not alone in my frustration with our representatives. It was obvious that they were attempting to represent the wrong constituents; Illegal aliens. They were confused and lost their equilibrium, the compass was broken.
We as a group spoke in one united voice, and as much as our representatives attempted to weasel out of passing real substantial legislation we held their feet to the fire and would not accept anything less than a hard line in the sand; recognizing right/legal and wrong/illegal.
Is there anyone here that really believes that if we were not steadfast that our representatives would have made the right choices; given their obvious attempts at pandering to the illegal aliens?
I have a heartfelt appreciation for my fellow South Carolinians. At times I felt as though we were the minority; whose concerns were falling on deaf ears. I felt that all government had a secret agenda and that we the people were not allowed in on the plan. But today there seems to be new hope 'we legal South Carolinians are somebody; we do have a voice'
Thank you for shouting until we were recognized. Now let's follow this through to assure action follows words.
How about Lindsey Lohan Gramnasty? Have you noticed his spots avoid mentioning anything about his immigration reform that he relentlessly tried to force down our throats? Gramnasty has got to GO! 'Take it to Mexico Lindsey!'
June 5, 2008 at 11:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mershadonn (anonymous) says...
good . get out
can i get a JOB now ?
June 5, 2008 at 11:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
coolfreaknbeans (anonymous) says...
titanca-How long have you lived here in SC?Because you are very mistaken if you think our tourism or agricultural industry will take any hit.Who do you think did these jobs before this illegal invasion?I'll tell you who.A lot were college students and the "working poor".Many of my friends worked doing jobs like that through college and shortly after.These illegals have,with the greed of the employers,taken jobs away from many of the citizens here.As far as agricultural work-they can get a special visa for that.Thats what they did years and years back.They would get visas,come for the season and LEAVE!Although I had several friends who worked at the sheds on Johns Island,too.People WILL do these jobs.Illegals are doing us NO damn favors.
June 5, 2008 at 12:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mcdian (anonymous) says...
Lindsey Grahm does mention the immigration issue at his fundraisers. (I went to one, know thy enemy). He said it was a mistake not to pass it last summer and he will try again.
Vote him out on June 10th. Vote for Buddy Whitherspoon who really is on the American Citizens side. (I talked to him and asked hime questions)
If we vote Grahm out June 10th then all our other representatives will start shaking in their boots because they who don't listen will be next.
It is racist for any special treatment for hispanics, like allowing them to break the law. What I plan with this bill is when I have construction work done I will require them in the contract to show me how they verified their employees, and my contract will be null and void if any illegal steps foot on my property, and I will not owe anything to the contracter.
I will ask questions. Too many people are being killed on a daily basis with this issue and even though Ms Salazar does not want the deaths to stop I DO.
June 5, 2008 at 12:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Weeeee (anonymous) says...
This really does happen every time the US has a general election for pres. Voters are given crap choices. I'd rather choose McCain than Obama because at least he doesn't want to take my guns away (all legally reg'd to me- a law-abiding citizen). Obama for Pres is a mistake. "Immigrants" will swarm if he wins.
Independents don't win...at least in my lifetime they haven't. I remember hoping Ross Perot would win waaaaaaaaayyy back in the day. He got crap.
Right about now, I'm feeling "Jessie the Body for Pres".
June 5, 2008 at 2:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Obama (anonymous) says...
Immigration... immigration is not a horrible monster waiting to grab you as you crawl in to your bed at night! Immigration BUILT this great country of ours! Now... now we hear all of the republicans crying that me must stop immigration. Stop immigration? Is that the path we want to take moving forward? Is it necessary to stay on the same old tired path that has done nothing but lead us to our current position? No. Now, my fellow Americans... now is the time for change. We must change things. Change is what the people of America want! When elected, I will change things. Change! Change is what we need because change is what you want. I am a changer! I will change things! You cannot be afraid of change! Change is what built the Ronald McDonald house! Change from your purchases of Big Macs and Fries. McDonalds is a great American institution and they embrace change! Change thrown in those little plastic bins outside the drive through windows. I remember one night: Jeremiah and I were going to get a burger and fries from McDonalds: and I saw that little plastic bin hanging outside the window. It hit me right then and there... Change! I have spent my life, since that inspiring moment, championing change!
Of course, not all change should change. Changing some change is good, but you have to prevent change of some change. The changing quarters are good: I like the different pictures! Some change should not be changed though.
Immigrants need change too! Immigrants would not be able to wash their trucks at the local car wash with out change! We must change our immigrants!
If elected: I will change immigration!
June 5, 2008 at 2:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Popeye (anonymous) says...
scdog, ANY bill out of Congress that gives the illegals a "Path" to ceteennnsheep IS most definitely AMNESTY. The current Naturalization agency of this inept, corrupt government cannot keep up with the visitors and LEGAL aliens who want to become citizens of this country, so how do U expect them to properly process MILLIONS more applications and the myriad regulations that will be attached to such legislation. We already allow over TWO MILLION immigrants to enter this country LEGALLY! How many MORE immigrants do you expect us to accomodate. Let the ones here now assimilate then bring in more. Send the ILLEGALS back home NOW.
June 5, 2008 at 2:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
coolfreaknbeans (anonymous) says...
Obama is a racist piece of crap.The thought of him becoming president is scary.Socialized medicine?You think healthcare sucks now?And that moron thinks hes such a good BSer that he can solve the worlds problems by "talking to" terrorists and their leaders.Thats very naive.
June 5, 2008 at 2:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
drp7773 (anonymous) says...
Obama believes in what he says or remembers it lolol what a joke...after going to the same church for 20 years and same preachers he cant remember the racist , hateful statements from these so called God fearing ummm men....hahaha he is a liar and racist just like the rest and his wife who has never been proud of America.mmmmmm
June 5, 2008 at 2:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Weeeee (anonymous) says...
elisabetta,
http://www.ontheissues.org/2008/barac...
Just because you haven't heard doesn't mean it's not true.
June 5, 2008 at 2:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Weeeee (anonymous) says...
Obama has been very clear about how he feels about gun ownership. My collection will be for sale as soon as semi-autos are banned. Prices should skyrocket, and I'll make a profit. :)
How are you going to vote to ban gun ownership and when confronted about it give some bs line about how your "name wasn't on that piece of legislation?" Come on. Get real.
June 5, 2008 at 3:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
southerner (anonymous) says...
McCain will have open boarders.
June 5, 2008 at 3:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Riptide (anonymous) says...
givepeaceachance...
That contradicts your handle doesn't it? Besides if anything, that would motivate them to head south to the border faster than a New York minute.
June 5, 2008 at 3:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Weeeee (anonymous) says...
Google it. There are several sources that detail the same thing I said.
June 5, 2008 at 3:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Jerry (anonymous) says...
Since Obama is becoming part of the conversation:
If a man attends a church for 20 years and states "the pastor brought him to Christianity" and then that pastor goes on to performed his wedding and baptized both his children.
If a man attends the same church for 20 years and during all of that time he was unaware of the content of the sermons, he was unaware of the views of his spiritual leader, FOR 20 YEARS?
If we believe Obama; then he openly admits that after twenty years of attendance he was unable to grasp the content even of a fiery minister as Write.
How is a person who for 20 years was completely unaware of what was being said in his church capable of understanding the message at a UN meeting?
How is this man qualified?
People, People your expectations are very low indeed. Surly we can do better.
Now the rumor is that a video exist of Michelle Obama behind the church podium hating on whitey. IF and when the Republicans choose to release that video, are we to believe that Obama would insult our intelligence yet again?
I wonder if a person suffering with multiple personality disorder experiences CHANGE?
June 5, 2008 at 4:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Time4action (anonymous) says...
Thank you Governor Sanford. It's not perfect but it is a start and sends the right message. At least someone is listening.
June 5, 2008 at 5:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dustym59 (anonymous) says...
Posted by BillytheKid on June 5, 2008 at 2:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I think I will start liking Mexicans and hate the bigots.
They took away a job that I was doing and do it better. They are on the job on a Saturday when no one else is.
They are doing the work while the white man is out fishing.
Are you all ready to change the system and get back to work?
hey Billy...I Work saturdays and I dont fish and I aint Mexican and your the West end of a East Bound Burro!
June 5, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
realdealsummerville (anonymous) says...
many of the illegals do work very hard and are trying to make a better life for their family. i do not like that they are yet another group taxing schools and law enforcement. most of them are so busy working that they do not learn english, and americans for the most part are not going to learn spanish. it is a sad situation, but legislation is a good idea in this instance. maybe now we will be able to keep the good workers and get rid of the bad ones.
June 5, 2008 at 10:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCPDBLUE (anonymous) says...
All who post here lets all step up to the plate and find these illegals,Its not hard and lets contact The Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation with written and signed complaints and let them do thier job and that is investigate credible allegations.. ARE YOU WITH ME?,THE DAY HAS COME TO STAND UP AND BE COUNTED AS TAX PAYING CITIZENS OF THE GREAT STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, LET YOUR VOICES BE HEARD AND WRITE THESE PEOPLE LETTERS TILL THEY HAVE TO DO SOMETHING,IF YOU DONT SEE A CHANGE A IN THE COMPANY WHO YOU WROTE IN ABOUT CALL THEM AND KEEP CALLING.TELL THEM YOU ACTION NOT WORDS....
June 5, 2008 at 10:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Popeye (anonymous) says...
elisabetta, certainly U don't think the illegals slithering across our borders now are the "intelligent" immigrants U mentioned in response to me. MOST of them are illiterate and represent the very dregs of mexican and latin american society. How many MORE of the worlds poor do we need to allow into this country. I say NONE; ZERO; NADA. I doubt very seriously Einstein came to this country ILLEGALLY. THAT is the difference.
June 7, 2008 at 10:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SaraiEvenstar (anonymous) says...
I think that this will simply increase tensions, give the environment a feeling of hatred; illegals won't leave simply because it has been said that they can't do this or can't do that. It has been said before. The law will have an effect of course, but I highly doubt it will be the desired.
July 25, 2008 at 11:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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