I think majority agrees it should be legal and many say that it's difficult to go through the immigration process because it takes time and money. Well, I'm a legal immigrant myself and it took me about 8 months to go through the process and yes a lot of time and some money (all before I even set foot here). If by marriage, that's how long it takes if doing everything according to the law. However, think about this. Yes, America is great but can't help everybody, so they have to screen who is coming and their purposes. As a legal immigrant they want to make sure you're not going to be a burden for the society and will become a productive member too. Refugees do need help but there is more than just a safe place they will need. Lots of them have completely different background and cultural needs that many times make US not the best choice to be their country of residence, but everybody thinks America is the ultimate dream and everything that they want and that's just not true. People here work really hard and have their own difficulties too with the system. My point is the country can't take everybody, people have to be screened for the benefit of the nation and refugees should be better placed giving their culture, needs and adaptation.

I'm a first generation American citizen. My parents were born in Mexico and became citizens during Ronald Reagan's amnesty.

That said, my parents petitioned for my oldest sister (that lives in Mexico) over 20 years ago! She has yet to be approved!

KLazaro is correct in stating the difficulty for many trying to become a permanent resident. It's not easy.

I remember my mom saying that if our immigration to Australia was not accepted (it took several years) she'd swim. We weren't even in a war torn country but the crime rate was terrifying and it felt like you were playing russian roulette with your life. This was when it was at its worst in Johannesburg. I don't think she was being competely serious but had our situation been any worse (like war) I can imagine doing whatever it takes to get out.

I pay more taxes on a candy bar than Trump has paid on anything in his whole life.

Fun fact: illegal aliens pay more taxes than Donald Trump.

Anyway- I am a first generation immigrant and coming to the USA is the best thing my family could have ever done for me.

That illegals getting benefits line...yeah uhm you can't get benefits unless you can provide proof of citizenship. They ask it on the forms. And you're required to show ID.

Also building a wall is seriously the dumbest idea I've ever heard in my life.

My husband came here illegally at the age of 16. It was a long process for him to become a resident and almost 7000 dollars too. People I worked with actually thought it was a simple process "just get married and they'll give him his green card "? Yeah sure just let me go back in time when that was all that was required. We actually have our 2nd interview coming up soon to show immigration that he never used me to get a green card and we are a real couple.

That being said I have no problem with immigrants. If they're nice and treat others with respect it's fine with me!

I've been an immigrant twice. It is not easy no matter where you go (especially the first year).

My grandma is an immigrant. She's white but people only seem to spout ignorant crap about brown immigrants.

@Measmommy I was being sarcastic ? I really don't care lol

It's not true that Americans can go wherever they want. Many countries have tougher immigration laws and even "visiting" laws than america.

I, as a daughter of an Iranian immigrant who came to America legally and became an American citizen after years of living here, cannot even go to visit Iran to see where my dad grew up. I'd have to go there with another Iranian family member or my dad himself, who passed away six years ago ?

My mom, who was married to him for over 20 years and is American, also cannot visit.

My husband is from Mexico and immigrated to the US when he was 11. That being said, he gets very frustrated with people who come here illegally! I love how diverse the US is becoming but I do believe people should do it legally.

Or at least start the process once they get here if it's a dangerous situation like pp said!

The economical problem is caused by America getting involved in what they shouldn't.

I like immigrants they add to our beautiful melting pot. Allows you to experience other countries with out ever leaving.

@blue what's wrong with Mexicans?

Not only does coming here legally takes facking forever, it's a sh*t load of money as well.

I feel like the immigration process shouldn't take as long, but it should still be as thorough. But it takes years. When your fleeing from a country that's dangerous or too poor to sustain life, the last thing that you need when trying to start a new, which everyone deserves, is a ten year process in getting your card because for some people that's how long it takes. Even a year is too long. I agree with immigrants of all kinds, but if you're legally should at least understand the protection America has to put over it self. We're not a nice country so we get a lot of hate.

I have nothing against immigrants that are here legally. Other countries require you to become legal citizens if you want to live there. So why should America be any different?

Crazy how america is the only nation that requires a visa, yet americans can go wherever they want whenever they want.

I live and grew up in Canada. I was raised in a multicultural neighborhood and schools. I have nothing against any race/skin color. I only see people, whether they are good or bad is what matters to me.

?

Wow blue youre not racist at all ?

My opinion is honestly if you come legally and go through the proper channels to stay then your not a problem! Do the right thing you will be fine!

Honestly I don't care.

Mexicans are like the sweetest nicest people and such hard workers, I haven't met one rude mexican ever. My complex has a bunch and they're so nice!

The only thing that aggravates me is not being able to understand foreigners when I call customer service. But they don't get mad when I ask them to repeat themselves so whatevs!

I have zero issues with LEGAL immigrants.

I don't mind LEGAL immigrants of any race.

Unless you're a Native American you ARE an immigrant so I love all immigrants.

It is what it is

I don't think I'm more entitled to this country than anyone else. I just happened to be born here, so what.

Isn't everyone other than native Americans an immigrant or descendent of one?

As long as it's done legally and they attempt to make a life for themselves instead of living off welfare (a problem in canada with the free healthcare) then I fully support them

Absolutely no problem at all. Infact i love living in a multicultural area.

I don't think whether they come here "legally" or "illegally" should really matter it's their intentions that do. Besides many do it to live better and to provide their family with more opportunities. Put yourself in their shoes would you stay in a s*** ty environment simply cause it's "illegal". We put a price on everything even the concrete we walk on. I know I would do anything for my family. I've known people who have came here illegally and have later on worked their ways up to become "legal".

When my great grandparents came here all they had to do was go down to the county clerk and sign a resident register. We have a photocopy of it. On the other side they came through Ellis Island, they arrived, were processed, got a name change and they were in.

People always say as long as it's done legally and they don't intend to do harm and follow our laws, imagine if when we got here a few hundred years ago if we had followed the Native American's laws and learned to live their way and done them no harm.

I feel that at the very least immigration should be open on the continent, all North Americans should be free to travel about the continent much like all Europeans travel freely there.

Nellie

Idc as long as they are here legally or at least trying to get there papers. I know it's a very long process but it does hurt if people are working off the books since their pay isn't taxed and they are receiving benefits. It will also help them not be taken advantage of if they have papers and a ssn or green card.

If you're an asylum seeker/refugee, there's pretty much no such thing as illegal entry. It doesn't count if you're fleeing danger.

Immigration is a good thing. I think the world we live in today requires it to be controlled and regulated though.

Yes sangria! It's very easy to say "come here legally" but the harsh reality no one thinks about is not everyone has a sponsor/petitioner whom is a citizen or a green card holder, which is the only way to be a permanent resident aside from asylum seekers. I say this on almost anytime I comment on immigration, visa applications are backlogged decades take a look at this visa bulletin. The only ones to be approved in a couple of years are fiancé/spouses. Legally residing here isn't easy as wam bam application approved, you can't even apply for yourself.

I feel visa processing should be reformed to first and foremost catch up on applications dating back to the 90s, self petitioning should be made available

Siblings or children applying for their parents the priority dates and age limits shouldn't be as long as it is right now.

As for asylum seekers many are against it although we've been accepting numbers in the thousands for over half a century, I'm for it, I can't imagine the life they live. I've found the general American attitude on immigration is poor, not just recent events but a few years back when just immigrant children were being taken in here it caused an uproar.

Everyone comes from somewhere

My ideal would be for basically open borders the world over. I am so grateful to live in a safe country, but had I been born somewhere unsafe, I would absolutely enter a safe country illegally to keep myself and my family safe, and I don't judge people who have had to do just that.

I'm not so cool with illegal immigrants here getting benefits and such, but I totally get why people do it illegally. The process is so expensive and obnoxious. Maybe if it wasn't so complicated it wouldn't be as big of a problem.

Come here legal or illegally...irdc. There are citizens who were born in the states who don't pay the taxes they are supposed to. Not my problem or business.

I'm on the fence. I have many family members who are here legally and some illegally.

For some people it's so expensive to become a legal immigrant, the fastest way is to hire lawyers and its so time consuming still. Some of my illegal family members are the hardest working people I know and the sweetest with great big hearts. They actually don't ask for help through assistance.

Many of these family members have also had to flee from the terrible living conditions and killings from their own government. It's really sad to see what the beautiful land and home has become :/

I wish there was a simpler way o lets immigrants come here legally but I also understand why the law is the way it is.

@Sangria ??

My whole family is from Italy ?? their immigrants to the U.S but all have papers and legal, work and everything.

Am an immigrant. Came here on a visa but now am an Asylee.

I think immigrants exist everywhere. Not just in the states. I know how hard it is to do things legally so I don't care much about the term legal or illegal immigrants. I rather judge people based on who they are as a person.

It honestly doesn't impact my life at all whatsoever so I don't think about it or overpersonalize it. We are all human beings and no one has the right to say this person can't cross this invisible line or that invisible line in order to improve themselves. The issue is that usually the proverbial "bad apple spoils the bunch" and unfortunately, in this age we live in, people want to do others harm. If it weren't for the escalated risk/threat of terrorism, I'm sure it wouldn't be nearly as big of an issue as it is.

*not all in America are immigrants. Some are actually indigenous. @hersey

I wouldnt expect to live in a different country illegally & I expect the same respect about coming here to America.

Obtain a social security number, contribute to taxes and all the other things is great Americans have to contribute to, and I have zero issues and encourage it. I love different cultures.

My ancestors were immigrants at one point! The more, the merrier, in my opinion.

I've never met someone who came here illegally that didn't work hard to be here. (Regardless of wth ethnicity)

I do not like illegal immigration when ppl steal social security numbers or buy homes fraudulently. Its a severe drain on the financial system, both ive dealt with personally. Im totally for reforming the system so more ppl can come to the usa and the illegal ppl here can get legalized assuming they arent criminals and are contributing. Im cautious about syria but i know the world isnt going to get better by building walls and not letting ppl leave their war torn countries. Especially when they and their kids have so much to offer. I am for securing the boarder to make it safer in that area for the ppl who live there and to control who comes in and out and what they bring. ie guns and drugs.

I say follow the legal path and its great. We all have to do it legally and equally you know when the law starts being broken it doesnt matter what colour you are, problems begin. I think WAY to many people are rasist now days... and not just Caucasians either. All people are just too rasist... how can we ever be "one" at this rate? With nob heads like trump running for president? We are all human... all flesh and blood.

Batuche the reason I agree with them making a wall is because it's their land and if the US wants to make one they should have the right to. Do I think a wall will stop people from crossing the border? I doubt it. Do I think the best thing to do is to build a wall? No. It should be easier for people to come and stay legally. But if I am a guest at someone's home I don't make demands to what they should do with their house. And no I am not a Trump supporter. I can't stand the man. I have family with similar situation as yours and I wish nothing more than to have them with me here legally.

I have no problems with illegals. I will add that. My husband knows many. All that I really care about is if you're a good person or not. Don't come here to murder folks and s*** and we are cool.

It is hard to become a legal citizen, but I still encourage people to try. It'd probably be better than having to worry about getting caught and deported.

I feel the same about them as I feel toward everyone else. My mother is an immigrant, and my grandparents were immigrants as well.

I am an immigrant. I did it legally. I have my greencard and everything. I respect all legal and illegal immigrants. It takes a lot to leave a country and start over. However I disapprove of not doing it legally. I respect the person but not how they got here.

We're all immigrants here in America. Just be legal :)

As long as you're paying taxes, I'm good??

I'm okay with anyone that comes here legally.

Illegal immigrants? Yea.. My feelings are pretty strong against them. I'm sure there are plenty of parents in Compton, Detroit, and other bad areas, that want their children to grow up in a nicer safer place. But they can't go breaking into upscale condos and making a home there, can they?? NO. It's trespassing. Same damn logic for the country. I don't care how bad you want something. If you go about it in a way that breaks the law, your ass needs to be gone, with no second chances.

Unless you are a native American we are kind of all immigrants if you really want to break it down. We just all need to have respect and compassion for one another.

I think most ppl are immigrants and have forgotten that they dont originate from the country in which they currently reside.

Immigration, diversity, multicultural societies are all good things imo .

They aren't from Mexico! They are from Syria!!

As long as you do it legally, I don't care.

I'm married to an immigrant & he's the bees knees, so I'm definitely pro immigration.

On the other hand, I am very, very against birth tourism.

I have nothing against people who come here legally or get legal while here. My maintenance man was a "illegal" but he went though all the hoops to become a U.S. citizen. That man was so proud the day he became a citizen. The ones I dont care for are the ones that come here. Work under the table and collect 100% benifits. Along with not paying taxes. They get everything handed to them and yet theres homeless vets and children who have nothing. I dont care what race you are. If you come into the U.S. do the proper steps to become a tax paying citizen. I believe before any benifits given they need to have citizenship or a geen card. My nina came here from Mexico. My papa came here as a child from Ireland. Both became citizens. Nina married my papa and his parents did what needed to become citizens. If this was any other country and U.S. citizens tried this they would get booted back to the U.S.. So why is it a shock that we want to do the same? Land of the free Yes...but you need to abide by the laws to do so. Also im not saying all that come over get free handouts but a good majority do. I think thats the real issue. So many U.S. citezins doing without. While so many keep coming in and taking away from those who are legally here. We would have so much more funding to help those in need if we cut off those who are here illegally collecting and not paying taxes. A family busting there butts and barely putting food on the table denied benefits. But Joe blow from another country can come over work under the table and collect all while sending money back home tax free. Its just not right. Thats my option on that.

My husband and I are immigrants. We moved here as kids with our family and we both are American citizens. Husband serves this wonderful country with pride and I support him. I know immigrants who are illegal and have been submitting papers to get their green card for years and the lawyers just keep dragging their cases for more money. They pay their taxes and want nothing more than to be able to live an honest life. Many are given false hope and spend thousand and thousands of dollars to be legalized but it never goes anywhere. Florida is one of the main states with numerous pending cases. I do agree that a wall needs to be made though. But it would be wonderful to give a chance to those who are already here. Especially families whose kids have been born here.

If they are not causing any problems then I really don't care. If they're here illegally and causing problems then they should be deported. Don't come to America to abuse the system, come to America to better yourself and the country.

I'm torn. I want to say as long as they're legal, but I work with a few illegal immigrants and they're some of the most lovely hardworking people I know.

I don't mind immigrants. I don't care if they are legal or not. A lot of people don't know how difficult it is to even get here legally. As long as you're not causing problems I couldn't care less if you're from mars.

I don't mind immigrants, legal or not.

Love immigrants! I am a 4th generation from Italy! But I do not care for ILLEGAL immigrants. Do it the right way.

I'm fine with legal immigration.

Although, many who are able to immigrate would be in better position to help make their home countries/cities better (if that is why they are immigrating)..... Even accepting an obscene number of immigrants a year (which we can't do) cannot make adequate or substantial changes to the poor & hungry in this world (the population not capable of migrating anyways). Those in higher education & innovation that migrate here bc of opportunity could have much more impact on bettering their piece of the world than we could accepting more immigrants. Just food for thought.

My husband is an immigrant. I don't think it's any of my business where people are from. I feel people should be able to live where they choose. Live and let live. I get upset when I hear people say " they should go back to their own country". Aslong as you follow the countries law, its all good.

My husband is an immigrant, so I'm pretty pro-immigration. Plus I love the diverse cultural experiences that immigration brings to my city.

As long as they're here legally, and following the laws I don't mind immigrants :)

I live in a very multicultural area and I love it. I don't actually think anything about individual immigrants I'm just happy to be surrounded by diversity.

I feel like if they want to live in the US then they should take the steps to be citizens. That's all.

^^Yeah as long as you come legally then I couldn't care less.

I say as long as you come legally there is no problem.

My dad is an immigrant. He came here at 10 and became a legal citizen when he turned 18.

My husbands parents are from Mexico. They have a temporary status here in the U.S while most of the family is here illegally. My SILs husband came on a work visa, but has been here illegally since then. She's in the process of getting him a green card.

I honestly don't care what race you are as long as you're a decent human being.

My FIL is an immigrant, why would I have anything bad to say about them? As long as they are following our rules than who cares.