Uno de Mayo

[Shard]

Anyone else near a rallying point for the protests going off today? They're marching through downtown Oakland right now, chanting and such. It reminds me a bit of futbol matches I've seen on TV. I imagine there's a similar march in San Francisco. While I'm not in favor of full amnesty and legalization, I don't think these people deserved to be prosecuted as felons. I hope they get some of the things they're after. It'd be the first successful populist movement in a good forty years. It's sort of refreshing after so much rigid control.

[Riotsword]

Re: Uno de Mayo

How about filling those of us in who don't watch the news?

[Nixon]

Re: Uno de Mayo

It's a day of protest for those who feel strongly about the immigration issue.

[Riotsword]

Re: Uno de Mayo

Oh, boy...

Let me guess, 99% of those who are protesting are illegal.

[Shard]

Re: Uno de Mayo

Currently there's a bill in Congress that would make illegal immigration a felony and the marches are a response to that in part. Some are demanding amnesty for flouting immigration laws and full legalization for people who already live and work here. Others aren't asking quite so much, and you've got fragments of the Mexican Pride movement interlaced as well. The central theme of the March was to try to bring as many companies, government agencies (including schools) and various sectors of the economy to a halt for one day so that people would realize how much of an impact immigrant labor makes on our society. I don't know how effective that has been, but it's interesting to me to see a largely church-organized movement get so many people out onto the streets asking for pretty much the same thing.

[Valkysas]

Re: Uno de Mayo

yeah, way to combat the stereotype of illegal immigrants not working and just sitting at home... by doing just that.

[Kire]

Re: Uno de Mayo

Deal is that illegal immagrants are not going to work today and show everyone what it's like in this country w/out illegal immigrants. I have one friend who said he's taking part in a counter protest, dressing in red & blue, and buying stuff. I guess it's a big counter protest.

[Valkysas]

Re: Uno de Mayo

if they want to come to the country, it's quite easy to do so legally. probably cheaper than they pay smugglers to get here illegally too. its the law. if they don't like it, it doesnt matter because they aren't US citizens. respect the law or GTFO.

[Loki]

Re: Uno de Mayo

Yeah, there was a huge march through downtown Denver. I would like to show my support but Finals are in a week and I've got to get these projects done.

GOOD THING I'M ON THE INTERNET, HUH?!?!?

[Shard]

Re: Uno de Mayo

Sounds like everything's cooled off after an hour and a half. Kind of an anti-climax...I guess I was hoping for...I dunno, a feeling that something changed. Mostly the people who were inconveniced had to make alternate plans for lunch. Thai food instead of Mexican and so on. I imagine companies in construction and food distribution had a rougher day of it. Never heard of a local counter-protest of any size, but that's not surprising given the area. It's not exactly Gangs of New York outside. Ears and noses aren't the trophies of the day.

[Kire]

Re: Uno de Mayo

So...why is it there are so many illegal immigrants? Is getting here legally hard? Is it a long process?

[Valkysas]

Re: Uno de Mayo

Mikochan was here illegally for a year or so at first, and finally decided to become a legal citizen. I dont remember how long it took for her to get it all in order, but it was definately under a month.

laziness, or tax evasion are the only reasons I can think of that they dont become legal citizens.

[Shard]

Re: Uno de Mayo

Well you're assuming that they can read and speak English fluently, language is a major barrier. Some illegals pay taxes regularly. But anyone who has a driver's license, knows what a pain in the ass DMV can be, do you think becoming a citizen would be easier?

Try to navigate this in a second language of your choosing.
http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/index.htm

Off to the right, nested amongst the many links, there's one that says Welcome to the U.S.: A Guide for New Immigrants...way to make it obvious. If you can understand enough English to pick that out, it offers the website in 9 other languages.

[Valkysas]

Re: Uno de Mayo

****, I cant navigate that in english. government websites suck.

I imagine it's a lot easier to do through the proper offices and such, even with a limited grasp of english.

[Nixon]

Re: Uno de Mayo

I knew someone who had to get their citizenship. I was under the impression that the process can take several years.

From the US citizenship and naturalization website:

13. How long will it take to become naturalized?

The time it takes to be naturalized varies from one local office to another. In 1997, in many places, it took over 2 years to process an application. USCIS continues to improve the naturalization process. As of October 2001, USCIS reported that it takes, on average, between 6 and 9 months to become naturalized.

From their FAQ page