Immigration Gumballs

Do we use immigration to help the developing countries or to help the US?
This video gives some interesting insights from the concerned view.
How do we help those populations?

Diveristy in the classroom

Typically, we wil see immigration trends in the classroom first.
This is another interactive tool to see diversity trends across the country's schools.
Check out your homestate, Utah, or any other.

Immigration trends from 1880-present

Immigration to the US from which countries. This is a fun little map that lets you see the immigration trends since 1880. You can pick a country and see when and where they have immigrated to and what the trends are for these populations. You might even find your own anscestors' timeline or heritage. Check it out. It's all in good fun.

Success for whom?

The recent Utah legislative sessions are seen as both a success and failure in the immigration forums, depending on where you might stand. Take a look at some of the recent action. Some of the unpassed (succesful or unsuccessful) bills ..."include scrapping the state's driving privilege card, requiring undocumented students receiving in-state tuition to sign an affidavit swearing they haven't and won't work while in college and one forcing business-license applicants to prove their citizenship." The question is what are the successful bills, and especially how do these bills affect families? Some business owners may not be able to support their families, some would argue that too many citizen families are supporting immigrants. Students attending school in Utah without documentation could help them and their families out of poverty, where most crime stems. How will having or not having a valid driver's license affect families and what are some unconsidered consequences of the action? What do you think?

Self De"fence" or Self Righteous?

This Rancher took the law in his own hands. Should he have the right to do so? Should he be sued in civil court? Should he be prosecuted?

Here is a similar example...A reservist in Arizona employed his right to "citizen's arrest" when he encountered 7 illegal immigrants. I think a simple phone call would do. It may be different when people are invading your property, home, or trespassing. There are differences and depending on the state. In Texas you can shoot someone breaking into your car, while some states say that you must be threatened in some way, or they must be trying to break into your home. Is there a difference between driving on the freeway, trespassing on your property, or breaking in? Also a citizen's arrest is for a felony. This will be an explanation in a future friendly neighborhood blog.

Minute Men

There is a "grassroots movement" of the concerned camp to "watch" the borders for illegal immigrants. If they spot people crossing the border they call the border patrol. I can see from the name of the group, they are acting in ways they consider patriotic. I think it adds to the sentiment of many that the USA should close or more tightly monitor the borders. The Homeland Security and after effects from 9/11 have certainly brought this issue to a boiling point. The current and past administrations actually seem to agree that the border needs to be better protected.
What do you think? See the article posted on the minute men website...http://www.minutemanborderfence.com/