2008 Woodie Awards
Federal policy blocked people from recieving aid
For those who live in the us illegally, they will not be recieving disaster relief
Brandon Biegert
Issue date: 10/21/05 Section: Opinion
According to federal policy, illegal immigrants are ineligible for cash benefits, including disaster relief. This means that, while they can receive food, water, emergency medical treatment, housing assistance and, unemployment, most other money-related programs are off-limits.
FEMA has made it clear that they will stick to these policies
While many immigrant and human rights groups find this denial of assistance appalling, the fact is, it makes perfect sense.
Illegal immigration is a crime. By living in this country illegally, illegal immigrants are committing a crime, and are, therefore, criminals.
While I am empathetic toward their situation, the simple truth is that the federal government cannot be expected to support those who are committing a federal crime.
Many people immigrate to this country legally, in search of a better life. The process is long, difficult, and there are no guarantees, but by becoming legal citizens, they earn the right to be here.
There is no doubt it is easier to just sneak through. Unfortunately, in this country, you are expected to adhere to the law, regardless of whether or not it is convenient.
I am a full-time student, which makes it difficult to find a job that pays enough to live, and is flexible enough for my schedule. It would be much easier to sell drugs. I could work around my schedule and make plenty of money.
Of course there is one problem, it is illegal.
There are a few parallels between selling drugs and living here illegally.
Defenders of illegal immigrants always point out that they contribute to the economy.
Well, if I was selling drugs, I would be making money, which I would probably spend buying things. In other words, I would be contributing to the local economy and paying taxes.
I doubt that if I was ever arrested, the judge would accept my generous contributions to the economy as a defense. Nor do I think the local government would allow me to apply for unemployment, worker's compensation, or any other benefits set up for productive citizens.
There are private institutions, religious and charitable organizations that are helping everyone, including illegal immigrants, as they should. As private institutions, they are under no obligation to enforce the law.
The bottom line is that you cannot expect the government to assist a person who is breaking the law - any law. To do so would counter the very concept of law and order.
FEMA has made it clear that they will stick to these policies
While many immigrant and human rights groups find this denial of assistance appalling, the fact is, it makes perfect sense.
Illegal immigration is a crime. By living in this country illegally, illegal immigrants are committing a crime, and are, therefore, criminals.
While I am empathetic toward their situation, the simple truth is that the federal government cannot be expected to support those who are committing a federal crime.
Many people immigrate to this country legally, in search of a better life. The process is long, difficult, and there are no guarantees, but by becoming legal citizens, they earn the right to be here.
There is no doubt it is easier to just sneak through. Unfortunately, in this country, you are expected to adhere to the law, regardless of whether or not it is convenient.
I am a full-time student, which makes it difficult to find a job that pays enough to live, and is flexible enough for my schedule. It would be much easier to sell drugs. I could work around my schedule and make plenty of money.
Of course there is one problem, it is illegal.
There are a few parallels between selling drugs and living here illegally.
Defenders of illegal immigrants always point out that they contribute to the economy.
Well, if I was selling drugs, I would be making money, which I would probably spend buying things. In other words, I would be contributing to the local economy and paying taxes.
I doubt that if I was ever arrested, the judge would accept my generous contributions to the economy as a defense. Nor do I think the local government would allow me to apply for unemployment, worker's compensation, or any other benefits set up for productive citizens.
There are private institutions, religious and charitable organizations that are helping everyone, including illegal immigrants, as they should. As private institutions, they are under no obligation to enforce the law.
The bottom line is that you cannot expect the government to assist a person who is breaking the law - any law. To do so would counter the very concept of law and order.