iSpeak on Immigrant Rights

Yes, I agree. This country was built with the help of immigrants.

Anibal Sostre Jr. storeroom manager, BLHC

Yes, I agree. I believe everyone deserves a better chance of a good life, but I also believe in law and order.  As long as those from other countries gain access to the United States in a legal fashion, we as a people should welcome them with open arms.

Margaret Allen, supervisor, 1199SEIU Benefit and Pension Funds

Yes, I agree. Because workers are all the same.  It doesn't matter whether they are documented or not, workers have the same goals: to improve their lives through fair wages and to be treated with dignity and respect. So I firmly believe that the leadership of all Unions should be very involved in helping the plight of immigrant workers. 

Dilletta Pina, clerical worker, Promesa

I disagree because I feel that the USA should take care of home first! We need loads of help in this country for Health care, Education and housing! Legitimate working citizens are struggling to feed, educate and house their families. If they earn ONE DOLLAR over a certain amount they get disqualified for many services that they clearly cannot afford. Find a way that may allow some immigrants in, but take care of the USA citizens who need help first!!
What about USA poor and working poor and elderly,many of whom need assistance! Do they matter?? I say take care of home FIRST!

Sarah B. Caliman, retiree

Yes, I agree. Immigrants with or without green cards are an indispensable part our workforce, our  economy, and deserve fairness and justice on the road to full citizenship here.

Austin Ted Paulnack, retiree

Yes, I agree. I think our Union needs to take a  progressive stance in defense of all workers regardless of their immigration status.  Futher, I think we need comprehensive immigration reform which address the 12 million undocumented workers who have been living in this country for a long time and contributing to our economy.  I believe the Union should continue to work to support the broad coalitions fighting to defend immigrants.

Berta Silva, Organizer

Yes, I agree. I think the main problem with immigrants is the fact that they are exploited, and work for much less money, and this is driving down our wages. If we help them and they have a productive path, and they work and gain citizenship this way, it is better for not only them but for us all.

Regina Dilorenzo
Transcription clerk, Cambridge Health Alliance

Yes, I agree. In the long run yes, but more laws need to be passed regarding employers abusing these immigrants and exploiting them and in the process not paying into the system which we as taxpayers pick up the tab.

John Pacut
Carpenter/Dispatcher, Marist College

Yes, I agree. This is not OUR country our land, it belongs to the Heavenly father, whatever you may refer to Him as in your religion, so therefore who are we to decide which of His children are allowed in His house! Freedom and equality should exist for all, not just the privileged.

Alesha Angulo
Receptionist, 1199SEIU

Yes, I agree. For many years immigrants as myself have been on the fringes of american political theater. Unrecognized, unappreciated and invinsible has been our status. No more! We are here, do not ignore us.

Carmen Acosta
Patient Access Service Representative, Wyckoff Heights Medical Center

No, I do not agree. I have no problem with the immigrants who come here LEGALLY. The legal immigrants are getting shafted. They have worked hard to get here  without beaking the law…We do not want to open the door to picking and choosing the laws we want to follow, or we will have chaos in our country.  This is a great country. Immigrants are the heart and soul of this country. 

Barbara Lyke, RN, Crouse Hospital

No, I do not agree. This great country of ours was built by immigrants, but the issue now is not immigrants being here but the way they are getting here.  Everyone must respect the law of the land.

Esther Iglesias, retiree
Institution: Retiree