I overheard something on talk radio yesterday that really got me fired up, and it had to do with the number of illegal aliens/immigrants who are voting. The voting regulations clearly state that to be able to vote you have to be at least 18 years of age AND a citizen of the United States. Well, in order to vote in Tennessee, all you have to show is a utility bill or TN driver's license and a credit card that has your name and signature on it. That's it!!
I have both of those. So why am I not voting?
Because I'm not an American citizen. I am a law-abiding LEGAL permanent resident, but I am not a citizen, therefore I cannot vote. But what really burns me up is that many others (and when I say "many" I mean "MILLIONS") who do not share the same convictions I do - and who are in this country illegally - are casting their votes and could quite possibly affect the outcome of this upcoming election.
It would be rather convenient at this point to misuse the Apostle Paul's quote, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do"... But instead I'm going to sit at home, watch the debates, and tell my wife who to vote for <grin>. And pray for this country - because while my King tells me to respect the government He places over me, at the end of the day they're still "not the boss of me".
I'm a U.S. Resident for about 12 years. I come from mexican parents. It's really annoying that I can't even vote and illegal people could vote is rather bad.
So, you all Canadians have to have a "Green Card"? I mean you all have to be U.S. Resident to live here in the U.S.?
Posted by: Dalia Camarillo | January 21, 2009 at 07:04 PM
I am in a similar predicatment with the same sentiment. I have been a legal permanent resident alien in the US for 28 years....the length of my marriage to my husband, who is American. I am Canadian. It took me a full year to legally execute the paperwork to allow me to live here with my husband, following our wedding in Canada in 1980.
I believe you need to enter 'any' country LEGALLY, not illegally and
"do as the Romans do", once you get there.
I wanted to vote, but it was against the United States law and I would have been punished for breaking the law! Atleast I thought I would!!! :)
Posted by: Marion | January 11, 2009 at 08:56 PM
It is preposterous that regulations don't forbid people who don't show a valid passport or original social security card from voting, those are identification documents that illegals will never have and would curb voter fraud substantially.
What this is going to do is put more weight in the argument for a National Identification Card that American citizens carry, something many have opposed out of fear of a "big brother" mentality but it would definitely help secure the polls and it should be illegal to acquire a driver's license without one or a green card.
Posted by: Travis Speegle | October 17, 2008 at 06:01 PM
I'm a citizen, and this is one of those things that kills me, too. Frankly, illegal immigrants have already shown they don't care about our laws, so the fact that they are voting doesn't surprise me too much. But it still steams me.
We need some serious voter fraud reform in our country, yet neither party seems interested in it.
I'll get off my soap box now. :)
Mark
Posted by: Carstairs38 | October 17, 2008 at 12:26 PM
There are actually organizations with the sole purpose of registering illegal immigrants, the deceased, felons who no longer have the right to vote, and completely fictitious persons. Sometimes multiple times. But they front as community organizations with the interests of low-income (minority) families in mind. What they're really doing is casting a bad light on themselves and hindering the people they claim to want to help.
Posted by: Carla | October 17, 2008 at 09:41 AM
Ooooh... Great comment, Katherine! That's a whole different issue, isn't it! Kaitlyn, I get my Green Card, but it takes a while before I can apply for citizenship.
Posted by: Jeremy | October 16, 2008 at 10:14 AM
i thought you became an AUTOMATIC us citizen when you married an ammerican in the U.S.
Posted by: kaitlyn tillman | October 16, 2008 at 10:06 AM
And what about all the folks who aren't casting votes that should be?
Posted by: Katherine Laine | October 16, 2008 at 09:58 AM
I am with you! I cant vote, and i dont think i should be able to until i become a citizen. my husband can...and he will.
it hacks me off that there are people who are going to cast votes that shouldnt be.
Posted by: lynse leanne | October 16, 2008 at 08:48 AM