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When laypeople say, “crossing the border without proper documentation,” they obviously mean "eluding examination or inspection." That is a criminal misdemeanor under federal law 8 U.S.C. § 1325(a). Clearly, such phrases refer to the very misdemeanor defined in 1325. It does not include a visa overstay or a bona fide asylum application which might not be criminal. Nobody genuinely means, "presenting at a border checkpoint with a valid asylum claim" which is the only possible way to legally cross the border undocumented.
What a great piece! So inciteful for those who believe in the myths. This piece should be plastered all over the White House and shoved down trump's throat (okay, not literally). He has helped push these falsehoods to the forefront, and his MAGAT KKKultist lunatics believe him. And musk has his nerve, the hypocrite, amongst other horrible qualities.
It's mind boggling that all of this information is available to anyone who wants to find it. And that's the problem - not enough WANT to find it in order to hold on to their hatreds, bigotries and fear reinforced by the evil that is today's republican party.
Thank you for this article debunking racist and xenophobic rhetoric. So many great points here, I especially loved that you pointed out that the more immigrants in your neighborhood the safer it is. In my state I have loved to see immigrants from Africa transform a run-down depressed area that had only dive bars and no outdoor activity to large groups of close - knit families with children happily playing outside. It’s a community on that street now, not a place to avoid!
so happy you’ve quoted the Brookings Institution information. One of my favorite college professors was a researcher and writer for Brookings (many years ago). He peppered his political wisdom with poli sci dad jokes, and taught us the foundations of our institutions. As a parent, I’ve supported my children attending diverse neighborhood schools. One’s elementary school included children from numerous Asian, Caribbean, Central American countries and Mexico. I’ll never forget my oldest exclaiming “I don’t know why people think spelling Dhalblawallha is hard!” Then spelt it out letter by letter. This was in second grade. The high school had over 35 nations flags flying in the lunch room. And in my family’s tool business we constantly heard contractors praise their immigrant workers as hardworking , dedicated, reliable and thorough. Something (they added) difficult to find in many American workers. It’s no exaggeration to say that much of the southeast would be without homes if not for immigrants. I’ve taught English to speakers of other languages in two different churches and I can tell you that many of my student worked two or three jobs AND made time for class at night. It pains me that so many Americans have distanced themselves from their own immigrant history. My 1st generation dad passed on his sense of community to me. Again, thank you for setting things straight!
Great point that people push to the side - we all originated from somewhere else, except Native Americans, and even they came down from Siberia through Alaska.
this is a very straightforward, easily readable, clear depiction of the facts - I am printing it out and leaving copies everywhere I go, because often left-leaning people don't think they need to know the facts - they just feel they're right, and I agree but that's not enough - and,
right leaning people continue to spout and propogate misinformation and falsehoods. Why don't politicians ever lay it out like you have? They hear the lies and hateful rhetoric and say "You are spewing hate and lies" but they don't counter with the FACTS. So some Americans think, gee, they sound mean and terrible but, the truth hurts and we need to be harsh" - NO!!!!!! Completely false narrative. Empathy and civil rights - not some laissez-faire , hippie-skippy empty rhetoric - it is RIGHT, it is LAW, it is AMERICAN.
We should be supporting immigrants, not terrorizing them. They are our neighbors and friends. Trump's scapegoating and oppression of immigrants should get him impeached. Sickening.
Thank you for this important guide to staving off ludicrous claims about our immigrants. When I turned on the news this morning, Trump was once again spreading his lies about immigrants being murderers and/or being the result of countries emptying their 'insane asylums.' Although you did address crime as a whole, I would love to read your complete take on Trump—and the GOP's—unending conspiracy theories re: immigrants. Thanks!
Literally everything he says about immigrants is a lie. It's not immigrants he actually minds, it's Black and brown people. He has no problem with white immigrants given that he married two.
And that is why I will never understand why minorities (and I am one), and add military members, past and present, voted for that racist and bigoted, POS, convicted felon.
Replace the word "immigrant" with white supremacy, and they move from myth to truth. Every charge is a confession. Thanks for your fantastic analysis Qasim.
Trump claims his authority to send people to El Salvador or Libya and the like is based on an "emergency" because of an "invasion".
That is ridiculous on its face, but even if you grant it: does it then follow that these people are charged with a capital or infamous crime, and therefore entitled not just to a judge, but even a Grand Jury?
“No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury.”
SCOTUS already ruled his argument is wrong and the Alien Enemies Act does not apply. The also upheld the 5A as evidence of that. He has no basis for his cruelty. Moreover, it's wildly hypocritical for him to simultaneously claim there's an invasion while claiming he's secured the borders. Which is it?
A reminder and ask to all those reading this -- I invite your subscription for free (or if in your capacity for a cup of coffee a month). I'm grateful to those who subscribe and help grow this platform: www.qasimrashid.com/subscribe
When laypeople say, “crossing the border without proper documentation,” they obviously mean "eluding examination or inspection." That is a criminal misdemeanor under federal law 8 U.S.C. § 1325(a). Clearly, such phrases refer to the very misdemeanor defined in 1325. It does not include a visa overstay or a bona fide asylum application which might not be criminal. Nobody genuinely means, "presenting at a border checkpoint with a valid asylum claim" which is the only possible way to legally cross the border undocumented.
Thank you! This is super helpful for debunking all the lies spread by scared little humans. Much appreciated
This should be read by everyone - especially those of the MAGA hat variety.
What a great piece! So inciteful for those who believe in the myths. This piece should be plastered all over the White House and shoved down trump's throat (okay, not literally). He has helped push these falsehoods to the forefront, and his MAGAT KKKultist lunatics believe him. And musk has his nerve, the hypocrite, amongst other horrible qualities.
Thank you for reading, Linda!
It's mind boggling that all of this information is available to anyone who wants to find it. And that's the problem - not enough WANT to find it in order to hold on to their hatreds, bigotries and fear reinforced by the evil that is today's republican party.
Yup. This isn't a secret, even though they try to make it seem that way.
Thank you for this article debunking racist and xenophobic rhetoric. So many great points here, I especially loved that you pointed out that the more immigrants in your neighborhood the safer it is. In my state I have loved to see immigrants from Africa transform a run-down depressed area that had only dive bars and no outdoor activity to large groups of close - knit families with children happily playing outside. It’s a community on that street now, not a place to avoid!
Thank you for this enlightening article. I’m
so happy you’ve quoted the Brookings Institution information. One of my favorite college professors was a researcher and writer for Brookings (many years ago). He peppered his political wisdom with poli sci dad jokes, and taught us the foundations of our institutions. As a parent, I’ve supported my children attending diverse neighborhood schools. One’s elementary school included children from numerous Asian, Caribbean, Central American countries and Mexico. I’ll never forget my oldest exclaiming “I don’t know why people think spelling Dhalblawallha is hard!” Then spelt it out letter by letter. This was in second grade. The high school had over 35 nations flags flying in the lunch room. And in my family’s tool business we constantly heard contractors praise their immigrant workers as hardworking , dedicated, reliable and thorough. Something (they added) difficult to find in many American workers. It’s no exaggeration to say that much of the southeast would be without homes if not for immigrants. I’ve taught English to speakers of other languages in two different churches and I can tell you that many of my student worked two or three jobs AND made time for class at night. It pains me that so many Americans have distanced themselves from their own immigrant history. My 1st generation dad passed on his sense of community to me. Again, thank you for setting things straight!
Great point that people push to the side - we all originated from somewhere else, except Native Americans, and even they came down from Siberia through Alaska.
this is a very straightforward, easily readable, clear depiction of the facts - I am printing it out and leaving copies everywhere I go, because often left-leaning people don't think they need to know the facts - they just feel they're right, and I agree but that's not enough - and,
right leaning people continue to spout and propogate misinformation and falsehoods. Why don't politicians ever lay it out like you have? They hear the lies and hateful rhetoric and say "You are spewing hate and lies" but they don't counter with the FACTS. So some Americans think, gee, they sound mean and terrible but, the truth hurts and we need to be harsh" - NO!!!!!! Completely false narrative. Empathy and civil rights - not some laissez-faire , hippie-skippy empty rhetoric - it is RIGHT, it is LAW, it is AMERICAN.
This is what we need, thank you.
We should be supporting immigrants, not terrorizing them. They are our neighbors and friends. Trump's scapegoating and oppression of immigrants should get him impeached. Sickening.
Thank you! 🙏
Excellent information! Thanks so much!
Thanks for reading, Carol.
Thank you for this important guide to staving off ludicrous claims about our immigrants. When I turned on the news this morning, Trump was once again spreading his lies about immigrants being murderers and/or being the result of countries emptying their 'insane asylums.' Although you did address crime as a whole, I would love to read your complete take on Trump—and the GOP's—unending conspiracy theories re: immigrants. Thanks!
Literally everything he says about immigrants is a lie. It's not immigrants he actually minds, it's Black and brown people. He has no problem with white immigrants given that he married two.
And that is why I will never understand why minorities (and I am one), and add military members, past and present, voted for that racist and bigoted, POS, convicted felon.
Replace the word "immigrant" with white supremacy, and they move from myth to truth. Every charge is a confession. Thanks for your fantastic analysis Qasim.
Thanks Jason, and well said.
Concise and informative myth busting! I am passing this article on to people in my advocacy organization (NCJW/BCS) who work in the immigration area.
Wonderful. Thanks Judith!
This is a bit legalistic, but a question:
Trump claims his authority to send people to El Salvador or Libya and the like is based on an "emergency" because of an "invasion".
That is ridiculous on its face, but even if you grant it: does it then follow that these people are charged with a capital or infamous crime, and therefore entitled not just to a judge, but even a Grand Jury?
“No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury.”
SCOTUS already ruled his argument is wrong and the Alien Enemies Act does not apply. The also upheld the 5A as evidence of that. He has no basis for his cruelty. Moreover, it's wildly hypocritical for him to simultaneously claim there's an invasion while claiming he's secured the borders. Which is it?