Should non US citizens should have the same constitutional rights as US citizens or does the constitution only apply to citizens? This includes illegal and legal immigrants and people just visiting the country. Discuss.
Anyone here illegally should not be afforded the same rights and privileges as citizens and those that are here legally. When found, they should be sent back to their home country as quickly as possible. Don't get me wrong. They are still a person and should be treated as such. If they are sick or hurt, then treat them before you send them back. Those here illegaly should be aggressivley sought out in our country and then deported. I believe that the law stating that if you are born here then you are a citizen is about to change. We are one of the only countries left that still observe this policy. It has been very misused and has passed it's original purpose. The illegal now try everything they can to get here before a child is born. Once he or she is born, all bets are off. The parents can then find a way to stay due to the child being a citizen and when that child turns 18, he or she can petition to have the rest of their extended family brought over legally.
My parents and I were talking about this today as they were showing me around their town. They think that anyone who isn't a citizen shouldn't have any constitutional rights, even if they are legal aliens. I, however, think that one of the things that makes this country great is that everyone, even non citizens are afforded the same rights as you or me. Now, if a person is illegally here then no they shouldn't have the same rights as you or me and should be deported.
Of course not. To vote or hold office you have to be a citizen. To get food stamps or medicare you do not have to be a citizen, but you have to be in the United States legally. However, anyone arrested in the United States is normally afforded due process, whether they are citizens, green-card holders or here illegally.
I meant more along the lines of the Bill of Rights and the other rights granted not pertaining to voting and holding public office.
As with any great question, I think the answer is: "It depends." Will elaborate more...gotta head to the Texans game!
My response covered some of that too. But the only rights illegal aliens are generally afforded are the rights to due process. I have no problem with that.
I agree. No, non-citizens should not have every right of a citizen, but neither should they have no rights at all. Illegal aliens and those on short-term visas should have few rights other than to contact their consulate before trial and deportation. Legal US residents who are not yet US citizens should have the full right of due process of law. Justice is due anybody who lives in our system legally.
