The cost of illegal immigration in the Tri-Cities
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RICHLAND, Wash. -- “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America," said Patricia Mendoza, slowly but with confidence. The Pledge often begins in grade school, now in her 20's, Patricia Mendoza can finally recite it.
“I feel different," she said. Different, because for the first time in her life, Patricia can say, ‘I'm an American.’ "I'm really excited to be a citizen.”
Patricia's story is few and far between in the state of Washington. She's was one of 20 who became a citizen on Thursday in Richland. The government estimates 17,000 will become citizens in Washington State this year. It might sound like a lot, but KEPR learned there are likely 275,000 people living in the shadows, right now; people who came here illegally.
“It's thought-provoking because there are so many people who have taken the steps to be naturalized citizens and the process is one that we welcome,” said Honorable Edward F. Shea, Senior District Judge. “We want that, but we want it to be done legally."
When it isn't done legally, you end up paying the bill. More than $1.5 billion in Washington taxpayer money goes to education for illegal immigrants, according to the Federation for American Immigration Reform -- known as 'FAIR.' The group cites another $650 million is spent on healthcare and social services every year too. It all adds up.
But not everyone is eligible to become a citizen and naturalization is a lengthy process. People need to meet a number of qualifications in the first place, those who don't, or don't bother, end up living in the shadows.
Mendoza is now here legally. As a tax payer, she understands she'll be footing the bill for illegal immigrants as well.
“I accept everything," she said, knowing she'll gain acceptance by her contribution and hoping others will follow.
"It's good for me, my family, and the nation."
“I feel different," she said. Different, because for the first time in her life, Patricia can say, ‘I'm an American.’ "I'm really excited to be a citizen.”
Patricia's story is few and far between in the state of Washington. She's was one of 20 who became a citizen on Thursday in Richland. The government estimates 17,000 will become citizens in Washington State this year. It might sound like a lot, but KEPR learned there are likely 275,000 people living in the shadows, right now; people who came here illegally.
“It's thought-provoking because there are so many people who have taken the steps to be naturalized citizens and the process is one that we welcome,” said Honorable Edward F. Shea, Senior District Judge. “We want that, but we want it to be done legally."
When it isn't done legally, you end up paying the bill. More than $1.5 billion in Washington taxpayer money goes to education for illegal immigrants, according to the Federation for American Immigration Reform -- known as 'FAIR.' The group cites another $650 million is spent on healthcare and social services every year too. It all adds up.
But not everyone is eligible to become a citizen and naturalization is a lengthy process. People need to meet a number of qualifications in the first place, those who don't, or don't bother, end up living in the shadows.
Mendoza is now here legally. As a tax payer, she understands she'll be footing the bill for illegal immigrants as well.
“I accept everything," she said, knowing she'll gain acceptance by her contribution and hoping others will follow.
"It's good for me, my family, and the nation."
Maybe we are all in the fight for a better life for all. Let's love one another
I'm getting my popcorn ready! LOL
ONE OF THE PAPERS ARTICLES TALKS ABOUT 20 PEOPLE GETTING THERE CITIZENSHIP LEGALLY!!!!!!ONE GRADE SCHOOL IN PASCO HAS APPROX. 900 STUDEN TBODY..795 MEXICAN AND ALL ON FREE BKFT AND LUNCHES...HOW MANY ARE LEGAL AND WHAT WILL BE THE COST TO THE TAXPAYER???? PLEASE EXTRAPOLATE THE REST OF THE SCHOOLS IN THE ARE AND THE COST...THANX
This isn't a racist topic. This is about a country allowing people to steal from us. This nation was founded on people stealing the land from the Native Americans living here, but now it is a country and has been for over 200 years. We have laws and rules to follow. Don't get bent out of shape when someone calls you an illegal if you are. Good job to Patricia for getting her citizenship. You have to understand that the American is tired of footing the bill for people who continually take advantage of our kindness. You are more than welcome in our country if you come here legally and contribute to society...and, yes, there are lots of lazy, crappy white people too, but sadly they were born here so there isn't really anywhere we can send them.
Congratulations Patricia!
Our ancestors made a lot of sacrifices and shed a lot of blood so that we could be a free and prosperous nation. Thousands of men and women stand at the ready to defend what we have as a nation. What have illegal immigrants contributed to this country that gives them the "right" to be here? How much blood have they shed on behalf of the welfare of the United States?
And charles sargent you just proved a point by saying go to your local dshs and tell them your here illegally and see what you get! Exactly if you straight up tell them your illegal you wont get anything, so rather then an illegal try for citizenship they lie and become an illegal who is breaking laws by being here, they become an illegal law breaker law breaker, if doesnt have a work visa or any right here to work and goes out to the fields to work is now an illegal law breaker law breaker law breaker in no place does it get any better on down the line due to everything there doing is illegal!
Way to much if I do say so myself!
Im a us citizen I had a baby with someone illegal, our kid is a us citizen, what happens to him he just got deorted, his citizenship revoked, what is my kids future like????
Yes Michael can you prove your parents came here legally? You probably are one of those you so called anchore baby's lol .i. Here hater
Most white Americans cannot prove their parents came into this country legally. Michael Blankenship please go into our local DSHS office, tell them you are hear illegally and see how many benefits you get and maybe you will not be shooting off at the mouth.
Illegal is Illegal . People need to come to this country the right way . its not fair to people who did it the right way to get benefits for which they paid not taxes for. After all if I went to another country really do you think they would pay for my education ? or give me food stamps or healthcare ? more then likely no.
@Michael Blankenship Spot on.
Waiting for Godwin's Law to kick in prematurely
It's nothing new... http://m.worldstarhiphop.com/apple/video.php?v=wshh896o3ToRpamT1V6i
@Fonzie Sanchez , Fonzie, lose the flat hat, you have no credibility.
I was hoping for some drama :/ rather call it a night
Its only been 20 minutes and there's only 3 comments and no one has started an argument LOL
How much does it cost taxpayers to cover the cost corporate bailouts? They're the real "parasites" leeching off society.
@AJ Yzaguirre How much does it cost to educate a Mexican in our schools? 9-10,000 per student?
WIC? Earned income tax credit? Free school lunches?
Tell me again how much illegals contribute to society?Â
I wonder how much they pay in taxes against thier wages and into social security (which they won't get)
@Surge Rod If they get paid in cash......nothing.
How much does it cost tax payers to provide insurance and food for lazy burnouts who claim a pathetic disability?
@Ariel Perez At least they are OUR burnouts.,,not some foreign interloper.
I think this story mixes apples and oranges - the people who became citizens today were not illegal aliens, they were almost certainly non-citizens with legal status. Not every non-citizen is here illegally. Â
Congratulations to the new citizens!Â