"Day without Immigrants"

for those escaping persecution. Most western countries only accept a certain number of immigrants each year because the nation can only support so many immigrants. If we were to open the floodgates our infrastructure (housing, water, sanitation as before financial concerns) will be quickly overwhelmed. People will flock here (to Australia) because we are a rich nation but if we cant support their numbers they will live in the same, if not worse conditions then the countries they fled.

Once again immigration (department) makes exceptions for those escaping persecution and they are given preference over other concerns. We must consider the needs and capabilities of our own nations as well as the desires of the immigrants to move here (They want to come to Australia as
opposed to Russia for a reason). So certain aspects will get you mudded up or down. Higher education/skilled labour will help, age is considered a disadvantage because society takes care of the elderly.

In AU a few immigrants (Asians for the most part but that is because OZ is in Asia) can?t speak English and this puts them at a severe disadvantage (they need a translator, which normally turns out to be their kid) I have patience for those people as long as they don?t demand I speak their language. If I move to Dubai I'll be expected to learn Arabic or if I move to Berlin I'll be expected to learn German it?s the same everywhere.

If you are serious to get into Australia please show me (learn English, go through the legal motions or otherwise make an effort) and I would welcome you then be given the full benefit of living in Australia. Don?t expect just to be let in and then given the benefits of this society.

P.S. Any immigrant (illegal or otherwise) who would sow their own mouth shut in protest should be sent home on mental health grounds (I?ll consider a regular hunger strike as being mentally sound form of protest).

And it seems as if the USA has had a problem with illegal immigrants from Mexico for at least a 100 years now.

From my point of view, they were not actually trying to make a negative economic impact, they wanted to get a point across: That both legal and illegal immigrants do contribute to our economy, and therefore should not be taken for granted. The feel they should get a little more appreciation. Now how exactly do they want to get appreciated? I'm not sure yet. Maybe somebody should ask them.

"...and that's also how America was acquired by your forefathers."

They were your people, too.

Considering the inaccuracy and sheer absence of comprehensive records, as well as nonexistent border controls pre-twentieth century, the question of past legal or illegal immigration cannot be answered in a meaningful way.

I didn't say anything about changing our way of life. I'm saying we have room for diverse ways of life. People generally emmigrate to the US for economic opportunity. Traditionally, first generation immigrants retain much of their former culture and language. Future generations become more acclimated, more English speaking, more "American." I think they are free to retain as much of their historic culture as they want, as long as our constitution is observed.

Adequate knowledge of English should be mandatory since we need a common language as a basis for a successfully diversified society. However, as a rule, I think it is unrealistic to expect first generation immigrants to be proficient in English. I would support federally funded language education to maximize the use of English among all immigrants.

Exactly, and very well said.