If only these people were that dedicated, and committed to provide a decent living for themselves in DR, they wouldn't have to risk being caught and doing time in a foreign jail (or worse still drowning in a vast swimming pool). But, they are so brainwashed into thinking that the only way to make a big splash is to sneak into Puerto Rico. It's no wonder that people in PR are suspicious of 'all' Dominicans as wise-guys, and con-artists; Yet, what they judge "us" on, is this riff-raff element.

Everyone else waits for a visa if they want to emigrate, but, some of these dedicated, modern-day pirates want instant gratification, they want to get their "dose of the good life" (or so they think) now, "A la Bringandina". Come hell or high water.

Some like the 4 guys with warrants are career crimminals; Who disrespect authorities in DR, PR, and in the continental U.S. What gall? What are they on? On a self-destruct mission?

Ref:::: ArsenioALembertJr, 7 Feb 2009 1:04 AM
If only these people were that dedicated, and committed to provide a decent living themselves in DR, the........
++++++++++++++++++++++++


If they were hat dedicated to Change.

Oh well, back to criminal college in the USA. Maybe this time they'll get home invasion courses. Better to Guantanamo to backfill the quota the US govt will now dump onto the US streets.

I guess the dominican yorks don't make it any better. Most work in poor paying manufacturing jobs live in a rat hole some where in NYC, or whatever other state, barely pay any taxes because they claim even their dead uncles, get government assistances from food stamps, child care assistance etc... However, they are able to buy some expensive clothing, save a few thousand bucks, pack the suitcases and jump on a plane to the DR. Then whom ever sees them says "heck if this moron can make it so can I”.
Don’t get me wrong this is a country of opportunities, but you better be educated and willing to work your butt off.

hcx27 you couldn't be more right, anyone thats not a US citizen and even with a visa that enters the US just remember that its very hard to find a job thats going to net a high paying income right away and most jobs that your probably going to end up with are low wage jobs once you start in these its very hard to go anywhere else especially if your not educated

Wow, a bunch of know it all's? Does anyone of you know the US Immigration system? Anyone of you understands the US Immigration court? A few pointers. The Supreme Court in Canada is currently reviewing to cut its Immigration agreements with the US for what they describe the unfair treatment of Immigrants. Did you know that if you get arrested by Immigration in the US, they can detain you for an indefinite period with now charges; The average immigrant in detention only sees a judge for the first time after 3 months in detention; an Immigrant does not have the right to an attorney; in most cases Immigrants are detained in locations often more than 3 hours away from the courtroom where their judges preside this leads to a great amount of legal costs; Immigration Officers often trick people (especially those with lower levels of skills) into signing deportation;

Did you know under Immigration law an aggravated felony is defined different than under criminal law; two misdemeanors is an aggravated felony; Many Immigrant women get deported without their children; Often their children are placed in foster care and many never ever see their children again? No matter what their convictions - or possible convictions.
Does anyone of you understand the US criminal system? Did you know that the sentencing guideline increase the sentence of an accused should they decide to go to trial? Often trials are delayed so that the person would accept a guilty plea or no contest plea. Did you know under US Immigration Law, a no contest plea is also a guilty plea and therefore the person could be deported as a result?

Does anyone of you understand the US criminal system? Did you know that the sentencing guideline increase the sentence of an accused should they decide to go to trial? Often trials are delayed so that the person would accept a guilty plea or no contest plea. Did you know under US Immigration Law, a no contest plea is also a guilty plea and therefore the person could be deported as a result? Did you know that Immigrants almost never qualify for bond since they are considered a flight risk and are often detained for periods more than 9 months before their deportation? Did you know that such a person, if they decide to fight their case could remain in a county jail or immigration detention center for periods between 2 to 5 years and that his result in most people not fighting their cases, but accepting deportation? Now my judgmental friends. Go ahead and judge this men. I suppose you all walked in their shoes.

Lobelia...........i suppose you are some kind of law worker?

Whats your specialty?

LOL - yes, I am some kind of law worker.

Lobelia, I too am some kind of law worker and I commend you on making some salient points on the realities faced by immigrants in the US legal system. I would like to expand that defense attorneys need to be extremely careful of what they allow their clients to plea guilty to. If defense counsel gives a client erroneous advice regarding the probability of deportation for taking a plea deal, the defendant cannot then have the plea revoked even if his legal counsel admits to making the error, except in cases were predjudice of counsel can be proven. Ref. People v. Bruce Mc Donald (NY Court of Appeals). It is also not commonly known that the immigration consequences of the defendant’s plea are collateral and thus the court is not required to advise the defendant of any immigration consequence when the defendant pleads guilty to a misdemeanor. These men however, allegedly broke the entry laws of the US, if found guilty after prosecution, there can be no criticism of due process, at all.

We need more forigners like Ted Kenedy needs another martini :)

Heck before long my fellow Americans are going to be forced to emigrate over seas as to keep up a respectable existance, myself and many others I know are deciding to try our luck in S. America, Eastern europe or S. Asia as the start up cost and regulatory hurdles are almost prohibitive back in the States and likely to become even more ardurous under our new regime.

I hear people in the DR badmouthing the USA -for Iraq and other things - then when I ask if they want a green card they jump at it....hypocrites, the whole world condemns and hates the USA and the whole world wants to move there!

LOBELIA, so I guess this makes my point even more. I'm US citizen now, but I can tell you when I was not I have never had an issue with law to the extremes you are suggesting, nor do I know anyone that had such misfortune. I'm not an attorney but I can tell you are not one either. The extreme examples you are referring to are usually for actual criminals, people that do not belong here period. Who cares if liberal Canada wants to cut Immigration agreements with the US. Maybe it will stop the many Canadians who cross the border into Vermont for free medical, even though Canada is supposed to have free healthcare.

Hi Debin, you right about this. Often Criminal Defense lawyers themselves do not know or understand the consequences. I highly recommend that all immigrants obtain the services of an Immigration Lawyer in the US that is familiar with the deportation of those accused of a criminal act BEFORE they make any decisions.
Mr Pappabowie, did you know that Dominican Republic offers a great program for retirees. The new immigration law here, 171-07 gives great advantages for those who wants to retire in the DR. Look it up on the internet. It is very easy to understand and gives you a bundle of advantages. Did you know that your relocation costs to the DR from the USA is also tax deductable?

hcx27, these are NOT extreme examples. You are highly mistaken. It may be true that these gentlemen may have been deported. But what if their children are still in the US? What would you do? What if your children have been taken from you and put in foster care? Do you know how bad reputation the US organizations have for taking care of foster children? You have any idea how many children are lost, abused or killed in foster care? What would you do? I am sorry hcx27, these things are a lot more complicated than it seems.

Great tax deductions tips for people that don't pay taxes, no wonder my federal taxes alone were more than 30K last year.

Hx27, better pay those taxes with a smile. You live in one of the best countries in the world. Every sent you pay in the US is worth. Think of countries where people pay 40% tax and live in harsh condititions.

So you are telling that a criminal, should be kept in US soil because they have kids here? I agreed the foster care system may not be perfect, and it is not something I wish to any child. However a lot of times those kids are better off in the system. Being a parent is a sacred job, but these people don't seem to get that. I'm a single dad myself and it really just drives me nuts when kids are used as an excused to someone’s behavior.

You miss the point. I mentioned that many accept pleas because they do not want to remain in jail for that long, even though they may be innocent. They may now be called a criminal. However, even if that is not the case. Many Americans leave jail after many years committing horrible crimes, and are still able to see their children. Justice should be equal for all. Nobody should pay for a bounced check by having their children taken away from them. (just as an example). I agree that children should not be used as an excuse, but they should not pay such a high price either. Children are always better off with their biological parents if they are good parents. I also think you will agree that some criminals are great parents. The qualification for a good parent does not come with a police clearance.

Cabaretewill

Have you heard the slogan

YANKEES GO HOME!!! and take me with you.

lol

that is so true.

hcx27,

You know what? You are an IDIOT! And a Bigot at that. I really hate the fact that people think they have more rights to the USA than others because they got there first or their ancestors did. Fact of the matter is most, if not all of the people in the US MIGRATED there one time or another in the first place. SO before you say "Go back to your country" to someone as most of your kind seldom do, Remember where you came from.
Furthermore, committing a misdemeanor in no way entitles the US to deport someone and force them to leave their life, wife & kids behind. There are many criminals living among you who commit far more heinous crimes each day and yet they are allowed to stay and continue to do so over and over again. SO does having a BLUE passport make them better? What of TIMOTHY MCVEIGH?

OK so you legally reached the US and live there for more than 27 years, you paid your taxes and worked just as hard as any other "JOE THE PLUMBER" you have 2 or 3 kids with your Husband or wife (whom of course is an AMERICAN CITIZEN) You have all of your immediate family live in the US as well. Then one day you make a Mistake. Something as minuscule as even a traffic violation? Then you are called an 'aggravated felon' and labeled a 'terrorist' by the PATRIOT ACT!
So now you are deported to a country you no longer know and where you don't know any one any longer. But before you go, you have to sit there and look into the eyes of your kids, your husband or wife, mom or dad, brother and sister and as they cry you have to swallow it hard. The country you were willing to go to war for and die if it came to it, has thrown you out like a dirty rag. If you had ever gone through that, done that, would you sit on your high horse and boast as most of you 'Racist Yankees' do???

Playa, I know that you are upset but you are using the wrong analogies to further your arguement. The Patriot Act is a statute that gives the government broader powers with regard to privacy rights and allows immigration officials more descretion in detaining and deporting persons suspected in terrorist activity or conspiracy. The act also includes a provision for domestic terrorism as well. A simple traffic violation is not a conduit to deportation even if you plea guilty to the violation. These examples are not implementation for unfair removal or deportation of law abiding alien or illegal residents. There is not currently a concerted effort to corral or quarry illegal aliens in New York that I'm aware of. Your country also deports convicted residents and illegals when convicted of criminal activity and sometimes even when no crime was committed, so the "Racist Yankee" slur is really not fair by contrast.

Written by: hcx27, 7 Feb 2009 9:58 AM
From: United States, Warwick RI
I guess the dominican yorks don't make it any better. Most work in poor paying manufacturing jobs live in a rat hole some where in NYC, or whatever other state, barely pay any taxes because they claim even their dead uncles, get government assistances from food stamps, child care assistance etc.

Hcx:
The ones you're referring to are the sneaks that I alluded in the beginning of the thread, right.

Not all Dominicans are low-lifes as you bunch them up to be. I've been to your state: Roger William's State; Bald Hill Rd, Warwick, Cranston, E. Providence, Central Falls, Pawtucket, Federal Hill, etc. Call it "Confederate North". What a dump it all is! You must confuse our folks with what you see on "Broad St." Boy, are you wrong! Not all NY'mingans are Johnny come latelys, off-the boat hicks, partner. Some live better than you will ever live, own their own homes, cars, have legit businesses, etc. NYC/DR!!!!

"I also think you will agree that some criminals are great parents'

Don't you think endangering your family with your criminal activities sort of wipes that theory out?

Some way or another they will be affected negatively.

Criminal and good are hardly used together in the same breath.

Except for now

The country you were willing to go to war for and die if it came to it, has thrown you out like a dirty rag. If you had ever gone through that, done that, would you sit on your high horse and boast as most of you 'Racist Yankees' do???

'Racist Yankees'
More like "Overwhelmed Yankees" do you have any idea of the manpower it takes to try and run that deparment/ If you were ever treated less then human because of your race then make sure that you file a complaint.

The US has a process for everything and measures it's success or the lack of from statistics.
I am sure you find the amount of people wrongly convicted very very small.

There are laws for everything, but like everyhting else it is a long process.

Work your ass off in the DR and forget about leaving! The grass is not always greener, look at what is happening in the USA right now. Lost jobs,scams,foreclosures,corruption,etc, etc it is not all perfect. There is more to life than money! They love to make you and break you in America!
example: Mr Phelps was on top of the world until he had a party with friends and took a pull from a Bong! They are acting like he is a criminal and talking charges, what a joke. Mr Madoff is walking around freel. The idiots who run the SCC should be charged for turning a blind eye for yrs but nothing will be done Its such a joke.

There are opportunities here in the DR but you need to buckle down and go after them

Playa,
The examples you are using are ludicrous, do you really know anyone that has been deported for a simple misdemeanor? Give me a break!!! Then you have the audacity to compare this to a terrorist like TIMOTHY MCVEIGH? Someone, by the way who was sentence to death. You’re contradicting your own argument, so be very careful when you call someone else an IDIOT, when you yourself cannot read and comprehend what you are reading and writing about. One of your so call excuses mentioned someone being in the US for 27 years, getting to a little trouble? What in hell does a little trouble means? Also if someone is in this country for 27 years, they should be a citizen.
Continue:

I was born and raised in the DR, I came to the US for my grad school studies, got a job with the company I interned with and became a citizen after 5 years of being here.
Does this make me any better? Absolutely not, however, why would want to be in any country for most of your life and not be part of it, not being able to vote. That is so hypocritical! I hate it when I hear someone that is 30 years old, has been here for 20 years and still calls the DR my country.

hcx27, yes I know many, many who has been deported because they have 2 misdemeanors. The point here is that nobody should do what you did just because you think it is the best thing to do.I would like to go back to my original argument. These men could be harsh criminals who raped children, or they could be someone who didn't commit 2 misdemeanors, accepted a plea and deportation just because they were either tricked into it, or didn't want to spend 5 years in jail. We absolutely don't know. You are making a lot of assumptions. Judges sit on a bench and here the story from both sides. They make mistakes and that is why we have appeals and supreme courts. Now, You, think you know it all. I am sorry, you just don't. You cannot judge because you don't know. I was not born in DR, but chose to live here and make my living here. I love the people, saw opportunities and am not a DR citizen, in excess of 10 years . I am committed to DR, but that is MY choice and nobody should defent it.

Ref::: hcx27, 8 Feb 2009 11:12 AM
Does this make me any better? Absolutely not, however, why would want to be in any country for most of your life and not be part of it, not being able to vote. That is so hypocritical! I hate it when I hear someone that is 30 years old, has been here for 20 years and still calls the DR my country.
=================
hcx:
Well I have been living in the US for more than 30 years and still call Dom Rep my country as well as the U.S. I have Served in the U.S Military for six of those years. All my education i.e primary, secondary, and Post secondary has been in the U.S. but I as well as many others, I have an inalienable birth right to call DR "My Country" for several reasons; common thread woven in the fabric of my being, genetic matter that has mutated in my gnome, and the tainted and imperfect but valuable childhood memories and experiences of a simple but beautiful place place I knew before i knew anything else existed.
(cont)

Lomelia, I can tell you this, I do know many illegal immigrants who have been arrested for simple misdemeanors for minor infractions (that normally a U.S. citizen would just be slapped in the hand) finding themselves in undesirable predicaments. But many of these individuals though hard working and generally responsible providers have not fully understood the consequences of their status and actions. Not to say that i dont empathize with these families who experience hardships from deportations. But not every Dominican in Dominican Republic is poor.

Many Dominicans though poor are able to survive, find work, engage in entrepreneurial enterprises or simply survive above poverty with out the wanting desire to leave dom rep. So what I say is "live by the sword die by the sword". If you choose to leave then be ready to accept the consequences..

I'm just gonna' put my two-cents worth into this ongoing "beat up the US Immigration System".
During y 9 years here, I have met quite a few ofthese "poor innocent deportees" in person. a few of them were deported for NOT maintaining the INS with a current address, thereby failing to receive notification of any sort as reqiired by law. One guy had married a citizen, then skipped after getting to the US. He kept his address current with the NY State because he was receiving financial assistance from them. He did not keep the INS informed.
The others, who make up a majority by 10-1, were all deported for dealing in the drug trafficing business and deserved exactly what they got after spending their time in jail.
Lobella paints a very skewed picture andshe only knows ONE SIDE of the story as told by the Dominicans she has met. A little investigation by her just might shed a different light on the problems she describes.

Texas Bill

People will only say what is in their best interest. Always appear as the victim.

Hello mr. Texasbill, these were not people I met. These were people I defend. I think I have a better picture than you.

My main question, Lobella, is "Are you a QUALIFIED Immigration attorney, properly licensed in both the DR and the USA? If not, your sumations aren't worth a damn in a court of law, either here or in the States.
Very few of the people who are deported ae completely inocent of infractions of US law. In addition, there is such a thing as getting a court-appointed attorney, at no cost to the defendent, for the purpose of conducting a proper defense.
Granted, many of the procedures are of an administrative nature, thereby eliminating normal court action in such cases.
That there needs to be extensive reform of thelaws and procedures used by the INS for thepurpose of ridding the US of "undesirables", the one on the books are al there is and the INS must work within those guidelines.
The law is not entirely at fault since there are many overzealous agents at work in these cases. These are thepeople who must be addressed and counseled to be a bit more lenient.

TexasBill

Yes Mr. TexasBill, I am a registered Immigration Attorney in the US, and I am a registered attorney in the DR. If you have read my notes above, you may have read that I do believe that many are guilty and deserve deportation, but many are not. Then I also said, if you have read it avobe, that under Immigration law, Immigrants DO NOT have the right to an Attorney. It may be your perception, but no they dont and the majority lands in court defending themself with little or no access to law libraries. It is a requirement, but the reality if far from the truth. I am a US citizen, born and bred and very proud of it. Especially if I have the right to openly critisize my country and its procedures.

There is no doubt that many do get deported and deserve it, but this should be done according to acceptable Human Rights Standards. Every country deserves to protect its borders. Most in the world look up to the US. We should always give a great example. Did you know that most deportation officers are not US born, but Cuban and Puerto Rican born - both who is not dealt with in the same manner as other countries? Please see the latest article in the Washington Post that revealed that although it was required of ICE to deport dangerous criminals, they instead targeted the non criminals to get high figures to safe their political face. Now, back to my first argument. Do not judge until you know the full circumstances and not a single person that has commented so far, does. It is NOT right that we treat Immigrants different than Amercian citizens under the system. It is NOT right that we deport someone who lived in the US all their lives and don't know the country of birth.

It is not right that we sent criminals to countries where they were born, if they learned those bad habbits in the US. It is not right that we separate parents from children. If we then deport the parents, send their children with them. The US Immigration system is NOT reflective of the people of the US or the US legal system. If the average American knew what was happening in the Immigration Courts they would NOT tolerate it.

Ref::: Lobelia, 9 Feb 2009 12:58 PM
The US Immigration system is NOT reflective of the people of the US or the US legal system. If the average American knew what was happening in the Immigration Courts they would NOT tolerate it.
=================

You would have a hard time selling your views to the people of the Midwest i.e Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, The Big MoE, Nebraska, SD & ND, Illinois, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Minnesota, Michigan, Oh let me not forget a bit to the east West Virginia North Carolina

Do you really think these people would simpasize with your point of views.

Dont think so.


To get a real perspective of how Americans think, you need to live outside of heavily populated ethnic communities.

LOL- I grew up in Tennessee. My husband is a Texan - still prefer a Southerner to a Yank...... in every possible way!

I lived in Oklahoma and spend much time in neighboring states they dont take kindly to immigrants.

<<But what if their children are still in the US? What would you do? ... Do you know how bad reputation the US organizations have for taking care of foster children? You have any idea how many children are lost, abused or killed in foster care? What would you do? >>

Well, Lobella, as someone who has lived in the DR for 3 years by their laws and managed to not get myself or my children into trouble and as one who has spent nearly two years away from my wife and daughters wading through the immigration process, I see you littany of citations against the immigration system as reason enough to do just what I am doing - Waiting on visas.

I do not share your sympathy for people who break the laws of the United States for any reason other than the actual threat of death of my spouse or child, or the absolute imminent threat of death to myself. Not becase of some theoretical "better life." ---- Exactly WHICH laws can

Exactly WHICH laws can I choose to break in order to obtain "a better life?"

These people have chosen to put their own families and children in jeopardy because of their selfish desire to circumvent the system. THEY are the culprits and the irresponsible parties in this situation. I would never intentionally do something which would potentially harm my wife or daughters.

Today the National Visa Center told me my wife's application was accepted and she will hear from Santo Domingo on an appointment date. FINALLY! I don't want any sympathy from anyone but you think about the hundreds or thousands of families that are doing it right, that are suffering through the costs of international mail, the costs of maintaining two residences, the cost of international phone calls and two internet accounts, not to mention the lonely, lonely nights.

Think about those who choose to obey the law and knock at the door of Freedom's Home, wait for it to be answered, then sign the Guest List when they enter. Think about those who actually care about their families and children...

<<If you had ever gone through that, done that, would you sit on your high horse and boast as most of you 'Racist Yankees' do??? >>

So are you saying that you want to be allowed to live in a country full of "Racist Yankees?"


Once again, "I hate you evil Americans...... Can I live here with you?"

if not for the yankees, the dr. is nothing..... little island, .....

racist yankees... give me a break your full of it......go to the middle east...... they would shoot or hang you or people like you in 5 minutes..... with your sex habits, your drinking, your loud music, your dirspect for others, and i guess they would hang you just because your stupid.... i guess....
only you want to rob the gringo you know this dont you?....

lonely, lonely nights...... hey! ACUTIONSHOTS.... take $500pesos GO TO THE MALECOME IN POP..... and you will not be alone......lol
maybe they should just open the doors,let every one in to the states... you would like this i guess..

danny00
Obviously you can't read. Or maybe you just didn't read. Either way you've shown complete ignorance of what I said and even more of what I meant. Try reading it again if you can.

Hint: I'm not Dominican and I am not for illegal immigration.

Everyone seemed to get that except you.

Lobelia married a Texan, you go girl

Ladronaso in Oklahoma, Kansas and surrounding northerly states.....yes they don't take too kindly to immigrants, and not just immigrants, but any people of color, there's where most of your rednecks, skin heads, hill billies live and their set in their ways

meeshuu meeshuu meeshuu

jajajajaja