Your speech has made me cry. Very touching. You have already been here for many years and deserve to receive citizenship for the great contribution that your parents have made to this great nation. I have no doubt that your parents have been tireless workers. Good luck in everything you do.
"do it legally and you'll be fine" did you guys not watch this whole thing? it takes YEARS for someone to legally be here. We need to change our immigration policies
So? You aren't like... entitled to be here. It isn't a right, you aren't owed it. It taking years is not a justification to do it illegally, sad as it is.
I agree, everyone who wants to, should have a chance on achieving the American dream. Unfortunately not all immigrants want that and want to bring harm or problems instead. While there are others trying to genuinely live a better life with there families. We need to change our policies or find better ways to get papers
Eye opening! I was recently rear ended. The police did not show up to the accident. I told them to please come because no one spoke English, had drivers licenses and the main person causing the accident had zero ID...I assume on purpose. Now I’m left holding the repair bill for my car. Money I don’t have! It makes me angry. Everyone runs around complaining about illegal aliens costing us money but how are they supposed to get car insurance, a drivers license etc? Bu us not trying to remedy the situation and rising up together we are pulling one another down!
This is one of the most inspiring and courageous talks we've seen. We will share Leezia's story with as many people as I can in the hopes that they too feel compassion and understanding of a complex and polarizing issue in American Politics today.
if this girl is not an American and I don't know whonelse would be. her English, her feelings for the USA, her honesty, her integrity. It is not only her voice but everything, her every fiber of her body, her heart, her soul, her spirit, her mind, her entire being and her entire life speak American. Antonio, the extreme 18 wheeler
It all comes down to what family you are born into! it be just as easy for anyone else to be in her situation if they would have been born in that family. I do feela lot of empathy for children who are stuck being undocumented here and going through the school system and graduating but then not being able to have the same opportunities as others just because of the family they were born into. her story makes sense to me, her family kept her expired visa a secret from her because they didnt want to hurt her and little did she know just the true extent of her reality.... its astonishing to me. I would hate to be in her circumstance thats why i believe in the dreamers act and they should pave the way to citizenship. I heard that it takes years and years to be approved to be a permanent resident and people get stuck waiting and waiting. I dont think i could live my life here being undocumented and trying to jump through all those hurdles... they are soooo strong and resilient for being able to do that... and for those who say just go back to your country, its not easy going back to poverty, violence, hunger etc...
This woman right here is as American as anyone can get,even though she wasn't born here means nothing. I know plenty of people that were born off shores in Army bases,what's the difference? She has one of the biggest hearts I've ver seen and is a real inspiration
If she is willing to support the overthrow of her parents' nation of birth, I have respect for her. All these Third world rat holes from which illegals flee need regime change. These illegals and legal immigrants need to speak up in their own language on message boards, forums, Facebook, Twitter and the rest of the social media online to promote American values and the overthrow of the regimes that are keeping their ancestral nations down. Too many non-Americans want to live in the US getting residency and citizenship but are unwilling to speak out against the human right abusing governments in the nations they came from. Instead of Mexicans endlessly coming into the US, we should make Mexico more like the US by any means. Instead of a corrupt Duterte in the Philippines, we should have him assassinated to help the Filipino people. These immigrants are going to keep coming and ruin the western world like they have ruined their own nations with overpopulation, immorality and corruption. The problem isn't America or its laws and ways. The problem is abroad. And these immigrants should be active in changing the places from which they have come. Right now, they are apathetic and even support fascist corrupt regimes because many just came to America for profit not because of its democracy, respect for rights, etc. Change is needed but most of that change is needed in those rat holes from which these immigrants come.
TruthPig ..Whats horrible is seeing and hearing some of these illegals bash the US and our way of life when they get a venue..courtesy of some Soros funded group or protest!..its no wonder people don't want them here
ElPocho DelMundo..exactly ..next sob story comes if she commits a crime." ohh but she was hungry" poor girl ...laws are meant to be enforced...period!!
oh my goodness. You just broke my heart have me crying over here. I pray that your undocumented status has changed and you are still here in the US and are fulfilling your dreams and your hearts desires. I pray that the Lord YHWH blesses you and guides you and protects you. So proud of you even though i do not know you. Thank you for sharing your story with us.
"America" is TWO CONTINENTS - NORTH & SOUTH! If you were born on either continent YOU ALREADY ARE an American. The same way that all Countries on the Asian continent are "ASIAN" (like Russia, Egypt, the UAE & Israel ). Legal - Illegal? Who gave anyone the "Authority" to make laws? Oh that's right - No One! They simply Asserted their viewpoint, made up rules to support THEIR dominance. However, this is ALL a distraction because the Very People that make these laws are criminals themselves as they are all part of private corporations, acting under the guise of a government. Every law enforcement agency, every branch of government all have Dun & Bradstreet numbers, which is created for "Corporations" to do business with each other. We should be focused on why these alleged governments exist and challenged the very Foundation of their being, as it is the banks who have set this up to control the money to control the masses. The entire world as governments, their systems including banking, infrastructure, Etc are all the grandest illusions have reality that the world has ever seen. New paragraph. The Architects behind the TED Talks. Kalitta clean motivated with an enchanter can I do not support them any longer, as TED blocks intelligent people who challenge reality as TED is CLEARLY focused on a specific - THEIR GLOBALIST narrative. "Illegals" who bring harm, crime and disease to ANY country are suspect - just the Same Way those who have asserted their authority by decades and centuries of deception. BOTH need to be Remedied. We Veterans of Military Intelligence and Analysts who have dug DEEP into HOW our Governments, banks, laws and societies were created, propagated by Propaganda, more clearly (albeit not perfectly) understand these complex issues.
If every illegal immigrant had to leave San Antonio the city would collapse, so many people at my school in even the richest part of San Antonio were still illegal or DACA recipients or some other incredibly complicated immigrant status.
All that the OP is saying is that anyone who votes for Trump is cancerous which is a true statement of course. He is a tax dodging, draft dodging, spoiled elitist who married immigrants himself. If you were on here posting about immigration and that morals have fallen and legality and all that other BS and you're a Trump supporter you are a logically inconsistent. cells which are inconsistent and do not refuse to die like good cells are cancer...
Osamah we don't need ppl to take up our tax money meant for better thing and ppl who need our help here....pisses me off get the American dream legally
Pointing out facts is not hate. Fact 1, there is no such thing as an undocumented American Fact 2, if you crossed the boarder illegally you are a illegal Alien and you broke the law Fact 3, If you overstayed your Visa you broke the law and need to leave as well. That's not hate that's the law and are facts
John LaBarge, actually most people are stating these things rudely, what she’s saying is to say these facts respectfully, and not add hate in your comment pointing out the facts. Lol that might’ve been confusing, I was trying to be respectful:D
Te admiro por esa valentía de dar una plática en Ted talk Sunday sabiendo,que la mayoría de comentarios viene de gente que se cree dueño de este país y se les olvida, que los que trabajamos muy duro somos los inmigrantes. Tambien la mayoría de los jóvenes que sobresalen en sus estudios son inmigrantes.sabes que lo bueno es que tú carrera tus estudios nadie te lo puede quitar donde quiera que vayas,y la verdad yo entiendo cómo te sientes pues yo fui ilegal por muchos años.y Gloria a Dios que logré amnestia, y ahora soy ciudadano de aquí pero aún así no me olvido de mi tierra ni de mi gente .
Maybe "squatters rights" (aka: Adverse possession laws) should apply. Of course the situation is actually profitable, she and many others pay more than most and claim less. They are eligible for almost no help when needed, but they pay tax. It's profitable to keep these people in the US and under the radar. Cui bono.
I am 9 years old but whenever I feel disappointed, or something bothering me or don't feel confident, my mother open for me this channel. It's really great channel. Thanks to TEDx and my mother.
Can someone explain to me what's better in the US than in Canada? I just don't understande why her dad had to come there to get a better salary... It's confusing. Canada is as developped and welcomes even moe people for those kind of reasons than the US so why did he did his best to get out? As a Canadian, I was raised with the mentality of you can be anything you want if you work hard enough and you can di it HERE. I'm just... really confused **(I get why she doesn't want to be deported though. Her family is there, her life and friends, etc)**
Indeed, Richard. Reading these comments, you can quite literally filter out people who never had a challenge in their lives. That's what it's like to hate immigrants; these people are incredibly sheltered and spoiled beyond belief.
Peter Michalski lmao 🤣 she had a visa SHE WAS legal and then her visa expired how about you try to listen first and then you can speak your mind not just because you the title and then talk means that you are right
It is not heartless to set boundaries in your personal life or collective one. In fact, it is necessary. Compassion must be balanced with wisdom. Acting out of pure emotion without rational thought of consequences is never a good idea..
She is American,.......Native American and that is wats Important because the Native Americans are Not Defined by a Border or a Foreign Ideology,......Honor the Treaties,...!!!
No one is calling for no borders. We ARE calling for reasonable entry, not this complicated system that takes thousands of dollars. We didn't choose where we were born. We don't get choices. What makes someone more worthy than another when it comes to something that couldn't be chosen? Why are my daughter and I, both born in California, more worthy for things we didn't choose?
Maybe she needs to talk to her Dad, when you file ,you follow thru. Immigrants are welcome, but you need to do it correctly. the person she needs to be upset with, is her parents.
I believe in immigration reform & support Dreamers. My heart truly goes out to those who come here looking for a better life. That being said.. She’s talking about how awful it is for her parents living in the US without an ID. “Forget Obamacare or retirement” Um, they’re from Canada. There are people in this country who are afraid of being deported to poor nations where they don’t speak the language. If she were deported she’d be sent to Canada, a predominantly English speaking, beautiful “first world” country with a good economy, jobs and free healthcare. It seems kind of belittling to those who might be sent back to poor countries with high crime rates, high unemployment or even war to have her stand up on that stage (especially in San Antonio) and give this speech. Worst case scenario her and her family are sent back to a country that’s basically the US but with free healthcare, cooler weather & and far less gun crime. It seems like she’s doing this so that she can say she did a TED talk & gain some notoriety.
I'm glad you're family loved it here in SA so much that they filed for papers, it's a great city, but you clearly didn't learn square dancing properly or you'd know the massive benefits of knowing how to square dance.
There are several phrases associated with the Statue of Liberty, but the most recognizable is “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” This quote comes from Emma Lazarus’ sonnet, New Colossus, which she wrote for a fundraiser auction to raise money for the pedestal upon which the Statue of Liberty now sits. The poem did not receive much recognition and was quite forgotten after the auction. The comments below show just how forgotten is the phrase, and its sentiments.
No comments on immigration Just a clarification- her point is she needs a line to stand in TO GET documentation She isn't talking about the pros or evils of illegally living
IF YOU'RE ILLEGAL THIS COUNTRY IS NOT YOUR HOME. I read a comment on another video on illegal immigrants that ring so true to me today, " If you haven't done anything wrong then what do you have to fear." This made me realize something I didn't realized before: That the undocumented immigrant does know he or she is committing a crime. And, yes, this nation was founded out of immigrants but we are no longer living in the 16th century. These territories are now an established nation with an identity, with rules, regulations and laws. But since I am a human being I feel for your emotional tears. And since I am an American I am only left to wonder: How would those immigrants think of you coming into the United States illegally. While they are going through longer and rigorous years of follow through the legal process to obtain their American citizenship legally . I don't think they would see this as I do as an American. I don't think they would take your tears so kindly as I do: Don't you think that they may think of you as being so unfair and selfish for you cutting in front of the immigration line and disregard all of them ( immigrants ) that are doing everything right and legal to be a citizen. I truly believe that for them you do not have any explanation in the world that would justify your inconsiderate action. I am sorry to say this because you seem to be a nice person. But I believe what I said is true.
Fun fact: a piece of paper with a signature on it has nothing to do with national identity. The US is her home. Everyone she knows is there, her entire life was built in the US. No legal document can change the fact that the US is her one and only home. Just because she was born in another country does not mean that her life can be completely uprooted and transplanted somewhere else. It can't.
Totally Agree with you because these illegal immigrants are creating troubles replacing the legal high qualified people how spent their lives working hard to have that kind of opportunity. with all my respect these ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS are trying to grab people's sympathy but in the end they are still ILLEGAL!
Hail Hydra you make a valid point! As for the other commenters who was saying she needs to go back home because she is illegal, well technically she is in fact LEGAL!! She has been granted a two-year work visa and her concern is what happens after that. In fact she only found out very recently about her questionable legal resident status. What's surprising is that from the age of 6 until she graduated from college she was not made aware of her situation by anyone other than her parents, whether through her school or even more so the immigration department! In any case she's not the problem, and in my opinion she should be granted full resident status. She did come here legally, and that's the difference. ALL THOSE WHO CAME HERE ILLEGALLY AND BROKE THE LAW DOING SO ARE THE ONES WHO SHOULD GO BACK OR FACE DEPORTATION!! THAT'S IT!
mohammad, you must be heartless, these people are human beings, no one in this earth is illegal , every one deserves to live, we were all created equal, by your name you don't sound American either
But She was 21 when she found out she was an illegal? Her parents should have informed her of what was going on. 18 years to apply for citizenship and they waited 17 to start the process? Tell me more about how this is mean ol' Drumph's fault.
Omg! I thought I was alone.. I thought I am the only one who thinks like that. I'm so very happy, we have same feelings ❤️💕 Hope god keeps you happy ❤️
No one can justify your thoughts there is a law and everyone has to follow it. Whether you like it or not. So don’t regret and enjoy it fearlessly. Everyone don’t get what they want but get what is best for them.God Bless You.
All the problems in the world can solve with a key called kindness. But the kindness needs good reasons for most of people, especially who are tent to have higher intelligence. Denying is easy, just say “no” to people. Changing and solving the problems properly is what real intellectual people have to do. I’m not saying that America needs to accept all immigrants unconditionally, nor very hard initiation getting into US society. I want US to be a good listener and face why people still want to stay in your country. Excuse my English and bit of off topic, but I simply think the strongest and wealthiest country is capable of more goodness.
There's a perfectly legal way to do things. Look at it from an economic standpoint. If you have massive waves of undocumented immigrants coming in who will need all kinds of social economic help, ie Medicare, Medicaid, food stamps, etc, you put a massive strain on not just the federal government, but local governments as well. Here's an anology to maybe help you. You are America. Food is the immigrants and citizens. If you go at a nice steady pace, watch what you eat, you'll grow and get stronger and bigger. If you don't watch what you eat you will become obeise and have health problems. There's room. But you can't just shove everyone in there with no kind of process or backup other than social help programs that were only meant to help people out during hard times. Not to live of these programs. Americans aren't taught to want or need handouts. Immigrants are. And they use these programs to the fullest extent possible. And with such a high burden, immigrants AND Americans are taking advantage of it. Only making things worse. We need to do away with lifetime food stamps and Medicare. Unless you have some debilitating handicap of course. But if you are healthy and free, there's no reason why you should be a burden on others.
She said: Did you know that our founding fathers were not born here? But they came here and became citizens over time. Me: ya, they were the FOUNDING FATHERS!!! You are not, so you have to come legally
It’s the right of every individual on this planet to have an unchallenged sense of belonging. All the talk and rhetoric of every country’s governmental agencies is from the mouths of officials who come from that place of belonging. We need to be ONE WORLD. Sure, with individual dreams and aspirations - because that’s where choice lives - but also with that all INCLUSIVE attitude that recognises PEOPLE, not opinions.
In fact all of you aren't Americans except native Indians! It's young invaded by Europeans continent. I'm immigrant myself I did proper paper work until citizenship. Immigracjon office intentionally make mistakes to drive people mad.
sam manko your immigrant so I’m not sure if you know much about American slavery but there are tens of millions of African Americans in this country who’s ancestors were kidnapped and brought here. So I would call them immigrants.
sam manko, your logic is lacking, in this comment. You need to catch up with the times: divine providence played out, and has brought the USA to be, what it is today: a country with laws and borders, and government. "We the people" are Americans!
I'm at a loss. Why not start the naturalization process? Nothing was stopping her. Many of the illegal aliens I have known got on that track and got legal. Sergio, my friend's neighbor is naturalized and knows that Mexico won't question his dual citizenship.
mac & cheese umm....she did say she had a visa so at one point she was legal....also she's a Dreamer and you know where most dreamers actually do they help that you as a conomy grow.
Everyone has the right to live wherever they want and this right is called human rights as decared in the UN's universal declaration. If they happen to be in whatever country 'illiegally', that doesn't make them criminals as they have only broken administrative law. They are entitled to get work permits etc. etc. They are human..
Michael Fennan how is living somewhere compared to committing a fellony and disturbing public safety etc. Do by any chance immigrants disturb your peace? It is UN Universal Human Rights Declaration that gives humans that right, not me and not you... the same law that UN member states have endorsed and signed....
The American Dream.. Which article of the Constitution mentions that, again? Because the opening of the document says it is to secure the blessings of liberty "for ourselves and our posterity". I haven't found a word about the rights for everyone else in the world to move to America and get rich.
dangerislander: It is ok to be critical about gun control, personally it is not such a big issue, as most deaths are done by illegal guns and related to drug trafficking. Secondly, for those of you who throw out such comments putting America in a bad spot, which is becoming quite common, I sometimes wonder if you are able to put it in context, or be just as hard towards other countries if they don't bid by your immigration, identity-politics or just violence? Mexico, for example, has currently had 23000 murders a year!!! And how do you think the immigration policy for the USA compares to that of Mexico?
@@anacallejas9799 ... EIN is for business, not personal taxes, which is how Social Security, Medicare and Federal Taxes are paid! All Business Taxes flow to a personal tax return. You can't pay taxes without a SSN.
I am sorry but do you how much effort it took me to immigrate to the USA legally?? NO, you have to follow the law and your parents DID NOT follow it. If you can't get a legal ID in this country maybe something is wrong with your actions, not the process. I believe in the american dream, but I also believe in following the legal process and having respect for this country.
She and her family came here legally on a work permit and did follow the proper process when it expired. You might want to listen to her story again to get your facts straight. Oh, and if you went through the immigration process (- I did this a few years ago), you must also know first-hand how messed up and unfair it is.
This is powerful, but to clarify one point:48 of the 56 signers were born in America. Two were born in England (Button Gwinnett, Robert Morris), two in Ireland (George Taylor, Matthew Thornton), two in Scotland (James Wilson, John Witherspoon), one in Northern Ireland (James Smith), and one in Wales (Francis Lewis).
No NONE of them were born in America, America didn't exist two continents did but you have invaded the other parts of the North America... ... they were born in colonies under charters issued by the British monarchy. This is clear so as those charters also became the "states" with their boundaries, so don't ignore the colonies given structure... ... and don't ignore our history.
Somehow other people actually completed the process of becoming an American citizen everyday. Ask your parents to explain how it was not completed. If you are now undocumented and are here illegally then you need to go back where you are from and complete the process legally. To complain that you as a kid had no say may be true, but your parents are at fault for not finishing the process.
I am Hispanic and worked on the family farm in the 1980's. Having said that, I think I can answer her question, but first I want to bring up the Simpson Mazzoli act signed into law by Reagan in 1986. Under this law my father helped some of his qualifying employees obtain citizenship. This Federal Law (Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986) required the following to be enforced: 1. required employers to attest to their employees' immigration status; 2. made it illegal to hire or recruit illegal immigrants knowingly; 3. legalized certain seasonal agricultural illegal immigrants. 4. legalized illegal immigrants who entered the United States before January 1, 1982 and had resided there continuously with the penalty of a fine, back taxes due, and admission of guilt; candidates were required to prove that they were not guilty of crimes, that they were in the country before January 1, 1982, and that they possessed minimal knowledge about U.S. history, government, and the English language. Amnesty was offered at that time to millions of illegal individuals that had a history of living and working in the United States... Sound familiar? For over 30 years Mexico has enjoyed the benefits of NAFTA or as we called it SHAFTA... During that time they failed to improve the economy of Mexico and thereby failed to improve the living conditions for their own citizens. They had an entire "generation" to implement political and economic reforms and they instead chose squandered a tremendous opportunity. Let me be clear - IT WAS A CONSCIOUS CHOICE THAT THEY MADE AND NOW IT'S TIME TO PAY THE PIPER. So she asked "How did we get to 11 million people living in the shadows?" On this side of the border, the Democrats and RINO Republicans created "OUR" problem by selective enforcement of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 thereby allowing the issue to fester for decades. The parents of these people should also have done a better job both for themselves and their kids. These people are GUILTY of breaking Federal Law. As such they need to understand that the best that SOME of them are going to get (many will be deported for not meeting certain criteria) is a Plea Deal from the Trump administration. The Democrats can do these people, and themselves, a huge favor and reach out to Trump for a speedy and FINAL resolution to this problem. Illegals are going to have to accept that some of them will stay and some will have to go. President Trump is being more than generous with his offer, it's on the table but I don't think it be there for long. WHEW..
Not sure how you pulled that off in 9 days. That’s really not the norm...it generally takes several months. I did it before I came to the US, it took me about 7months.
The duration of the stay, no matter how long or how short, is illegal. Those who may have stayed for more than 10 or 20 years have been illegal immigrants. This is a fact that cannot be disputed The laws of a country has to be upheld, otherwise, they are not laws at all. Mitigation and pleas can be considered on a case by case basis, not across the board. Each case has to be analysed according to its own merits and demerits. The circumstances why an illegal stayer continues to overstay must be examined in depth. Sentiments and feelings must not be allowed to cloud the authority of the laws of the land. One may love the country and has been living like one of the locals, but one is still living on as an illegal, an over-stayer. The law has been broken in the first place. Regulations were not followed. So, can everyone accept that a visitor who deliberately broke the law for many years, can be the same as a law-abiding citizen? The volume of over-stayers or illegals, be they 11 million or 100 million, does not justify that they must be allowed to stay on. The figure only reflects the difficulty in law enforcement because of the vastness of the country and the shortage of law enforcers. Illegals are illegals. They have knowingly committed an offence in the first place. If they are too young to know, then their parents have deliberately committed an offence.
iam a native person from the usa i can not go to mexico for any length of time at the border they will ask how long do to plan to stay and you will have a short visit i can not stay and live set up a house get a job no none of things
How do you prepare for being told your visa expired and you've been living in the country illegally and could be banned from reentering the US for ten years? Answer: you could have paid attention to what the expiration date was on your visa and planned your life ahead of time, such as renewing it before it expires, go through the legal process of becoming a citizen, move back to your native country, or emigrate to another one legally. There are many options.
HAHAHA HOW FUNNY ARE YOU, U GUYS BORN IN AMERICA AND HAVE A LUXURY LIFE WITHOUT AN AFFORD, AND WE HAVE TO WAIT FOR 20 YEARS TO GET AN AMERICAN CITIZENSHIP?! HOW MEAN ARE YOU? DO YOU HAVE ANY FEELINGS, HELLO? WE CAN'T CHOOSE THE COUNTRY WE CAN BORN.
I know cananda ain't bad but ...if I lived in a 3rd world or war torn country and could get my kids to a safer one I would ...and if you believe in God ...and think we should send families back to such countries you should be ashamed!!!
Because nationalism has nothing to do with legal bureaucracy. It is sharing a collective culture, language etc. She has lived her entire life in the US, so of course she will identify as American.
Kevin my friend moved to america from russia when she was 2... she considers herself russian because that's her nationality... you cant call yourself american if you werent born here and you dont qualify as a citizen... theres way more to being american than citizenship...
Hail Hydra as long as you are a citizen you can't come here illegally and say you ARE...my big sister came legally when she was a baby as a refugee from communists in CZECH republic now but she as well as my mom been here 40 plus yrs are American speak English educated here and work here and have become CITIZEN's thanks but big difference
I didn't put u in that position. I am sorry u are in that situation. What do u say to the people who are waiting in line are in terrible situations while u complain.
Sorry but this story doesn't ring true. Ski trips as a teen. College. Study abroad. Six figure student loan ... not the typical stuff illegal immigrants think / worry about. Just how does dear old dad finance that ski trip making five bucks an hour at Dunkin donuts anyway? Sounds more like the story of a privileged family (embellished to evoke sympathy) that thought the rules didn't really apply to them.
frustrating that not all ted talks actually allow you to talk with others about the topic ...thanks for having active comments on this vid but broader consistency would be cooler.
I thought immigration law was exactly what it sounds like: Immigration law, which like all laws, is meant to be abided by. No? It's meant to be breached or ignored? And no punishment should come to those who broke it?
@Joyy - And very expensive........who do you think pays for all the illegals who come here? Where does the money come from? Simple, it comes from me and other Americans. I rather pay for the ones who come here legally and morally because it wouldn't be fair to them if someone just cuts in line taking their spot and pushing back their LEGAL IMMIGRATION PROCESS. Just saying.
@@Jericho11894 How exactly are you paying for illegals? "Illegals" cannot file for social benefits, medicare or anything like that. Also, the whole point of her speech is that there is no legal process for her to go through - as soon as she contacts authorities, she will get deported.
I would love to help you fullfill your dream. Start by contacting immigration and take the first steps to becoming an American citizen. The American dream is not a handout. It requires hard work (one of the old american values that is quickly becoming lost).
So, there are 300 million people in Africa that can't just walk across the border. Isn't it a shame they can't come? Where is their TED talk? This is an emotional tig at the heart story and it works great but there are 300,000,000 other stories out there not yet told.
I am sick and tire of you whiners saying if Americans expect people to follow the law we are bad. These are not my children. These people either came here legally and over stayed a visa or simply came here illegally in the first place. What is wrong with expecting everyone to follow the law. If we are not a nation of laws then we are lawless. I have no sympathy for her and others like her. WHAT IS WRONG WITH FOLLOWING THE LAW. There are many people who did come here legally, came here the right way and they are welcome. YOU NEED TO GET IN LINE BACK IN YOUR HOME COUNTRY AND COME HERE THE RIGHT WAY. IT IS POSSIBLE BECAUSE PLENTY OF PEOPLE HAVE DONE IT. YOUR TEARS MEAN NOTHING. YOU AND YOUR PARENTS CHEATED BY COMING HERE ILLEGALLY AND STAYING HERE.
Your speech has made me cry. Very touching.
You have already been here for many years and deserve to receive citizenship for the great contribution that your parents have made to this great nation. I have no doubt that your parents have been tireless workers. Good luck in everything you do.
"do it legally and you'll be fine" did you guys not watch this whole thing? it takes YEARS for someone to legally be here. We need to change our immigration policies
She should not have ever entered the country.
@@theautisticpage missing the point completely my guy
So?
You aren't like... entitled to be here. It isn't a right, you aren't owed it. It taking years is not a justification to do it illegally, sad as it is.
I agree, everyone who wants to, should have a chance on achieving the American dream. Unfortunately not all immigrants want that and want to bring harm or problems instead. While there are others trying to genuinely live a better life with there families. We need to change our policies or find better ways to get papers
Eye opening! I was recently rear ended. The police did not show up to the accident. I told them to please come because no one spoke English, had drivers licenses and the main person causing the accident had zero ID...I assume on purpose. Now I’m left holding the repair bill for my car. Money I don’t have! It makes me angry. Everyone runs around complaining about illegal aliens costing us money but how are they supposed to get car insurance, a drivers license etc? Bu us not trying to remedy the situation and rising up together we are pulling one another down!
Easy solution, just deport them so they won't be on our street? They should not be here at the first place. Duhh
This is one of the most inspiring and courageous talks we've seen. We will share Leezia's story with as many people as I can in the hopes that they too feel compassion and understanding of a complex and polarizing issue in American Politics today.
if this girl is not an American and I don't know whonelse would be.
her English, her feelings for the USA, her honesty, her integrity. It is not only her voice but everything, her every fiber of her body, her heart, her soul, her spirit, her mind, her entire being and her entire life speak American.
Antonio, the extreme 18 wheeler
that's it. I was looking for that comment. And I finally found it. Wish that people could be like you ❤️💕
"eat your veggies and you can be anything you want." - Leeza Dhalla
😭😭
It all comes down to what family you are born into! it be just as easy for anyone else to be in her situation if they would have been born in that family. I do feela lot of empathy for children who are stuck being undocumented here and going through the school system and graduating but then not being able to have the same opportunities as others just because of the family they were born into. her story makes sense to me, her family kept her expired visa a secret from her because they didnt want to hurt her and little did she know just the true extent of her reality.... its astonishing to me. I would hate to be in her circumstance thats why i believe in the dreamers act and they should pave the way to citizenship. I heard that it takes years and years to be approved to be a permanent resident and people get stuck waiting and waiting. I dont think i could live my life here being undocumented and trying to jump through all those hurdles... they are soooo strong and resilient for being able to do that... and for those who say just go back to your country, its not easy going back to poverty, violence, hunger etc...
This woman right here is as American as anyone can get,even though she wasn't born here means nothing. I know plenty of people that were born off shores in Army bases,what's the difference? She has one of the biggest hearts I've ver seen and is a real inspiration
If she is willing to support the overthrow of her parents' nation of birth, I have respect for her. All these Third world rat holes from which illegals flee need regime change. These illegals and legal immigrants need to speak up in their own language on message boards, forums, Facebook, Twitter and the rest of the social media online to promote American values and the overthrow of the regimes that are keeping their ancestral nations down. Too many non-Americans want to live in the US getting residency and citizenship but are unwilling to speak out against the human right abusing governments in the nations they came from. Instead of Mexicans endlessly coming into the US, we should make Mexico more like the US by any means. Instead of a corrupt Duterte in the Philippines, we should have him assassinated to help the Filipino people. These immigrants are going to keep coming and ruin the western world like they have ruined their own nations with overpopulation, immorality and corruption. The problem isn't America or its laws and ways. The problem is abroad. And these immigrants should be active in changing the places from which they have come. Right now, they are apathetic and even support fascist corrupt regimes because many just came to America for profit not because of its democracy, respect for rights, etc. Change is needed but most of that change is needed in those rat holes from which these immigrants come.
TruthPig ..Whats horrible is seeing and hearing some of these illegals bash the US and our way of life when they get a venue..courtesy of some Soros funded group or protest!..its no wonder people don't want them here
+tman55575 ,,,'"
+tman55575 ,,,'"r
ElPocho DelMundo..exactly ..next sob story comes if she commits a crime." ohh but she was hungry" poor girl ...laws are meant to be enforced...period!!
No idea why anyone would leave Canada to come to the US. As a US citizen, I'd be thrilled if I were deported to Canada.
MultiPoseur 🤣🤣
Then go to Canada you moron. Nobody is stopping you.
Yep, at least one humorless trumpet always has to drop a comment.
It's really hard to differentiate comedy from autism on the internet. If you were making a joke then I apologize.
As a Canadian, poor baby. Heaven forbid she gets sent back up here to an awesome country. This ain't Mexico.
oh my goodness. You just broke my heart have me crying over here. I pray that your undocumented status has changed and you are still here in the US and are fulfilling your dreams and your hearts desires. I pray that the Lord YHWH blesses you and guides you and protects you. So proud of you even though i do not know you. Thank you for sharing your story with us.
"Did you know that none of our founders were born American?" I'll just leave this one here..
Leave it. It shows your stupity and the stupidity of those following this nonsense.
And it was called the Americans since Columbus. So they were all Americans.
"America" is TWO CONTINENTS - NORTH & SOUTH! If you were born on either continent YOU ALREADY ARE an American.
The same way that all Countries on the Asian continent are "ASIAN" (like Russia, Egypt, the UAE & Israel ).
Legal - Illegal? Who gave anyone the "Authority" to make laws? Oh that's right - No One! They simply Asserted their viewpoint, made up rules to support THEIR dominance.
However, this is ALL a distraction because the Very People that make these laws are criminals themselves as they are all part of private corporations, acting under the guise of a government.
Every law enforcement agency, every branch of government all have Dun & Bradstreet numbers, which is created for "Corporations" to do business with each other.
We should be focused on why these alleged governments exist and challenged the very Foundation of their being, as it is the banks who have set this up to control the money to control the masses.
The entire world as governments, their systems including banking, infrastructure, Etc are all the grandest illusions have reality that the world has ever seen. New paragraph. The Architects behind the TED Talks. Kalitta clean motivated with an enchanter can I do not support them any longer, as TED blocks intelligent people who challenge reality as TED is CLEARLY focused on a specific - THEIR GLOBALIST narrative.
"Illegals" who bring harm, crime and disease to ANY country are suspect - just the Same Way those who have asserted their authority by decades and centuries of deception. BOTH need to be Remedied. We Veterans of Military Intelligence and Analysts who have dug DEEP into HOW our Governments, banks, laws and societies were created, propagated by Propaganda, more clearly (albeit not perfectly) understand these complex issues.
@@sterlingmichaels I think you replied to the wrong post here sir. Read it again.
@@leecharlesprochazka8152 so much for being an America
If every illegal immigrant had to leave San Antonio the city would collapse, so many people at my school in even the richest part of San Antonio were still illegal or DACA recipients or some other incredibly complicated immigrant status.
The comments below are cancer 😂😂 now I see why Trump won
what ones
I support your comment and I support Trump because you un individual believe what you heard from the media for 5 seconds
and you use the "😂" emoji. who is cancer again?
You should be ashamed of yourself.
All that the OP is saying is that anyone who votes for Trump is cancerous which is a true statement of course. He is a tax dodging, draft dodging, spoiled elitist who married immigrants himself. If you were on here posting about immigration and that morals have fallen and legality and all that other BS and you're a Trump supporter you are a logically inconsistent. cells which are inconsistent and do not refuse to die like good cells are cancer...
Guys if you cannot be nice in your comment please save your words and your time we have so much hate in this world we don’t need more
Osamah we don't need ppl to take up our tax money meant for better thing and ppl who need our help here....pisses me off get the American dream legally
Pointing out facts is not hate.
Fact 1, there is no such thing as an undocumented American
Fact 2, if you crossed the boarder illegally you are a illegal Alien and you broke the law
Fact 3, If you overstayed your Visa you broke the law and need to leave as well.
That's not hate that's the law and are facts
John LaBarge, actually most people are stating these things rudely, what she’s saying is to say these facts respectfully, and not add hate in your comment pointing out the facts.
Lol that might’ve been confusing, I was trying to be respectful:D
@@jeanpaullabarge You got your facts wrong. She and her family came to the U.S. legally. Might want to listen to her story again.
Te admiro por esa valentía de dar una plática en Ted talk Sunday sabiendo,que la mayoría de comentarios viene de gente que se cree dueño de este país y se les olvida, que los que trabajamos muy duro somos los inmigrantes. Tambien la mayoría de los jóvenes que sobresalen en sus estudios son inmigrantes.sabes que lo bueno es que tú carrera tus estudios nadie te lo puede quitar donde quiera que vayas,y la verdad yo entiendo cómo te sientes pues yo fui ilegal por muchos años.y Gloria a Dios que logré amnestia, y ahora soy ciudadano de aquí pero aún así no me olvido de mi tierra ni de mi gente .
Maybe "squatters rights" (aka: Adverse possession laws) should apply. Of course the situation is actually profitable, she and many others pay more than most and claim less. They are eligible for almost no help when needed, but they pay tax. It's profitable to keep these people in the US and under the radar.
Cui bono.
I am 9 years old but whenever I feel disappointed, or something bothering me or don't feel confident, my mother open for me this channel.
It's really great channel.
Thanks to TEDx and my mother.
Leezia Dhalla and her family are so strong
Can someone explain to me what's better in the US than in Canada? I just don't understande why her dad had to come there to get a better salary... It's confusing. Canada is as developped and welcomes even moe people for those kind of reasons than the US so why did he did his best to get out? As a Canadian, I was raised with the mentality of you can be anything you want if you work hard enough and you can di it HERE. I'm just... really confused
**(I get why she doesn't want to be deported though. Her family is there, her life and friends, etc)**
Freedom
She has feelings for America.
blank 001 pages
There seems to be an awful lot of heartless people in America. I'm sorry for you all, it can't be nice to have so much spite within.
Indeed, Richard. Reading these comments, you can quite literally filter out people who never had a challenge in their lives. That's what it's like to hate immigrants; these people are incredibly sheltered and spoiled beyond belief.
Peter Michalski lmao 🤣 she had a visa SHE WAS legal and then her visa expired how about you try to listen first and then you can speak your mind not just because you the title and then talk means that you are right
It is not heartless to set boundaries in your personal life or collective one. In fact, it is necessary. Compassion must be balanced with wisdom. Acting out of pure emotion without rational thought of consequences is never a good idea..
She was brought here when she was six. It is her home; stop being so cruel.
Its a big country
It can fit a lot of cruel people in it
She is American,.......Native American and that is wats Important because the Native Americans are Not Defined by a Border or a Foreign Ideology,......Honor the Treaties,...!!!
Fair warning, people in the comments didn't actually watch the video
I didn't and commented then i did and commented. Predictable.
Watching this for school
Technically with no Borders there’s no countries with no countries there is no immigrants
No one is calling for no borders. We ARE calling for reasonable entry, not this complicated system that takes thousands of dollars. We didn't choose where we were born. We don't get choices. What makes someone more worthy than another when it comes to something that couldn't be chosen? Why are my daughter and I, both born in California, more worthy for things we didn't choose?
Maybe she needs to talk to her Dad, when you file ,you follow thru. Immigrants are welcome, but you need to do it correctly. the person she needs to be upset with, is her parents.
I believe in immigration reform & support Dreamers. My heart truly goes out to those who come here looking for a better life. That being said.. She’s talking about how awful it is for her parents living in the US without an ID. “Forget Obamacare or retirement” Um, they’re from Canada. There are people in this country who are afraid of being deported to poor nations where they don’t speak the language. If she were deported she’d be sent to Canada, a predominantly English speaking, beautiful “first world” country with a good economy, jobs and free healthcare. It seems kind of belittling to those who might be sent back to poor countries with high crime rates, high unemployment or even war to have her stand up on that stage (especially in San Antonio) and give this speech. Worst case scenario her and her family are sent back to a country that’s basically the US but with free healthcare, cooler weather & and far less gun crime. It seems like she’s doing this so that she can say she did a TED talk & gain some notoriety.
Lmfao my thoughts exactly
You strong girl, there are plenty of people who are listening and we are all American. The answer to your question is yes, absolutely!
I'm glad you're family loved it here in SA so much that they filed for papers, it's a great city, but you clearly didn't learn square dancing properly or you'd know the massive benefits of knowing how to square dance.
Empathic, honest, articulate, intelligent, ambitious, patriotic. She holds the moral high ground, in anyone's book.
There are several phrases associated with the Statue of Liberty, but the most recognizable is “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” This quote comes from Emma Lazarus’ sonnet, New Colossus, which she wrote for a fundraiser auction to raise money for the pedestal upon which the Statue of Liberty now sits.
The poem did not receive much recognition and was quite forgotten after the auction.
The comments below show just how forgotten is the phrase, and its sentiments.
You can sense the Baby Boomers and Gen X'rs in the comment section...
I thought she was talking about going back to Honduras or some other country but Canada? Didn't expect that.
She is an American. She is the best America has to offer the world. Why give her away?
Thank you! :)
Leezia Dhalla YOU are an inspiration, stay strong hun, don't never let them see you cry.
+Leezia Dhalla
BECAUSE SHE IS ILLEGAL, MARRY HER,
are you undocumented
I can't understand why people comes here and start burbur..how much percentage of people coming here contributing to society in a epic way...
What?
What?
No comments on immigration
Just a clarification- her point is she needs a line to stand in TO GET documentation
She isn't talking about the pros or evils of illegally living
Great speech! I learned a lot from your personal narrative as well as the statistics included.
IF YOU'RE ILLEGAL THIS COUNTRY IS NOT YOUR HOME.
I read a comment on another video on illegal immigrants that ring so true to me today, " If you haven't done anything wrong then what do you have to fear." This made me realize something I didn't realized before: That the undocumented immigrant does know he or she is committing a crime. And, yes, this nation was founded out of immigrants but we are no longer living in the 16th century. These territories are now an established nation with an identity, with rules, regulations and laws. But since I am a human being I feel for your emotional tears. And since I am an American I am only left to wonder: How would those immigrants think of you coming into the United States illegally. While they are going through longer and rigorous years of follow through the legal process to obtain their American citizenship legally . I don't think they would see this as I do as an American. I don't think they would take your tears so kindly as I do: Don't you think that they may think of you as being so unfair and selfish for you cutting in front of the immigration line and disregard all of them ( immigrants ) that are doing everything right and legal to be a citizen. I truly believe that for them you do not have any explanation in the world that would justify your inconsiderate action. I am sorry to say this because you seem to be a nice person. But I believe what I said is true.
Fun fact: a piece of paper with a signature on it has nothing to do with national identity. The US is her home. Everyone she knows is there, her entire life was built in the US. No legal document can change the fact that the US is her one and only home. Just because she was born in another country does not mean that her life can be completely uprooted and transplanted somewhere else. It can't.
Totally Agree with you because these illegal immigrants are creating troubles replacing the legal high qualified people how spent their lives working hard to have that kind of opportunity. with all my respect these ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS are trying to grab people's sympathy but in the end they are still ILLEGAL!
Hail Hydra you make a valid point! As for the other commenters who was saying she needs to go back home because she is illegal, well technically she is in fact LEGAL!!
She has been granted a two-year work visa and her concern is what happens after that. In fact she only found out very recently about her questionable legal resident status. What's surprising is that from the age of 6 until she graduated from college she was not made aware of her situation by anyone other than her parents, whether through her school or even more so the immigration department!
In any case she's not the problem, and in my opinion she should be granted full resident status. She did come here legally, and that's the difference. ALL THOSE WHO CAME HERE ILLEGALLY AND BROKE THE LAW DOING SO ARE THE ONES WHO SHOULD GO BACK OR FACE DEPORTATION!! THAT'S IT!
mohammad, you must be heartless, these people are human beings, no one in this earth is illegal , every one deserves to live, we were all created equal, by your name you don't sound American either
News there’s no freaking line dummy
But She was 21 when she found out she was an illegal? Her parents should have informed her of what was going on. 18 years to apply for citizenship and they waited 17 to start the process? Tell me more about how this is mean ol' Drumph's fault.
Omg! I thought I was alone.. I thought I am the only one who thinks like that. I'm so very happy, we have same feelings ❤️💕 Hope god keeps you happy ❤️
YOU ARE NOT UNDOCUMENTED, YOU ARE ILLEGAL.
She cut the line. Illegally in America. Put her in jail and then send her home.
No one can justify your thoughts there is a law and everyone has to follow it. Whether you like it or not. So don’t regret and enjoy it fearlessly. Everyone don’t get what they want but get what is best for them.God Bless You.
Undocumented or Documented people have a right to stay in America where ever they want to!!!!!!!!!!
bad borders and illegal acts cause these problems.
Call ICE
And I'm here, unable to get a Canadian work permit. Do you want me to go illegal?
Go nobody's stopping you.
All the problems in the world can solve with a key called kindness.
But the kindness needs good reasons for most of people, especially who are tent to have higher intelligence.
Denying is easy, just say “no” to people. Changing and solving the problems properly is what real intellectual people have to do.
I’m not saying that America needs to accept all immigrants unconditionally, nor very hard initiation getting into US society.
I want US to be a good listener and face why people still want to stay in your country.
Excuse my English and bit of off topic, but I simply think the strongest and wealthiest country is capable of more goodness.
There's a perfectly legal way to do things. Look at it from an economic standpoint. If you have massive waves of undocumented immigrants coming in who will need all kinds of social economic help, ie Medicare, Medicaid, food stamps, etc, you put a massive strain on not just the federal government, but local governments as well. Here's an anology to maybe help you. You are America. Food is the immigrants and citizens. If you go at a nice steady pace, watch what you eat, you'll grow and get stronger and bigger. If you don't watch what you eat you will become obeise and have health problems. There's room. But you can't just shove everyone in there with no kind of process or backup other than social help programs that were only meant to help people out during hard times. Not to live of these programs. Americans aren't taught to want or need handouts. Immigrants are. And they use these programs to the fullest extent possible. And with such a high burden, immigrants AND Americans are taking advantage of it. Only making things worse. We need to do away with lifetime food stamps and Medicare. Unless you have some debilitating handicap of course. But if you are healthy and free, there's no reason why you should be a burden on others.
She said: Did you know that our founding fathers were not born here? But they came here and became citizens over time.
Me: ya, they were the FOUNDING FATHERS!!! You are not, so you have to come legally
founding fathers of what?
Most of our founding fathers were pathetic.
Why did they have her on?
It’s the right of every individual on this planet to have an unchallenged sense of belonging. All the talk and rhetoric of every country’s governmental agencies is from the mouths of officials who come from that place of belonging.
We need to be ONE WORLD. Sure, with individual dreams and aspirations - because that’s where choice lives - but also with that all INCLUSIVE attitude that recognises PEOPLE, not opinions.
thank God im not American, the comments from Americans are mostly so damn mean
Welcome dear ....take care sweetheart god bless u
What a beta Male
@@Yungguido01 Most Indian males are, and it's nauseating.
Its funny she was surprised to get kicked out when shes an immigrant like you had to see it coming💀
That was very heart touching! It's a serious problem and it has no simple resolution! And I think truth is somewhere at the middle!
Only two of our founding fathers were not born in this country.
who?
Oh no guys! Without papers she was unable to get free government money to be able to study abroad in France :(((((
SmashBrosBrawl That’s not what she said.
In fact all of you aren't Americans except native Indians! It's young invaded by Europeans continent.
I'm immigrant myself I did proper paper work until citizenship. Immigracjon office intentionally make mistakes to drive people mad.
Wha? Really suggest u read a history book
sam manko your immigrant so I’m not sure if you know much about American slavery but there are tens of millions of African Americans in this country who’s ancestors were kidnapped and brought here. So I would call them immigrants.
sam manko, your logic is lacking, in this comment. You need to catch up with the times: divine providence played out, and has brought the USA to be, what it is today: a country with laws and borders, and government. "We the people" are Americans!
I'm at a loss. Why not start the naturalization process? Nothing was stopping her.
Many of the illegal aliens I have known got on that track and got legal. Sergio, my friend's neighbor is naturalized and knows that Mexico won't question his dual citizenship.
once you have been here "illegally" for any amount of time you cannot apply for a green card without leaving the United States for a period of time.
You should probably figure out how the laws work before you make a comment like that.
Next in TED: "How I robbed a bank and got away with it"
mac & cheese umm....she did say she had a visa so at one point she was legal....also she's a Dreamer and you know where most dreamers actually do they help that you as a conomy grow.
Everyone has the right to live wherever they want and this right is called human rights as decared in the UN's universal declaration. If they happen to be in whatever country 'illiegally', that doesn't make them criminals as they have only broken administrative law. They are entitled to get work permits etc. etc. They are human..
Michael Fennan how is living somewhere compared to committing a fellony and disturbing public safety etc. Do by any chance immigrants disturb your peace? It is UN Universal Human Rights Declaration that gives humans that right, not me and not you... the same law that UN member states have endorsed and signed....
mac & cheese a
The American Dream.. Which article of the Constitution mentions that, again? Because the opening of the document says it is to secure the blessings of liberty "for ourselves and our posterity". I haven't found a word about the rights for everyone else in the world to move to America and get rich.
Oh yes. America. A land where guns have more rights than humans.
Lol rodriguez
dangerislander: It is ok to be critical about gun control, personally it is not such a big issue, as most deaths are done by illegal guns and related to drug trafficking. Secondly, for those of you who throw out such comments putting America in a bad spot, which is becoming quite common, I sometimes wonder if you are able to put it in context, or be just as hard towards other countries if they don't bid by your immigration, identity-politics or just violence? Mexico, for example, has currently had 23000 murders a year!!! And how do you think the immigration policy for the USA compares to that of Mexico?
Rodriguez???? :)))) American??? :)))) Hypocrites.
slokytheone that says alot
please prove that they paid income tax without a SSN.
they can actually get a taxpayer identification number and pay income taxes without a SSN .
@@anacallejas9799 ... EIN is for business, not personal taxes, which is how Social Security, Medicare and Federal Taxes are paid! All Business Taxes flow to a personal tax return. You can't pay taxes without a SSN.
Exactly! Spot ON!!!
@@mistywgilbertGilbert its actually a ITIN that they can use sweetie.
I am sorry but do you how much effort it took me to immigrate to the USA legally?? NO, you have to follow the law and your parents DID NOT follow it. If you can't get a legal ID in this country maybe something is wrong with your actions, not the process. I believe in the american dream, but I also believe in following the legal process and having respect for this country.
She and her family came here legally on a work permit and did follow the proper process when it expired. You might want to listen to her story again to get your facts straight. Oh, and if you went through the immigration process (- I did this a few years ago), you must also know first-hand how messed up and unfair it is.
Thank you for your courage and hope.
Make me cried
This is powerful, but to clarify one point:48 of the 56 signers were born in America. Two were born in England (Button Gwinnett, Robert Morris), two in Ireland (George Taylor, Matthew Thornton), two in Scotland (James Wilson, John Witherspoon), one in Northern Ireland (James Smith), and one in Wales (Francis Lewis).
No NONE of them were born in America, America didn't exist two continents did but you have invaded the other parts of the North America... ... they were born in colonies under charters issued by the British monarchy. This is clear so as those charters also became the "states" with their boundaries, so don't ignore the colonies given structure... ... and don't ignore our history.
Somehow other people actually completed the process of becoming an American citizen everyday. Ask your parents to explain how it was not completed. If you are now undocumented and are here illegally then you need to go back where you are from and complete the process legally. To complain that you as a kid had no say may be true, but your parents are at fault for not finishing the process.
I am Hispanic and worked on the family farm in the 1980's. Having said that, I think I can answer her question, but first I want to bring up the Simpson Mazzoli act signed into law by Reagan in 1986. Under this law my father helped some of his qualifying employees obtain citizenship.
This Federal Law (Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986) required the following to be enforced:
1. required employers to attest to their employees' immigration status;
2. made it illegal to hire or recruit illegal immigrants knowingly;
3. legalized certain seasonal agricultural illegal immigrants.
4. legalized illegal immigrants who entered the United States before January 1, 1982 and had resided there continuously with the penalty of a fine, back taxes due, and admission of guilt; candidates were required to prove that they were not guilty of crimes, that they were in the country before January 1, 1982, and that they possessed minimal knowledge about U.S. history, government, and the English language.
Amnesty was offered at that time to millions of illegal individuals that had a history of living and working in the United States... Sound familiar?
For over 30 years Mexico has enjoyed the benefits of NAFTA or as we called it SHAFTA... During that time they failed to improve the economy of Mexico and thereby failed to improve the living conditions for their own citizens. They had an entire "generation" to implement political and economic reforms and they instead chose squandered a tremendous opportunity. Let me be clear - IT WAS A CONSCIOUS CHOICE THAT THEY MADE AND NOW IT'S TIME TO PAY THE PIPER.
So she asked "How did we get to 11 million people living in the shadows?"
On this side of the border, the Democrats and RINO Republicans created "OUR" problem by selective enforcement of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 thereby allowing the issue to fester for decades. The parents of these people should also have done a better job both for themselves and their kids. These people are GUILTY of breaking Federal Law. As such they need to understand that the best that SOME of them are going to get (many will be deported for not meeting certain criteria) is a Plea Deal from the Trump administration. The Democrats can do these people, and themselves, a huge favor and reach out to Trump for a speedy and FINAL resolution to this problem. Illegals are going to have to accept that some of them will stay and some will have to go. President Trump is being more than generous with his offer, it's on the table but I don't think it be there for long.
WHEW..
I came here from Canada spent 9 business days to get citizenship. Maybe if her parents had taken the process seriously she would have her speech....
Not sure how you pulled that off in 9 days. That’s really not the norm...it generally takes several months. I did it before I came to the US, it took me about 7months.
@@victoriakula2881 It was long days, no work done at all going from what seemed like 1 line to the next. I was begging for the DMV after that.
The duration of the stay, no matter how long or how short, is illegal. Those who may have stayed for more than 10 or 20 years have been illegal immigrants. This is a fact that cannot be disputed
The laws of a country has to be upheld, otherwise, they are not laws at all. Mitigation and pleas can be considered on a case by case basis, not across the board. Each case has to be analysed according to its own merits and demerits. The circumstances why an illegal stayer continues to overstay must be examined in depth.
Sentiments and feelings must not be allowed to cloud the authority of the laws of the land. One may love the country and has been living like one of the locals, but one is still living on as an illegal, an over-stayer. The law has been broken in the first place. Regulations were not followed. So, can everyone accept that a visitor who deliberately broke the law for many years, can be the same as a law-abiding citizen?
The volume of over-stayers or illegals, be they 11 million or 100 million, does not justify that they must be allowed to stay on. The figure only reflects the difficulty in law enforcement because of the vastness of the country and the shortage of law enforcers.
Illegals are illegals. They have knowingly committed an offence in the first place. If they are too young to know, then their parents have deliberately committed an offence.
iam a native person from the usa i can not go to mexico for any length of time at the border they will ask how long do to plan to stay and you will have a short visit i can not stay and live set up a house get a job no none of things
How do you prepare for being told your visa expired and you've been living in the country illegally and could be banned from reentering the US for ten years? Answer: you could have paid attention to what the expiration date was on your visa and planned your life ahead of time, such as renewing it before it expires, go through the legal process of becoming a citizen, move back to your native country, or emigrate to another one legally. There are many options.
HAHAHA HOW FUNNY ARE YOU, U GUYS BORN IN AMERICA AND HAVE A LUXURY LIFE WITHOUT AN AFFORD, AND WE HAVE TO WAIT FOR 20 YEARS TO GET AN AMERICAN CITIZENSHIP?! HOW MEAN ARE YOU? DO YOU HAVE ANY FEELINGS, HELLO? WE CAN'T CHOOSE THE COUNTRY WE CAN BORN.
ur gonna get got
For shame on you. Forcing your way .
I know cananda ain't bad but ...if I lived in a 3rd world or war torn country and could get my kids to a safer one I would ...and if you believe in God ...and think we should send families back to such countries you should be ashamed!!!
Imagine living around people who want to breed strictly for the sports industry and want to be able to harm anyone they want.
Your story is unfortunate. Your lack of preparation is not our emergency.
that's my story
The Lord is on your side.
zepbigfoot bearcove The Lord will punish your family.
That's my story, too.
The fact that you still manage to consider yourself an "American" is beyond me. Regards, from a legal immigrant.
Because nationalism has nothing to do with legal bureaucracy. It is sharing a collective culture, language etc. She has lived her entire life in the US, so of course she will identify as American.
Apparently living here almost your whole life doesn’t consider you American, only a paper does...
Ya when you are from somewhere else this isn't our fault but illegals like her
Kevin my friend moved to america from russia when she was 2... she considers herself russian because that's her nationality... you cant call yourself american if you werent born here and you dont qualify as a citizen... theres way more to being american than citizenship...
Hail Hydra as long as you are a citizen you can't come here illegally and say you ARE...my big sister came legally when she was a baby as a refugee from communists in CZECH republic now but she as well as my mom been here 40 plus yrs are American speak English educated here and work here and have become CITIZEN's thanks but big difference
I didn't put u in that position. I am sorry u are in that situation. What do u say to the people who are waiting in line are in terrible situations while u complain.
Sorry but this story doesn't ring true. Ski trips as a teen. College. Study abroad. Six figure student loan ... not the typical stuff illegal immigrants think / worry about. Just how does dear old dad finance that ski trip making five bucks an hour at Dunkin donuts anyway? Sounds more like the story of a privileged family (embellished to evoke sympathy) that thought the rules didn't really apply to them.
This is amazing, thank you :D
excellent.
it sucks but your dad broke the law so dont blame any one but your mom and dad
frustrating that not all ted talks actually allow you to talk with others about the topic ...thanks for having active comments on this vid but broader consistency would be cooler.
God loves you. Thank you for sharing.
I dont understand a single thing she said, i have my homework on this and i dont know what to write this is hard homework
Same
"Truly, truly, I tell you, one who does not enter by the door into the sheep fold, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.
Amen!
By telling her story, what is the main argument she is trying to prove?
You should probably have am issue with your parent/parents not keeping you legal!
Probably but she has zero excuse now. Looks like a grown woman that can make it happen.
bryan weekley how’s that help,either way
dont kill yourself, your're already dead inside
What’s the purpose of this speech
I suggest you watch the video.
The issues behind the surface of the immigration system in us; its quite a big problem in lots of countries in the world, its a mess
A nice story does not justify an illegal act and the law agrees.
I thought immigration law was exactly what it sounds like: Immigration law, which like all laws, is meant to be abided by. No? It's meant to be breached or ignored? And no punishment should come to those who broke it?
You're only facing eviction because you didn't pay the rent!
Yeah, more like squatting,and at this point she is trespassing.
Wow that was very heart touching
@Joyy - And very expensive........who do you think pays for all the illegals who come here? Where does the money come from? Simple, it comes from me and other Americans. I rather pay for the ones who come here legally and morally because it wouldn't be fair to them if someone just cuts in line taking their spot and pushing back their LEGAL IMMIGRATION PROCESS. Just saying.
@@Jericho11894 How exactly are you paying for illegals? "Illegals" cannot file for social benefits, medicare or anything like that. Also, the whole point of her speech is that there is no legal process for her to go through - as soon as she contacts authorities, she will get deported.
I would love to help you fullfill your dream. Start by contacting immigration and take the first steps to becoming an American citizen. The American dream is not a handout. It requires hard work (one of the old american values that is quickly becoming lost).
TimberwolfDan Yep. Nowadays in America a lot of our values are becoming lost. It’s sad.
did you even watch the video I- 👁👄👁
If you're an illegal it's your business not ours
So, there are 300 million people in Africa that can't just walk across the border. Isn't it a shame they can't come? Where is their TED talk?
This is an emotional tig at the heart story and it works great but there are 300,000,000 other stories out there not yet told.
How is she doing now with the new laws in the US?
Things are so, so much worse now.
I am sick and tire of you whiners saying if Americans expect people to follow the law we are bad. These are not my children. These people either came here legally and over stayed a visa or simply came here illegally in the first place. What is wrong with expecting everyone to follow the law. If we are not a nation of laws then we are lawless. I have no sympathy for her and others like her. WHAT IS WRONG WITH FOLLOWING THE LAW. There are many people who did come here legally, came here the right way and they are welcome. YOU NEED TO GET IN LINE BACK IN YOUR HOME COUNTRY AND COME HERE THE RIGHT WAY. IT IS POSSIBLE BECAUSE PLENTY OF PEOPLE HAVE DONE IT. YOUR TEARS MEAN NOTHING. YOU AND YOUR PARENTS CHEATED BY COMING HERE ILLEGALLY AND STAYING HERE.
Bravo babe!!!!!
Wish you best of lucky, you've brought me to tears!