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New immigration reform effort would greatly impact UALR student

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Reported by: Hubert Tate

Email: htate@fox16.com

Tags:

hubert tate, Immigration

Updated: 1/28 10:20 pm

Published: 1/28 8:11 pm

LITTLE ROCK, AR -- There is a new proposal that would change immigration. The announcement will have a major impact on one UALR student.

Luis Miguel Lopez came to America at age two and right now, he is here under a student visa. Lopez says the immigration reform announcement is welcomed news.

"It makes me believe in democracy. I think we are the envy of the world. Other countries always look at our democracy because it is the best. I think this is the perfect example of that," said Lopez.

A component of the bipartisan plan would allow immigrants to apply for citizenship without having to go back to their home country, which would greatly affect Lopez. His visa expires when he graduates in 2014.

If the issue doesn't pass, he would have to go back to Mexico.

"Hopefully, I can stay here and be a productive member of society and contribute to this great nation."

But Lopez realizes the plan must still pass both houses of Congress, which reminds him there is still work to be done.

"I think those 11 million illegal immigrants who are here right now, will contribute so much to society," said Lopez.

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The views expressed here do not necessarily represent those of FOX16 - Breaking News and Weather to Plan Your Day for Little Rock and Central Arkansas

Leatherneck - 1/30/2013 12:21 PM

1 Vote

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Explain to me how they are going to get back taxes? ASK THEM HOW LONG THEY HAVE BEEN HERE? They are going to lie. The person in the immigration office will teach them English since they are hispanic and that's how they got the job in the first place being bilingual and on a work visa. The only English they will teach them is ONE WEEK. That's what you tell them when they ask you how long you have been here. ONE WEEK. If the government knows how long they have been here, how many are here then why hasn't something been done already? Answer. Manpower. At least that's what they will say. Bring the troops home and put them to work removing illegals and securing our borders and citizens instead of other countries.

LSSLSM - 1/29/2013 9:02 PM

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That's fine - let those 11 million stay here - but make them pay back taxes for every year they were here illegally! Then let the IRS penalize them for late payment. Yep - that should send them packing!

ArkansasYankee - 1/29/2013 4:56 PM

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I think the words on the statue at Ellis Island were meant for legal immigrants. Like your people that came from Germany. Yes, give 11 million people here illegally the right to stay. That should give the old economy a shot in the arm! Like unemployment isn't high enough; let's add 11 million more to the work force, that should fix things! Many refuse to learn our language ( they think we should learn their's for some reason ), they wish to keep their customs, fine, but don't force them on me, I have my own thank you. Funny how some don't understand the word "illegal", isn't it? And the left wants to take these "illegals" and make them citizens, while at the same time, the same people want to take our legal right to own firearms away from us. Double standard anyone? Or just another socialist like Stalin or Mao?

Jethro - 1/29/2013 2:58 PM

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I agree it does need to be legal also. I think alot about how we as Americans before we could even start elementary school we had to have our immunization shots, even entering college now you have to have your immunization records. Illegal immigrants have not had these so what are people being exposed to?

itsjustme - 1/29/2013 10:42 AM

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I have absolutely nothing against anyone who chooses to move to a better place for them and their family. But damn it, do it legally and pay taxes. If they want to come here, go to school, get a job, pay taxes and live a productive life, then come on and welcome. If they want to come here illegally and milk our tax dollars for freebies, send their asses packing.

Butch54 - 1/29/2013 6:41 AM

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Lord how we crap on those words on the STATUE OF LIBERTY.

SubRock - 1/28/2013 10:41 PM

6 Votes

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Why should we feel all warm and fuzzy for 11 MILLION people who said "screw the laws, I want what I want now." They raised the middle finger to everyone who is going through legal channels to get here. Send them all back where they belong. Starting off as scofflaws and criminals is not an auspicious step toward citizenship.

bat102 - 1/28/2013 9:05 PM

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Lopez said "I think those 11 million illegal immigrants who are here right now, will contribute so much to society," Please tell me and others how,it also sounds like at the age of 2 he was here illegal,on a student visa now,if all this happens buy 2014 that fine with me,nut make it legal.

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