Why should americans tolerate illegal immigration?

Theodore Roosevelt's ideas on Immigrants and being an AMERICAN in 1907.

"In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person's becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American...There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag... We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language... and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people."

Theodore Roosevelt 1907

Every American citizen needs to read this!

The problem with this type of question is that it elicits answers that demonstrates that Americans in general are becoming intolerant not just of illegal immigrants but of any people or cultures different than them. It's beginning to look and sound in this forum as if, if you're different or if you're trying to bring a different culture here period, it will not only not be tolerated, but that Americans(you) will make it a point to make sure these people know, this includes legal immigrants unfortunately. It's really very rude, and getting pretty old and whether you all like it or not it's very UNAMERICAN!! And worst still is that your children will learn to be intolerant from you, how irresponsible is that?!

I cannot say why Americans should accept illegal immigration. However, I can say why we should not accept it. America is a sovereign nation which is recognized by the world community. We have laws restricting/making unacceptable illegal immigration. Would you expect other nations to allow a large mass of people to enter their territories without notification or permission? No. When a person enters illegally into another nation this should be deemed as an invasion on their part and nothing short of this. Also, we should no longer allow for "anchor babies". These are children purposely born in America so the parents may continue to reside within America without consequence.

The real question is: Why are they illegal? Are they felons, diseased, rapists etc. If they are such 'nice' people, why don't they come here in the legal accepted way?

It's the reason they have to come in an illegal way that bothers me. There is some 'problem' with them or they would enter legally.

I don't think illegal immigration should be tolerated. I do feel that a country that was founded on the belief that people could come here for "freedom," though, should assist immigrants in obtaining citizenship legally. This means language and employment classes and equal rights.

Hands down, there should be zero toleration of illegal aliens! We are the only first world country on this planet that seems to look the other way, on this issue. Personally, I don't have a problem with legal immigration as long as the immigrant is paying their fare share in taxes and does not become a burden on society.

You have a point there: the natives tolerated illegal immigration, and look what happened to them!

The Bible says aliens should learn the native language and follow the native religion before becoming a citizen of Israel.

America's official unofficial language is English.

Most Americans claim Christianity as their religion.

Illegal aliens from Mexico satisfy the second condition; however, most Mexicans - as far as I can tell - are nominal. They just go to mass on Sunday.

Illegal aliens should learn English before coming to this country.

If wishing to become citizens, they should pledge highest allegiance to this country, above all others.

EDIT: By the way, I find all the thumbs down an encouragement.

We shouldn't tolerate it at all. The city where I live is starting to crack down on all illegal immigration. It is beyond me why they won't go the legal route. Some do but many don't.

You shouldn't tolerate illegal immigration. It's the racist comments and attitudes that I can't stomach.