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Playing the race card right out of the box

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* From a July 11th press release…

Starting today and ending on Friday, Dave Severin, candidate for State Representative in the 117th House District, will countdown the top 5 ways in which Representative John Bradley has sided with Mike Madigan and the Chicago political machine instead of representing Southern Illinois. Severin said of Mr. Bradley’s actions:

“John Bradley talks out of one side of his mouth in Southern Illinois and then votes with the other side of his mouth up in Springfield. Actions, not words, define who someone is. The idea that Mr. Bradley is independent of Madigan’s control is ridiculous and obviously doesn’t match his record over 13 years in the General Assembly.”

Coming in at #5 is Rep. John Bradley’s vote to give illegal immigrants state issued driver’s licenses.

So the first issue right out of the box is bipartisan legislation, supported by some Downstate Republicans, that has created no significant problems?

It wouldn’t be really about the fact that many illegal immigrants have brown skin, would it?

Nah. Couldn’t be.

Never in a million years.

Man, this campaign is gonna be ugly, campers.

…Adding… A couple of very good points have been made in comments. First, A Guy…

This legislation also made it more easy and possible for people to get auto insurance. You know, in case they hit your car…Hmmm.

Archpundit…

Of course the bill wasn’t about controlling illegal immigration. It was about controlling a problem created by illegal immigration. This is how we know it’s a dog whistle–the law didn’t do anything for those undocumented workers other than make the roads safer for all of us.

…Adding More… Another…

Sen. Radogno was one of the co-sponsors of SB 957 in 2012. So was Sen. Sandack, Sen. Bill Brady, and Sen. Millner. It got 41 votes in the Senate.

Among the Yes votes in the House was Tom Cross, Jim Durkin, Dan Brady, as well as Reps. Sanger, Saviano, Pritchard and Winters.

If the bill was good enough for the Minority Leaders, how can it be so terrible for a Democrat?

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 9:33 am

Comments

Oh yea. This helps. Let’s just go back to not having to pass a DL test at all. That worked so well. /s

Comment by Not quite a majority Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 9:37 am
It’s about playing race and fear and “Madigan” to finally get 60 and 30 and that Turnaround Agenda.

Racial politics overtly played, covertly messages, to divine Illinois… for Rauner.

Raunerism at its finest.

Raunerism funds covertly racist messaging… in an overtly way to divide?

Good. To. Know.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 9:38 am
I don’t think race has anything to do with it. It’s about illegal immigrants. There are all colors of those…..

Comment by allknowingmasterofracoondom Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 9:39 am
===I don’t think race has anything to do with it===

Oh, please. We’re not children here.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 9:44 am
“There are all colors of those.”

You’re kidding. Right?

Comment by Bronco Bahma Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 9:45 am
I’m calling BS on you for this, Rich. You DO know that a substantial number of those here illegally are Irish and Eastern European, right? Not everyone comes across the Southern border. MANY just overstay their visitor VISAs and disappear into the underground economy.

Comment by Illinois bob Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 9:45 am
Is there any opposition to extending services, licenses, benefits etc to Illegal immigrants that can be opposed without it being labeled as coming from a place seated in racism?

Comment by Saluki Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 9:46 am
Channeling Trump without mentioning Trump.

Trump cut the wire, now everybody in the GOP is hoping to splice in. Without, of course, admitting that that it’s Trump’s wire.

Comment by Formerly Known as Frenchie M Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 9:47 am
What’s at play is this…

“Anyone not ‘like’ me… I’m not liking that they aren’t like me!”

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 9:50 am
We’re not talking about benefits, we’re talking about drivers permits to make sure that people who are driving anyway have a basic understanding of the rules of the road. So, keep insisting that this isn’t about race. Today. In this climate. And you’ll be exposed for what you really are.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 9:51 am
=== - Saluki - Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 9:46 am:

Is there any opposition to extending services, licenses, benefits etc to Illegal immigrants that can be opposed without it being labeled as coming from a place seated in racism? ===

Great question.

Comment by Birdseed Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 9:51 am
Yeah I have to respectfully disagree in general, despite not knowing what Mr. Severin’s personal motivations might be. Are no negative consequences permissible in this day and age to persons who are in this country in violation of our laws? I personally favor a reasonable path to citizenship, but I also favor removal of those who choose not to get on that path, regardless of their country of origin.

Comment by Ron Burgundy Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 9:52 am
–I don’t think race has anything to do with it. It’s about illegal immigrants. There are all colors of those…..–

Nope, you are totally full of crap, pal. Your ilk doesn’t say a word about “cracking down on overextended work or tourist visas”. If conservatives could point to that I’d buy your argument. No people who are in this country illegally by staying here past their visas are just fine by your ilk. No it’s quite obvious that you kind of conservative, ie Trump/Rauner conservatives don’t want Mexican/Hispanic undocumented, un-visa’d immigrants. And that my right honorable friend is racism.

Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 9:52 am
I have to disagree with the premise of this article as well.

Comment by Union Dues Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 9:54 am
It’s just stuns me that so many people can’t hear a dog whistle when it’s blown. Then again, that’s the point of the dog whistle, isn’t it?

Comment by Archiesmom Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 9:54 am
It is amazing to me how predictable everyone’s response to everything is. It takes very little mental strain to understand that an attack of this sort has racial undertones. Very little. But in comes Illinois Bob and the rest of his ilk claiming that this has nothing to do with Mexicans. Do you all really believe that?

I fully acknowledge that you could argue what you argue without you yourself being prejudiced (ie to defend your candidate), but if you truly cannot understand that LEADING with an ad like this, in that district, is a dog whistle, then I’m not sure there is any room for healthy discourse.

Comment by AlfondoGonz Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 9:55 am
–I’m calling BS on you for this, Rich. You DO know that a substantial number of those here illegally are Irish and Eastern European, right?–

LOL, show me, Bob.

I have the actual figures, but I want to see what you come up with.

When you can’t justify your claim, cop to it, here.

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 9:56 am
===so many people can’t hear a dog whistle when it’s blown===

Oh, they hear it loud and clear. Their duty is to flatly deny that anybody else should hear it.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 9:56 am
59% of undocumented immigrants are from Mexico. That’s a substantial number and that means brown skin. The race point sticks. What’s the substantial % for Irish and Eastern European? I don’t know, got #s Bob?

Comment by Heat of Summer Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 9:56 am
The Republican party’s standard bearer admits this is about race, “When Mexico sends its people, theyre not sending the best. Theyre not sending you, theyre sending people that have lots of problems and theyre bringing those problems with us. Theyre bringing drugs. Theyre bring crime. Theyre rapists And some, I assume, are good people.”

Comment by steward Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 9:57 am
“John Bradley talks out of one side of his mouth in Southern Illinois and then votes with the other side of his mouth up in Springfield.”

He votes with the side of his mouth? Sounds unhygienic.

Comment by Cubs in '16 Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 9:57 am
I sincerely doubt that there are that many illegal aliens down in Williamson county applying for licenses. This is a stab at Chicago, where of course hard working downstate taxpayers have to send their money to subsidize all the illegal aliens that are mooching off the system. And yes the perception is that a lot of them are Mexican in origin.
Has nothing to do with fact, but everything to do with perception.

Comment by train111 Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 9:59 am
People imputing motives to other people who have no such motives is one of the things that is hurting this country, and it is happening more and more and is coming from all sides of the political/sociological spectrum. That it is happening on this thread this morning is disappointing.

Comment by Responsa Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 10:01 am
This seems like a desperate attempt to appeal to Trump supporters. It’s a shame Mr. Severin is focusing his campaign on racial division. He needs to show some leadership and prove to voters why he deserves Rep. Bradley’s job. Instead he’d rather communicate to voters who the real racist and pathetic panderer is.
I expected better from Rauner and his “superstars”

Comment by estubborn Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 10:03 am
Seems to me that in the original post, the only motives being imputed were to Severin and his books. And I’m pretty sure Rich wasn’t imputing much of anything – he was flat out saying it. As for the rest of the comments, people will read into them what they will

Comment by Archiesmom Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 10:05 am
People lying about their motives to cover up their bigotry is hurting this country, happening on this thread, and is exhausting. FTFY

Comment by AlfondoGonz Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 10:05 am
HoneyBear “Trump/Rauner conservatives”

Not sure that Trump is a conservative like at all, and not sure how to define Rauner’s Conservatism, but they definitely don’t belong in the same category in my book. Can you expand on what your definition of Trump/Rauner Conservative is?

Comment by anon Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 10:06 am
Folks, not books. Sorry, iPhone garble.

Comment by Archiesmom Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 10:06 am
–People imputing motives to other people who have no such motives is one of the things that is hurting this country, and it is happening more and more and is coming from all sides of the political/sociological spectrum. That it is happening on this thread this morning is disappointing–

That’s a good thing.
Confronting racism,
confronting hubris,
confronting perfidy,
confronting callousness,
confronting privilege,
confronting injustice,
confronting inequity,
nope that’s all good. Bring it into the light.
May God bless Rich and this blog for doing the work of justice.

“Justice is what love looks like in public”

Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 10:08 am
This is more like a dog bullhorn than a dog whistle.

I agree that the right wing anti “illegal immigrant” push is more about brown skinned Latinos and Mexicans in particular. I haven’t seen much if any political depiction of illegal immigrants being Europeans overstaying their visas. That wouldn’t rile up the base.

Comment by Grandson of Man Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 10:09 am
–I– don’t think race has anything to do with it. It’s about illegal immigrants. There are all colors of those…..––

Yes. Brown and yellow.

I’ll still wait on Bob for his blockbuster revelation on the “substantial” numbers of Irish and Eastern Europeans.

That’s who the likes of Severin are dog-whistling about, right? The Irish? The Poles?

Weakest. Spin. Ever.

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 10:12 am
=== You DO know that a substantial number of those here illegally are Irish and Eastern European, right? ===

LOL, you don’t want the irish.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wwuf5my8K_E Blazing Saddles Language Alert

Comment by Norseman Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 10:13 am
One of the teasons they passed this, including testing of skills… was so the folks could get insurance. Not allowing licesnes did not deport people, or actually change the number of unlawful immigrants driving, it just added untested drivers without insurance. This was a win win.

what cracks me up on the immigrant hatred folks is the money we waste on out antiimmigrant system. When we catch illegal immigrants the punishment is to send them back…. and then they cross back over either by sailing around to CA or texas or using the giant tunnels. So we spend billions ineffectively. Oh and we need to put our giant wall along the entire west and southern coast…. setting aside the tunnels we have had boats since befpre the us was a country

Comment by Ghost Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 10:14 am
These driving permits (not licenses) benefit other drivers more than the “illegal” person. It ensures the person knows how to drive and has insurance.

Also it’s not like they hand them out like candy. There are requirements including showing proof of ID from your home country.

Comment by snap Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 10:15 am
Illinois Bob, is that where Trump gets his wives?

Comment by Jorge Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 10:15 am
Resposa said it for me. I would have read (heard) the ad, not agreed with it,and gone on; it was about illegal immigrants: some people get all out of shape about them, I don’t.
Rich read it, said it was racist (he might be right), others chimed in on both sides, and here we are.
I love this blog and read it every day, but sometimes the topic brings out the crazies on both sides. This is now just not worth reading anymore.

Comment by downstate commissioner Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 10:16 am
85% of illegal immigrants come from 10 countries. None of those 10 countries are in Europe but i guess to as not offend delicate sensibilities we should include Europeans in every discussion of illegal immigrants.

Comment by Generation X Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 10:16 am
Oh my, how some so soon forget. Not too long ago Madigan & the State Democrats hit State Republicans, hard, over MEDICARE issues. That’s right, State Reps were being barraged by hate-like mailers making it appear that State Reps were going to cut grandma’s FEDERAL Medicare benefits. Heck, there were even implications that these no-good GOPers were after seniors’ social security benefits too!

So, a truthful mailer about Bradley’s actual vote is now, suddenly, out of bounds because of unseemly implications?! Oh, okay.

This is exactly the type of politics Madigan & the Dems have used to win elections for decades and then govern “accordingly.” The only thing that’s changed, to the chagrin of the audience in this space, is that there’s now a Governor who possesses the means to help the State GOP finally challenge the State Dems; and do so “accordingly.” #PotMeetKettle #ReapSow

Comment by Roger Dorn Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 10:17 am
It seems that xenophobia is the base of the Republican platform this year. I read the GOP committee defining the platform in Cleveland included language “that called for the building of a physical wall along the southern border”, though they don’t ask Mexico to pay for it. I wonder if more downstate candidates will adopt this insanity.

Comment by Wensicia Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 10:19 am
This specifically has been an issue in GOP primaries in Illinois since at least the 2006 election cycle - 11 years ago. Anything that can be seen as being soft on illegal immigration can and will be used as a wedge issue in this state and many others. This particular legislation has been that for over ten years now. That it’s somehow unbecoming now because of “this environment” is a bit conspiratorial IMO. Do I like it? No. But it’s nothing new and it shouldn’t really be shocking to anyone that’s been paying attention to elections in Illinois for any significant length of time.

Pick any area of the state, and look at mail from primary (either party) or general election campaigns and most heated races will have some “us vs. them” veiled (sometimes not-so-veiled) racial undertone. It’s disgusting, but it’s Illinois politics. Add to that the opinion held by some that anyone wanting stricter control of illegal immigration is racist, and the BS gets even deeper. It has become so bad many of us are just numb to it anymore.

Comment by Anon Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 10:20 am
To Severin’s credit, he didn’t say “those people” immediately followed up with a Seinfeldian “not that there’s anything wrong with their having licenses.”

Comment by Jocko Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 10:21 am
Having an unfavorable stance/opinion on illegal immigration does not make someone a racist and pointing fingers and name calling is ridiculous. All I’m hearing is “You’re a racist because you disagree with me.”

Comment by On My Own Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 10:22 am
–Can you expand on what your definition of Trump/Rauner Conservative is?–

You all are sharp as tacks. My theology professor would have destroyed me for making that linkage. It’s political posturing. But my point was that certain supporters of Trump and Rauner are engaging in racial attacks pandering to populist/nationalist segment of voters. You’re right to bust me that all conservatives do not hold those views. I threw a punch below the belt.

Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 10:25 am
Those darn Irish…probably taking orders to drive recklessly from the pope!

Bob is just bonding with his ideological forefathers in the Know Nothing movement of the 19th Century. I love his sense of history.

Comment by RTR Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 10:34 am
Term Limits! Like One!!

Comment by Term Limits Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 10:35 am
living here in southern Illinois, I really glad this passed, at least they have a understanding and insurance, as a number of farmers use legal help as they can’t find Americans willing to do the work

Comment by 13th Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 10:36 am
===All I’m hearing is “You’re a racist because you disagree with me.”===

I guess that’s all you want to hear?

The legislation in question was bipartisan and had downstate Republican support too…

… so why “tackle” an issue, bipartisan and regionally accepted by Republicans downstate too?

Hmm…

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 10:37 am
“Having an unfavorable stance/opinion on illegal immigration”

Of course the bill wasn’t about controlling illegal immigration. It was about controlling a problem created by illegal immigration. This is how we know it’s a dog whistle–the law didn’t do anything for those undocumented workers other than make the roads safer for all of us.

Comment by ArchPundit Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 10:38 am
This legislation also made it more easy and possible for people to get auto insurance. You know, in case they hit your car…Hmmm.

Comment by A guy Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 10:39 am
–The only thing that’s changed, to the chagrin of the audience in this space, is that there’s now a Governor who possesses the means to help the State GOP finally challenge the State Dems; and do so “accordingly.” #PotMeetKettle #ReapSow–

Geez, RD, you really think the governor is behind this Severin dog-whistle play?

Please advise how you landed there.

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 10:40 am
Il Bob - maybe we should have Mexico pay to build walls around Ireland and Eastern Europe.

Roger Dorn - you’re only stating half the story… At the time, Republicans wanted to cut Medicare benefits and future Social Security Benefits for anyone under 55. Cause Paul Ryan loves his Mom. The mailers were legit.

Comment by Triple Fato Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 10:44 am
===…there’s now a Governor who possesses the means to help the State GOP finally challenge the State Dems; and do so “accordingly.” ===

If you mean the corporate takeover and making Republicans… Raunerites… and members voting against their districts, their own personal history, and having their voting keys held hostage for $20 million dollars…

It’s more “frustrating” (h/t to Ron Sandack!) and disappointing than anything…

But… Sen. McCann proved that “voting accordingly” matters… so there’s that… lol…

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 10:44 am
IL BOB must still be doing his research!

Comment by BumblesBounce Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 10:50 am
Playing the “race” card does nothing to salve the wounds of recent violent events. It continues to play the us against them tension whether it be BLM, illegal immigrants or religious beliefs.

Comment by Huh? Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 10:52 am
Those pulling the race card are the ones that think opposing illegal immigration is somehow racist. I oppose illegal immigration because my wife is an immigrant and we have played by the rules for 25 years.

Comment by DGD Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 10:54 am
===opposing illegal immigration is somehow racist===

Um, no. You apparently have a reading comprehension problem. This is about drivers licenses and insurance.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 10:55 am
Whether it’s racist or not, Rich is correct that, as a bipartisan bill, it’s a wrongfooted attack.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 11:01 am
I have a question for those people who want to build a wall along the southern border -

How did that militarized wall in Berlin finally work out?

As I recall, it came down and two countries (and dire enemies) were reunited into a single country.

Comment by Huh? Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 11:02 am
@Triple Fato

=Il Bob - maybe we should have Mexico pay to build walls around Ireland and Eastern Europe.=

Nope…just make the consequences fro overstaying VISAs, and working without the proper authorization, too great to ignore.

Comment by Illinois Bob Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 11:08 am
Leader Durkin was a Yes…..deductive reasoning would make Leader Durkin 1 for 1 in siding with Madigan- let’s keep score, shall we?

Comment by Yo Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 11:13 am
This is an obvious dog whistle for racists. However, I believe it does also appeal to a nonracist segment of Bradley’s district that have legitimate fears and angers related to illegal immigration that are not race based.

Liberals are right that racism and xenophobia make up an ugly foundation for the anti-immigration movement. However, Conservatives are also right that there is a calloused elitist disregard for the marginalized legal US citizens that have lost jobs to illegal immigration.

The myth that “illegal immigrants only take jobs that no US citizen wants” has been pretty well debunked at this point. Just because people like myself in the middle class couldn’t imagine taking a working or service class position doesn’t mean that other US citizens don’t want or need those jobs. That’s not about race. That’s about economic survival.

And any legislation that appears to legitimize an illegal immigrant’s right to be here such as the aforementioned bill could be viewed as a slap in the face to Bradley’s constituents who are either racist, afraid for their jobs, or both.I honestly believe that this bill was a great way to solve a serious public saftey concern, but this message isn’t for me. That’s why this message will work no matter how much I as a liberal snuggly secure in my middle class life wish it wouldn’t.

Comment by Chicago_Downstater Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 11:16 am
il·le·gal
i(l)ˈlēɡəl/
adjective
1.
contrary to or forbidden by law, especially criminal law.

The emphasis is on ILLEGAL - not on immigration and not on race.

The person in my family who gets the most upset about illegal immigration is my brother in law. Whose parents LEGALLY immigrated from Mexico with him and two of his sisters in 1978. Took a while. They followed the law. His younger brothers and sisters were born on american soil. Their whole family are citizens living the American dream.

There is a process for immigration.
Follow it.

Comment by BluegrassBoy Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 11:27 am
===especially criminal law===

Unlawful presence is not a crime. It’s a civil violation.

Jumping the border is a misdemeanor. But many don’t even do that, they just over-stay visas.

http://blogs.findlaw.com/blotter/2014/07/is-illegal-immigration-a-crime-improper-entry-v-unlawful-presence.html

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 11:31 am
Bob, you’re back! Got those numbers on the “substantial” Irish and Eastern Europeans? You know, your proof that a claim of the race card is “b-s,” as you put it?

I hear you’re keen on “online learning,” like it has some sort of relationship to school funding and university accreditation, somehow.

How’s about you let your fingers do the walking through the google and back up your previous statement?

If you call b-s on somebody, you need to back it up. You don’t have to be a renowned nuclear engineer (among your many amazing accomplishments) like yourself to know that.

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 11:35 am
IL Bob - a far more effective solution is to fine the employer’s owners and/or officers so heavily that the cost will be too great for them if they get caught. The federal fines should be immune to backruptcy law as well.

Comment by Triple Fat Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 11:40 am
Race baiting in an election controlled by Franklin County, never happened before.

Comment by Southern Dawg Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 11:44 am
I guess it all has to do with one’s perspective. Some see a group of undocumented individuals as illegal, unworthy of basic rights and the true perpetrators of evil. I see a class of people being taken advantage of by unscrupulous employers, who in turn are the true perpetrators of evil.

Comment by Triple Fat Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 11:50 am
Sen. Radogno was one of the co-sponsors of SB 957 in 2012. So was Sen. Sandack, Sen. Bill Brady, and Sen. Millner. It got 41 votes in the Senate.

Among the Yes votes in the House was Tom Cross, Jim Durkin, Dan Brady, as well as Reps. Sanger, Saviano, Pritchard and Winters.

If the bill was good enough for the Minority Leaders, how can it be so terrible for a Democrat?

Comment by anon Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 11:53 am
Sorry I couldn’t get back to you sooner. I work for a living and had more important things to do before lunchtime, and I don’t have a political job where I get paid to post here.

Here’s what I found regarding Illinois Illegal immigration from a 2015 study from the Migration Policy Institute:

Profile of the Unauthorized Population:
Illinois

Demographics Estimate % of Total
Unauthorized Population 519,000 100%
Top Countries of Birth
Mexico 373,000 72%
India 19,000 4%
Poland 14,000 3%
Guatemala 11,000 2%
China 10,000 2%

Regions of Birth
Mexico and Central America 392,000 75%
Caribbean - -
South America 14,000 3%
Europe/Canada/Oceania 32,000 6%
Asia 66,000 13%
Africa 13,000 3%

While certainly most of the Illinois illegal immigration is from Mexico, I think 32,000 “white” illegal immigrants certainly qualifies as “many”.

I also found some stories about illegal Irish immigration, but it was only for New York city. They said that it was estimated that 50,000 Irish illegals live there. I couldn’t find anything for Chicago or downstate. Wordslinger, if you have better info about illegal demographic statistics, I’d love to see it.

Comment by illinois Bob Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 12:01 pm
Dave Severin should be asked if Leader Durkin should also be condemned for voting for the same bill?

Comment by anon Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 12:02 pm
===I think 32,000 “white”===

Oceana doesn’t qualify, dude. Try again.

And, either way, 6 percent isn’t “many.” It’s a few.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 12:03 pm
–While certainly most of the Illinois illegal immigration is from Mexico, I think 32,000 “white” illegal immigrants certainly qualifies as “many”.–

Bob, you said “substantial Irish and Eastern European” when you called b-s.

And anyone could find better numbers than you with a 10 second investment on google.

http://immigration.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=000845#countries

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 12:09 pm
The driver’s license law made a lot of sense, regardless your position on illegal immigration. When the federal government fails to deal with the problem, states have to adjust.

Comment by Chicagonk Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 12:10 pm
Whites are here illegally? No way!

Comment by Doug Simpson Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 12:19 pm
@wordslinger

Sorry. I spent about 15 minutes on yahoo searching instead of Google. Your “source” didn’t come up in the first five pages. perhaps it’s because I searched for European immigration which your source completely ignored.

learn to search on the topic at hand, Word, if you want to debate the issue. You found NOTHING on euro immigration.

Comment by illinois Bob Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 12:21 pm
I understand the majority of illegal immigrants come from Mexico. I don’t care where they come from, what their race is, or whether they illigally crossed the border or overstated a Visa. I think it should be a criminal offense, both for the person, and anyone who hires them or knowingly shelters them. That’s where my issue with licenses comes in. The government is tacitly condoning their illegal activity, and should therefore be held responsible for their actions.

Now, am I glad that they at least know how to drive and have insurance for MY protection, yes, but they are still here illegally. Change the immigration laws so that it’s easier to come here legally, or to extend a VISA without undue burden.

Comment by Thoughts Matter Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 12:21 pm
@Rich

=Oceana doesn’t qualify, dude. Try again.=

I think BOTH the Illinois illegals from Oceania would resent that statement, Rich!LOL

I think I’ll pass on the argument as to whether 32,000 people are “many” or “few’.

BTW, I’m not that familiar with that district. Is it heavily Hispanic?

Comment by Illinois bob Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 12:26 pm
“I think it should be a criminal offense.”

But it’s not currently. See Rich’s earlier post.

Comment by anon Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 12:26 pm
–our “source” didn’t come up in the first five pages. perhaps it’s because I searched for European immigration which your source completely ignored.

learn to search on the topic at hand, Word, if you want to debate the issue. You found NOTHING on euro immigration.–

LOL, Bob you need to work on those reading comprehension skills.

The source I posted did not list a European country because no European country is among the Top Ten sources of illegal immigration.

Hence, not substantial, as you would put it.

But I’m glad you’re on the case, Bob, You and your buddy Sheriff Joe spend a lot of time chasing Irishmen and Poles down there in Retirementland, I’m sure.

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 12:32 pm
@IL Bob:

How do I pick out the illegal Whites from the legal ones? What do I do if I find an illegal one?

Comment by Doug Simpson Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 12:40 pm
“And, either way, 6 percent isn’t “many.” It’s a few.”

If 519,000 or 6% is a few what constitutes ‘many’? And of course this overlooks the larger issue in which the children of illegal aliens born in this country are given automatic citizenship. At present 25% of students in k-12 public schools are Hispanic. This huge increase in the last 30 years has not been through the legal process and as a result of legal immigration.

“===opposing illegal immigration is somehow racist===

Um, no. You apparently have a reading comprehension problem. This is about drivers licenses and insurance”

Oh, it is very much about illegal immigration or it would not be an issue in the first place! And the illegal aliens would not be on the road because they would not be here.

In 1986 we had an amnesty bill that promised secure borders and employer/employee ID verification. Nearly 3 million illegal aliens were given amnesty. In the last 35 years virtually this law has been ignored and gutted and we have between 10 to 20 million illegal aliens- no one really knows.

So laws that give illegal aliens DL’s, access to our universities, Medicaid to children who are illegal aliens (as does Illinois) etc. definitely makes all these issues part and parcel of the overall issue. To believe otherwise is quite disingenuous.

Yes, I am very much aware that this is an issue that both political parties have purposely ignored for their own political and economic reasons and both are to blame.

Of course, anyone can believe what they want and advocate any position on this issue they want. I certainly won’t change your mind. But I only wish I had the time and space to continue this discussion, such alas, is the the province of a discussion website.

Comment by Federalist Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 12:42 pm
The southern Illinois farming economy is as dependent on immigrant labor as kitchens are in Chicago. I grew up on a farm down there and we couldn’t get anyone local to take field jobs, except for kids doing detasseling. The law is actually good for the region if a significant portion of the workers that are here illegally get permits, for the insurance and training reasons listed above. The southern Illinois economy couldn’t handle all illegals being deported, just like the Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Kentucky, yada yada economies couldn’t handle it.

Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 12:45 pm
Isnt the United States of America a Nation of Immigrants, or were Whites beamed down from the planet Honky Rigel IV?

Comment by Doug Simpson Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 1:00 pm
Illegal immigrants should not get drivers licenses, free education or healthcare. I don’t care what color skin they have, sexual orientation or religion they are either. I agree with Thoughts Matter. If you hire one. Jail time or big time fine for you.

Comment by blue dog dem Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 1:42 pm
What does Bradley do when Forby endorses Trump?

You need an over/under pool with Labor Day as the cut off date for that notion. Trump wins So. IL big; crazy or not . . . .

Comment by Zany notions Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 1:49 pm
I can’t help but chuckle that people who were born here (such as myself) think that they are entitled to everything this country has to offer simply for the fact that they were born here (by no accomplishment of their own), but people who risked their lives and fractured their family for a chance to have a sliver of what we have deserve derision, imprisonment, and deportation. America the beautiful.

Comment by AlfonoGonz Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 2:03 pm
JoeBidenopolous - Exactly correct. My brothers business deals primarily with larger dairy farms in the 618 area code and slightly farther North. According to him, a majority of these farmers do have Mexican laborers working for them. Given the labor intensive nature of these farms, 365 days a year, the owners have taken advantage of the labor available and have gone to great lengths and have spent endless hours and money to get them the legal papers needed to stay in the area if they do not already have the appropriate, and verifiable, documentation.

Many of these farmers and their families have even learned enough Spanish to be able to communicate with their help. They pay well and some provide additional benefits and perks for these families. And none of them could operate at the size and scope that they do without this reliable, dependable and competent source of labor.

Comment by illini Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 2:48 pm
“If the bill was good enough for the Minority Leaders, how can it be so terrible for a Democrat?”

Exactly - and much more of these half-truths and hypocrisy to come!

Comment by illini Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 2:58 pm
** Isnt the United States of America a Nation of Immigrants, or were Whites beamed down from the planet Honky Rigel IV?**

There is a difference between legal and illegal immigration, though I’m not surprised you don’t know the difference.

Comment by DD Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 3:11 pm
These people are here, and while they’re here, it’s not a bad idea to make sure they know the rules of the road. It’s also a good idea they are allowed to buy insurance. Because they are here, and they’re driving.

Also, having them in a database with an address attached makes it easier to round them up when we decide to do that, right?

Comment by Cheryl44 Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 3:18 pm
I think most countries in the world bestow additional benefits on their citizens that non-citizens do not receive. That includes Mexico. The US is probably more generous to non-citizens than most. Birthright citizenship (being automatically a citizen because you are born in the territory of a country) is actually rarer. It is mainly a western phenomenon and most countries in Europe, Asia, and Africa base citizenship on the citizenship of the parents. Only like 30 countries have birthright citizenship. So, yes, in a sense in the US you are entitled to more because of the happenstance of your birth. Natural born citizens of Mexico for example presumably have similar benefits others do not receive.

Comment by Ron Burgundy Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 3:24 pm
I am surprised to read so much antipathy towards your post and analysis on this one, Rich. I had a feeling that your readers are, for the most, well versed in the policy and actually used critical thinking skills.

But somehow on issues of race and immigration, that is not the case.

I understand politics are local. So you have to win your district based on the constituency and values (including xenophobia and racism). However, the Statewide and national races depend on the coalition - and that includes people of color, family of undocumented immigrants, keep it up and you’ll keep failing.

Comment by here we go Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 3:44 pm
DD:

** There is a difference between legal and illegal immigration, though I’m not surprised you don’t know the difference.**

*****

Based on your comment, I’m convinced you are unaware of the difference too.

I’m sure the people that were originally here lawfully (i.e., Native Americans) would view us all as illegal.

Or is it all good since we fixed them a nice turkey dinner (and they provided the pumpkin pie) all those years ago.

Comment by Doug Simpson Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 4:27 pm
Irrelevant.

Comment by DD Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 6:17 pm
What Joe B and illini said. I’m from east central Illinois (nurseries) and live in southern Illinois (orchards). I’ve worked in both and neither would prosper without migrant workers. Period. Ask someone who owns one.

Comment by Way Way Down Here Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 7:52 pm
What we need is the ” law and order candidate”.

Comment by Blue dog dem Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 9:46 pm
—You all are sharp as tacks. —

Thanks HoneyBear! I appreciate people like you who can look at their comments and rethink them.

Comment by anon Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 9:58 pm

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