How long have Mexicans been illegal?

Not all Americans hate Mexicans - I certainly don't. I am sure those that do have their reasons rather they are valid or not and I am sure there are many reasons. I heard some say they do not like them because they take jobs away from Americans because they will work cheaper. I heard others say that they can not understand what they are saying. regardless the reasons I have heard none seem to place their opinions on hate but rather dislike.

I could give you a million reasons why I don't particularly like them, but I will save me the down rates. All I will say is I live in a State that is over run by illegals and I see the problems first hand.

Of course, not all Americans hate Mexicans. But lots of Americans think they're the best in the world. Everyone else pales in comparison and if you're from "over the border", you're no good as a human being. And as far as illegal immigration is concerned, people tend to want them out in the most inhumane ways possible while seeming to forget that we were all immigrants at some point in history. For all the shouting this country does about being a melting pot, we sure hate for anyone who wasn't born here to even think about living here. If we're such a great place to live, why do we wonder so much why other people want to live here?

Nothing like a nice blanket statement to start off the day. Not all Americans hate Mexicans. I would even go so far as to say that most Americans don't hate Mexicans.

I have nothing against Mexicans. My wife is a Mexapina. They have been given a bad rap and stereotyped. Whenever the news brings up immigration what do we see on the news? The people from south of the border. The truth is that Asians come here in numbers almost equal to our southern neighbors. Overall Mexicans have better work ethics than many Americans. I wish Americans would wake up to all the positive aspects of their culture instead of just focusing on the negative.They are a good people.

The ones that do, probably are afraid that they will take their piece of the pie, so to speak.

I certainly don't hate Mexicans. I think by and large they are hard-working people. I am personally in favor of the legalization of those migrant farm workers who are here illegally. They are taking jobs that 99.9% of Americans won't do at any wage. What Americans would work a 10 hour day, 7 days a week, for 3 months in Texas, and then another 3 months in Michigan, and then another 3 months in Florida, and then another 3 months in California. Mexican migrant workers are the only reason that our fruits and vegetables are so affordable. You wouldn't want to pay $6 for a head of lettuce, would you?

Some of my best friends are Hispanic and a few of their parents are illegal.

I like mexicans. I have been working with them for years, but I do believe in a bad mexican. I know that sounds horrible but they are just like a bad anything else, there have just been a bunch of mexicans who do the same type of things (steal money, lie, sell coke) and they dont last long at work. We call them bad mexicans. Other than those I think some of the happiest people I have ever met have been mexicans.

The Americans do not hate the Mexicans because they're Mexican, they, may - though this is a general statement - dislike the idea of large numbers of immigrants entering the U.S.A, legal and illegal. Low paid immigrants can end up costing the tax payer even though they are working, simply because the social policies may end up spending more on them than they pay into that system. That is certainly a problem in the United Kingdom where many low paid immigrants come and do their fair share and nobody can fault their effort, however, economically speaking, they can be a negative aspect as the cost of the health service, child benefits etc may end up exceeding the amount paid into the social service sector. Another aspect may be the large numbers in which they move, areas such as Flordia are set to be predominantly speaking Spanish within the coming years which is quite a culture shock. Not being American myself, I cannot entirely say what their views are on this culture change. Another point is the principle of it. I know that when I speak to or hear immigrants say they wish to have a cultrual change within the U.K in order to better accomodate the ways of their previous nation it does annoy me to an extent because I wonder why they have moved here if they wish to change the society, and thus it's quite evident that they haven't come here because of the way of life. The reason is the money and it makes me feel as if our nation is simply being used. Maybe American's feel the same when so many Mexican immigrants have not yet learnt the most fundamental point to living in America - English. It's also a national thing, countries pick on their neighbours. If not in war then in jest. Britain mocks France and Germany just the same way America mocks Mexico and Canada I'm not anti-immigrant, I see the economic benefits but I also see possible negatives which, on large, tend to get ignored or suppressed by mud-slinging tactics.

It's not "hate" for a country to a country to desire its own sovereignty, and to want to defend its borders from people who are BREAKING THE LAW by violating that sovereignty. You must un-ask the question.

mexicans are good people. the only problem i have with them is they come here illegally. why cant they just get a citizenship, or residency like everyone else? its not that hard.

Well, this question displays many of the same flaws as the bigotry it asks about. It makes a blanket statement about all Americans, assuming that all Americans share this belief. Not all Americans hate Mexicans. I don't hate them, no matter where they are, or what their immigration status is. Some people always look for a scapegoat during rough times, and Americans are seeing some turbulent times with the war, economy, etc. It is the same dynamic that led to such antisemitism in Europe peaking/culminating in the Holocaust. Some people blame those with relatively little power who are different. As to immigration, I do have a problem with illegal immigration. This is not a working situation for many reasons. The workers who come have little to no representation or rights, and many have to put up with conditions little better than indentured servitude. Because of their legal status, they are quite vulnerable to blackmail ("I'll inform immigration."), and have no means of addressing problems due to fear of arrest and deportation. The flood of undocumented people into the country is not safe, especially with the threat of terrorism always looming. The overwhelming majority aren't terrorists, but if they can get in undocumented, so can anyone else (ie terrorists). The uncontrolled flood of workers into the country is problematic. The other problem I have is that there are millions of people in many countries waiting to come to the US. They don't have the convenience of proximity. These people should be given equal chance of entering, and no one has the right to skip line. Having said that, I don't hate illegal immigrants. They are, by and large, a group of people seeking work and a better life for themselves and their families. How can you hate that? I would like to see a legal immigration and guest worker program along with increased security on our borders to address ALL of the problems.

I live in an area that has a large number of Mexican as well as several Asian nationalities here illegally. And we really don't see it as a problem. The percentage of crime committed by the "illegals" is actually lower than the percent of crime committed by the "legals". What worries me is the Canadians! They have hockey and curling! Next thing you know, they are going to start speaking French!

I don't HATE anyone (with the exception of Bin Laden; child molesters, abusers and killers; and wife abusers (especially beaters). I do not agree that ALL of ANY race are bad in any way, as some people do. I disagree with those who cross the border illegally, refuse to become Americans, feel entitled and make unrealistic demands ("Give California and Texas back to Mexico"), work without paying taxes, get subsidies designed for Americans without becoming Americans, refuse to learn English (it's the language of America - ALL of our forefathers learned it, no matter how badly they spoke or wrote it), and send a large percentage of the money they make back home to Mexico. I also don't like those who join gangs (but then, I also don't like Americans, Asians and others who do, either.) However, I believe Mexicans in the US, legal or not, are some of the hardest working people here. These people are willing to take low-paying jobs, work harder at them than most Americans would, and are generally nice people. I think that many non-American people are taught, before they come here, histories that are completely inaccurate, and when they DO come here, some of them refuse to accept that our version is probably much more correct than what they were taught. Those of ALL nationalites and races that have been in the US for over a certain number of years (not for me to decide), who have children that were born here, and are "productive" members of the US, should be given amnesty to become American Citizens. All others, especially those who refuse to, should go back home, and come in legally. Hate Mexicans in general? No. Dislike how SOME are and act? Yes. Sorry. (I know that will cause downrates, but that's the way I feel. I think I'm being "fair" in my opinion, though, and since this IS just my OPINION, should be allowed to express it.)

Thanks for helping distort the debate. Generalities are good at mucking up the actual issues at hand. What a great deal of Americans are against (in the 80 percent-range) is Illegal immigration. That's all. There is a great deal of animosity towards the Mexican government for not doing anything to curb the exodus, and in some documented cases, encouraging the illegal migration. That is as far as the "hatred" goes.

Thats odd. Ive got a few American friends and they dont hate Mexicans whatsoever. you may have the wrong America.

One more time that someone has made a generalization that doesn't work. I don't know any Americans that hate Mexicans including myself. My best friend is Mexican.

I do not hate Mexicans. I do not like people who break the laws of our country. I further despise people who break the law to be in this country and continue to disregard any other laws they see fit.

That's not accurate. To say the least.

Your statement isn't true.

I like Mexicans!

I do not hate Mexicans, nor do I know anyone who does. What I do not like is anyone taking advantage and using the system for their benefit without contributing into it the same as any other citizen. What I don't like is those who are breaking the law by being here, then continuing to break other laws as well, then having the gall to openly protest and complain about "unfair" treatment.

Americans don't hate mexicans

To say ALL americans hate mexicans, is just like sterotyping and saying ALL mexicans are lazy. I don't think that is fair. There are a lot of lazy Americans too. You have to take it on a person by person case.

That is a sweeping judgment. I am an American, I have no problem with other nationalities. I would appreciate that anyone taking the time to move to my country that they 1) go through the proper channels 2) learn to speak the language.

I don't think they hate them - i think sub consciencely they think of them as 2nd rate

You asked a doozy did ya? I do not hate any race, i speak spanish and the only thing i wish is that any culture coming to America would be forced to learn English. It would make the communication barrier easier on all. The same for Americans moving to other countries...Heck, i speak spanish but want to learn chinese and japanese too...

Mexican immigrants, along with their Mexican American descendants, occupy a unique place in the story of U.S. immigration. They are known by many different names, come from divergent origins, and took widely different paths to becoming part of the United States. Millions of people in the United States today identify themselves as Mexican immigrants or Mexican Americans. They are among both the oldest and newest inhabitants of the nation. Some Mexicans were already living in the Southern and Western regions of the North American continent centuries before the United States existed. Many more Mexicans came to the country during the 20th century, and Mexican immigrants continue to arrive today. The multicultural inheritance of Mexican Americans is rich and complex. It reflects the influences of Spain, Mexico, and indigenous cultures, and has been shaped by hundreds of years of survival and adaptation in the crucible of North American history. Their history was also shaped by wars and depressions, by the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and the Gadsden Purchase, and by shifting attitudes toward immigration. Mexican immigration occupies a complex position in the U.S. legal system and in U.S. public opinion. Immigration law has swung back and forth throughout the 20th century, at times welcoming Mexican immigrants and at other times slamming the door shut on them. The public reception of this immigrant group has also been unpredictable; Mexican immigrants have been able to make a place for themselves in communities across the United States, but frequently have had to battle hostile elements in those same communities to survive. In many ways, this push-and-pull dynamic continues today. Mexican immigrants and their descendants now make up a significant portion of the U.S. population and have become one of the most influential social and cultural groups in the country. Mexican American culture will likely continue to shape U.S. life in language, politics, food, and daily living and will help define the nation's identity for a new century. As you explore this feature, consider the ways in which the Mexican immigrant experience has affected your life.

i dont dislike mexicans the only problem i have with them is they come into our states and talk their language and we dont understand them,i think they need to speak they we do.

I did not realise that such a problem existed until now.I always thought they all lived in harmony.

Neither my numbers nor your numbers support your assumption that Americans are more than willing to do the jobs. I asked my brother who is a District Supervisor of 5 McDonald's Stores in the Dallas area to give me a little insight on his side of things. For one, without fail my brother's stores are ALWAYS hiring. ALWAYS. Why? Because people hate the job for so little pay and they quit almost as fast as they hire. Out of 131 employees my brother currently has working for him, 86 are illegal immigrants. Out of the rest, the only 30 have been working in the stores more than six months. Only eight have been working there more than a year. Out of the illegals, 83 have been working in the stores more than a year. So, you're going to tell me that McDonald's is always hiring just for fun? If a huge chain like McDonald's that offers benefits, including medical insurance, 401k, and flexible hours, is always in need of people, you think Americans are just lining up for arduous, outdoor, manual labor at inflexible hours working the fields? However, the reason I started responding to you is because you said that only a tiny percentage of the fruit picking industry are illegals. Well, I showed you were the facts show otherwise WITH reference. At least tell me the name of the newspaper, date, and place where it was published.

I'm an American and I don't hate Mexicans. Mexicans are also Americans, for that matter. Mexico is in Central America. Your question leaves much to be desired.

Cause they refuse to learn the language. They think that the official language is Spanish which it is NOT the official language for America is ENGLISH. All people who come from other countries will learn the language ASAP but NOT Mexicans. They can live here in America for years and still not know a single word of ENGLISH.

ALL nationalites and races that have been in the US for over a certain number of years

I've only met two Mexicans here in Connecticut. I do not hate them at all. I have nothing against any person just because of the country them are from.

yea you are right

To say that Americans (US citizens) hate Mexicans is prejudicial and too general, also cannot be supported by the facts. If all US citizens hated all Mexicans there would be no reason for them to flood across the border in such huge numbers, they would have no jobs to come to. Millions upon millions of Mexicans, and others from the various countries of North and South America south of our border have been coming here for years. By now there are enough people here who have their primary allegiance to a foreign country that if their country's president called for them to attack US, they would constitute an overwhelming army of insurgency. It is a matter of national security to get a handle on illegal immigration from all countries in North and South America, or from any other continent.

I'm an American and I don't hate Mexicans or any other group at all. The ones who mouth off about this are hatemongers in general and you simply have to ignore them..they don't count..they are not real live kind human beings..they are shells of whatever partyline they espouse! :)

most of these answers are incredibly hypocritical. people in the states (in general) have a lot of race issues with mexicans. even those who come and work the crappiest of jobs and try to become legal within a system that does NOT facilitate that process in the least. americans are taught to separate themselves from "the others". we can see this in the ideological structure that has been implemented through film, capitalism, political jargon's: terrorism, immigration etc... its quite sad because we aren't taught any alternative way of thinking and in many ways any type of such thinking is completely shot down and ridiculed. leaving us more sensitive folks depressed and hopeless.

I don't hate Mexicans or any ethic group, I just dislike those who violate our laws, invade my home territory with out asking, then demand we feed then and provide then with food clothing and shelter that I work to pay for. When that's not enough those foreigners demand things from the government when they have no business in the first place telling any of us what we should do. Put an end to criminal immigration from all places including China, Canada, and Europe.

Please post the name of the newspaper, date it was published and place.

Mexicans have better work ethics than many Americans.

Hate is a strong word. But, yes I don' like mexicans. Not because of their skin color or nationality. Just because that they come to amrica illigal and they behave like they were born here. They behave very bad. They think that they are untouchable, they can do and say whatever they want. And the worst thing is that the copy afro-amricans style. By that I mean clothing, their walk, hairstyle and speach. They don't pay taxes. I mean, ok. You have a bad situation i your country. So you want to have a good life in other country. You come to america and you want to be fair to this country. So you make an IRS number to pay taxes. You don't brake the law and you try to fit in. To people like that I say ok. You can stay. I'm not saying all mexicans are bad. Because I know a few that are ok. Did you noticed that mexican people have so many children. Five, six or even more. You know why? I'll tell you why. Because they know that more children they'll have more money they'll get from the city. For example Chicago. Because I live in Chicago. So I know what I'm sayin'. And the worst part of all is that they get money FROM OUR TAXES. Our hard earned money. Have you ever accidently ren over a mexican? If yes then you probadly heard words like:" I'm ok, no need to call police and hospital. I'm ok." They say that because they don't have insurence or anything like that. And the mexicans that are driving cars. The same thing. They drive without any insurence or even any driver's license. If they have one it's probobly fake. I'm afraid to walk over the street and get hit by mexican. Because he probobly just drive of and left me there. Now I'm talking to the mexicans: Stop means Stop and not Slow or Drive. Sincerly yours... Emigrants. (That pay their taxes and want to fit in):)

I have had the misfortune of living in New Mexico, formerly known as the San Fransisco Bay area. This is a few reasons why I feel the way I do about Mexicans. Visit a mexican neighborhood. Now visit a Caucasian neighborhood. Still not convinced? Open the door to a welfare office and look inside. See who is sucking up all of our tax money. It looks like our jails in there. Full of Mexicans. Now try a food bank. Same thing. You will find them like roaches eating our leftovers and scraps. I have watched them rent a Ryder Truck, steal recyclables from my child's school recycle project to take elsewhere to sell for them selfs.. I watched them steal dirt we had delivered for a city park project just the day before. I have watched them chuck truckloads of garbage out onto the highways and parks. Visit Mexico and you will see that this is normal for them. I have. I have watched the mexican workmen throw their half eaten lunch into the swimming pool they were working on after I just spent a week cleaning it. I feel the way I do because of nothing more than experience. Just like everyone else. If someone out there is indifferent, its because they have had no experience yet. Please let me know where you live.

Because they feel threatened by mexicans taking over the whole country sooner than later.:-)

Most hispanic people are very nice. Hispanics prepare my lunch almost everyday. Most hispancis are hard-working people. The problem arrives with hispanics that add to the crime rate, that leave their garbage and empty beer bottles strewn along the roads and drive while intoxicated. Most hispanics do not have drivers license and do not comply with the rules of the road. Most hispanics do not deposit their money in banks. they carry large sums of money on their person, creating more crime from drug addicts. Most hispanics do not speak or understand the English language, thus causing further communication problems. Most hispanics are bankrupting hospitals. free medical care as required by law. I am for anyone coming to America. All i ask is that they become legal U.S. citizens first.

Where do you get your information from? I LOVE Mexicans, legal or illegal.

Well, I never hate people no matter what race they are. I am not that kind of person. Now, I have nothing against mexicans what so ever. The only reason I would dislike them is if they ARE illegal...and that's only if they choose to be and put absolutely no effort into trying to become a U.S. citizen. When they are illegal, they drain the economy, which causes us to dislike them.. :)

I used to be normal. Now I live in a community within Colorado that has seen a MAJOR influx of Mexicans within the last year and a half. There used to be NO crime, a very quiet steet with good neighbors to boot. Now - everyone can't leave their homes fast enough. Gang related graffiti on fences and light poles. Four square blocks of tires slashed (twice). Kids on bicycles that ride by and say F__k you pleasantly as they ride by. Mexican music so loud that it could pop your eardrums. When asked to please turn it down you get the pleasant F__k you again. I have become prejudiced to a radical extent now. I HATE MEXICANS - AND I PLEASANTLY SAY GO THE F__K HOME OR STRAIGHT TO H_LL.

I have plenty of problems with unregulated illegal immigration. No matter who's doing it. Please don't include me in your hate!-3

(sry, mi cpu wont let me comment) WHY DO YOU HATE MEXICANS??? >:O NOT ALL MEXICANS ARE BAD!!! WHATS WRONG WITH SPANISH MUSIC??? RACIST!!!! HOW WOULD YOU LIKE IT IF I SAID, 'oh, i hate that person on answerbag whos file name is- I HATE MEXICANS!!!!' RACIST!!!! RACIST!!!! RACIST!!!! RACIST!!!! STUPIDO!!!! NO HABLA INGLES!!!! WHATEVER IT IS THAT 'I HATE MEXICANS' IS, I HATE!!!!!! ES STUPIDO!!!! ES STUPIDO!!!! ES STUPIDO!!!! it doesnt matter if they (we) are legal or not. my dad aint legal (my moms white- no offense to any pale-skinned people who arent 'I HATE MEXICANS'), and it dont bother me. why should it matter if he cant vote or run for pres?

-1 Our close borders spark tensions! Anyone ever play Civ4?

I do hate them I hate the fact that the are here working in our country, using our healthcare, living on welfare, using our schools to teach there kids english ,and when it comes to there pay check most of it goes back to mexico yes I think there a sponge on our life get the hell out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If Mexico had an influx of Americans Americanizing their country, that would give Mexicans every reason to hate Americans. Though not all Americans hate Mexicans, since many from both sides believe in intermarriage.

Race, culture, legal status etc. are all things that Satan uses to distract us from what is most important (2 Cor 4:4). We are all descendants of the same original couple and our God is not partial (Gen 3:20, Acts 10:34,35). Hate is not something that the true God condones, because God is love (1 John 4:8)

They don't. I could cite a dozen reasons why I would prefer a Mexican worker over other races but that would be racist! Of course there are also some pretty vicious Mexican gangs. Just like other races. People are individuals who make personal choices for which they should be personally accountable. CHOICES BY INDIVIDUALS DO NOT REFLECT ON THEIR ENTIRE RACE! Or gender or religion or employment or anything else!