"But as nine countries, including the Czech Republic, join the European Union's borderless Schengen zone Friday, Brussels is now ordering member states to get tough on visa policy.
That could spell trouble for an unlikely class of illegal immigrants: American expats. Attracted by English teaching jobs, the low cost of living, and societies just waking up to the possibilities of Western tourism, thousands are estimated to be living and working illegally in central and eastern Europe.
I will sleep tonight wondering about possible European reactions to 20,000 American English teachers marching through Prague, waving American flags and demanding their rights to full European citizenship
now imagine if press reports of Mexican undocumented workers were as positive as the one I posted.
Unless youre being a work snob, eheir work is no less important to the US, and yet the value - beyond the economic value to US employers is rarely, if ever, talked about.
I know in Ireland the care "industry" depends on Immigrants, of both kinds. We had 4 different people helping look after my father throughout his long illness. My family could not have coped without these people (some were good, some were great, one was terrible!)
Our healthcare system, bth in terms of assistants, cleaners and other support staff depends on immigrants - both documented and otherwise.
Irish birthrates are falling, as are those of most "western" countries. we need immigrants and their off spring to maintain populations in our societies.
I cannot even begin to desribe the richness immigrants have brought to my country, we were an isolated backwater in Europe, but joining the EU and our recent immigration rush has broadened our cultural base.
yet the discussion jumps right into penalties. it should really start with an honest, sober and logical debate on immigration, its effects, and the possible consequences of any action(s).
Unfortunately rhetoric has driven this debate in the US - and is doing so here in many European countries (Ireland is still relatively immune as our economy is going ok - but slowing, im sure we will hear the same crap coming from here soon).
