In Houston, toys for needy kids may come with immigration checks

[Nagishkaw 510]

Some Houston charities are checking the immigration status of children and their parents before giving them Christmas toys, the Houston Chronicle reports.

The paper found that several organizations — including the Salvation Army — are asking for birth certificates, photo ID, school enrollment or Social Security cards for children, or proof that parents are citizens, legal immigrants or working to become legal residents. Many also require proof of income.

"It's not our desire to turn anyone down," said Lorugene Young, whose Outreach Program Inc. distributes toys collected by firefighters. "Those kids are not responsible if they are here illegally. It is the parents' responsibility."

Some immigration activists say such scrutiny runs counter to the Christmas spirit.

"It is very disturbing to think a holiday like Christmas would be tainted with things like this," said Cesar Espinoza, executive director of America for All, a Houston-based advocacy group. "Usually, people target the adults because the adults made the decision to migrate, where the children are just brought through no fault of their own."

The Salvation Army said it provides gifts for all children in the family if one sibling is a citizen, regardless of their parents' immigration status. Catholic Charities and the Hispanic Firefighters Caucus don't ask about immigration status.

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/on...gration-check/1

[Chica Yeyé 41]

"It's not our desire to turn anyone down," said Lorugene Young, whose Outreach Program Inc. distributes toys collected by firefighters. "Those kids are not responsible if they are here illegally. It is the parents' responsibility."

#######? Then why ask? And people ask me why I hate X-mas.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

Frankly, the whole idea that any kid needs toys makes me laugh. If they don't have a toy, let them play with a fuсking stick and a rock. It's worked for other people, it'll work for them.

[Chica Yeyé 41]

Frankly, the whole idea that any kid needs toys makes me laugh. If they don't have a toy, let them play with a fuсking stick and a rock. It's worked for other people, it'll work for them.

true story.

[Nagishkaw 510]

Frankly, the whole idea that any kid needs toys makes me laugh. If they don't have a toy, let them play with a fuсking stick and a rock. It's worked for other people, it'll work for them.

My husband never had any toys when he was a kid, so I guess you're right.

[Saddle Bronc 124]

Frankly, the whole idea that any kid needs toys makes me laugh. If they don't have a toy, let them play with a fuсking stick and a rock. It's worked for other people, it'll work for them.

or even with imagination-only (lots of children can play games that way, and almost all Indian children have done so).

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Frankly, the whole idea that any kid needs toys makes me laugh. If they don't have a toy, let them play with a fuсking stick and a rock. It's worked for other people, it'll work for them.

Imagine telling your friends that Santa brought you a stick and a rock for Christmas? Might as well paint a target on your child.

[Darnell 8,478]

This is so cool !!!

Perhaps is linkage for 'receiving federal monies' somewhere, to make this check ...

ICE ROCKS !!!

Seriously, if it turns into a sweep, I think it's a good thing - I have no positive feelings for illegal aliens (and it shows ). Ya Ya, I know, there was no mention of a sweep in the article.

Oh, ya - these folk are not 'immigration advocacy' - they are 'leave the illegals alone' advocates...

Edited December 2, 2009 by Darnell

[Nagishkaw 510]

Imagine telling your friends that Santa brought you a stick and a rock for Christmas? Might as well paint a target on your child.

That's just silly.

[DeadPoolX 9]

While I despise illegal immigration (note that I hate the practice, not the people), the kids aren't at fault here. Even if the kid was used as a tool to remain in the U.S. as a so-called "anchor baby", the kid still didn't get say in the matter. Punishing the kid for what his parents did is unnecessary and considering the context, somewhat cruel.

[AlHayatZween 2]

Frankly, the whole idea that any kid needs toys makes me laugh. If they don't have a toy, let them play with a fuсking stick and a rock. It's worked for other people, it'll work for them.

[Anastassia 0]

Frankly, the whole idea that any kid needs toys makes me laugh. If they don't have a toy, let them play with a fuсking stick and a rock. It's worked for other people, it'll work for them.

You obviously have no children. No child will die without toys but in today's world, especially here in the US, where people buy so many toys, most of them can afford to donate one for an underprivileged child and if you play Santa you should not bring Immigration with you. If ICE wanted to detain illegal aliens, they could do that. They obviously don't want to.

[HAL 9000 96]

While I despise illegal immigration (note that I hate the practice, not the people), the kids aren't at fault here. Even if the kid was used as a tool to remain in the U.S. as a so-called "anchor baby", the kid still didn't get say in the matter. Punishing the kid for what his parents did is unnecessary and considering the context, somewhat cruel.

Very much so. This separates the humanists from the plain and simple SOBs out there. [sarcasm]Very much in the Holiday Spirit.[/sarcasm]

[Nina~ 431]

While I despise illegal immigration (note that I hate the practice, not the people), the kids aren't at fault here. Even if the kid was used as a tool to remain in the U.S. as a so-called "anchor baby", the kid still didn't get say in the matter. Punishing the kid for what his parents did is unnecessary and considering the context, somewhat cruel.

Very much so. This separates the humanists from the plain and simple SOBs out there. [sarcasm]Very much in the Holiday Spirit.[/sarcasm]

I totally agree.. Kids should not be punished for their parent's sins. It is very cruel to sideline these kids.. Makes me wonder what the real meaning of Christmas is anymore!

Edited December 2, 2009 by Nina Ballerina

[Danno 1,228]

Funny thing is, many Charities check the address of needy families to make sure they come from their district, no ones been complaining about that.

I'm betting donations are increased greatly when givers are assured these gifts are going to fellow Americans.

This speaks more about the givers... than the agency if this is true.