I don't care what your religion is (or lack there of),I don't care what your race is or your sex, or

[Augiedog]

your sexual identity. I don't care if your agree or disagree with me and my outlook on life, I don't care if you are young or old, rich or poor, have disabilities or are an athlete of international quality. You need refuge from a collapsed society, war, a crazed leader, lack of food or just want a fresh start in life. As long as you have a good heart, desire freedom and a safe place for your life and all the other lives you will encounter here, I say welcome.

pay no attention to the thing in Washington hiding behind the gates of the White House. He does not represent America. He, and his like, will be gone soon and you will see that we are not what he is. So again, welcome

[LittleBlue]

1. I do

The religious nutters are the biggest reason we're in this situation. Elected Bush, started wars that led to terrorist attacks and unimaginable human suffering. Now we have Trump thanks to the same crowd. Then you look east at the psychos throwing gay people off buildings in Syria, and sending that craziness to Europe.

I'm done with religion. It does more harm than good in 2017.

[former9thward]

2. Guess you weren't around in the 70s, 80s, and 90s.

There were plenty of terrorist attacks long before any wars. 9/11 occurred before the wars not after.

[old guy]

4. As it always has been only now on steroids.

[starshine00]

6. I am with you

and there are many moderate muslims who want European countries of immigration to deal with extremists and extremism instead of painting with such a broad brush. I am a progressive and I support progressive people and I am not supporting religious conservatives, especially gay-hating ones, whether they are christian, jewish, muslim, hindu, or whatever else.

[former9thward]

3. There are probably 5 billion people who would like to live in the U.S.

Where do you draw the line? Or are you part of the open borders crowd?

[Augiedog]

5. Your assumption that 5 billion people want to live here is based on what set of FACTS? Did you

interview them? Take a pole? I suspect most people would like their country to be what the U.S. Is supposed to be and stay there. People don't leave unless there is a very good reason. Sometimes even war won't drive out the indigenous populations. But I think you might want to take a look at,say, one industry like the tech industry and see what having a good immigration policy does for you. And I mean you personally... do you like your tech gadgets, like the one you are holding in your hand right now. Think about it.

[former9thward]

7. People die, literally, trying to get here.

But you think they are happy to be there. Anecdotally I have been in 41 countries so far and I have long lost count of the number of people who asked if I could help them get to the U.S. But you think they want to stay. Naivety is in large supply.

You did not answer my question to no one's surprise. What if it is only 10% of 5 billion -- 500 million. Is that ok for you?

[Augiedog]

8. I'm sorry you couldn't discern my answer from what I wrote. I'm happy you are well traveled.

I'm nowhere near as well traveled. I think anyone who wants to try to come here should apply, and if we have a rational set of immigration rules we will be fine. What we have now is a scapegoat style immigration system where some groups are demonized while others are given a pass. Of course we have to be selective, but based on reason not reactionary delusional ideologies that only serve to diminish our country. All nations have immigration policies, but I will say this too, Fredrick Douglas said, and I paraphrase, "anyone should be able to go anywhere their feet can take them"