Portland, Tennessee Blog

Portland does have an immigration problem. Too many councilmen have immigrated into the city with bizaar ideas. We need to deport them.

It is always interesting to hear respondents in discussions mention the need to learn the English language. Unfortunately, most Americans are currently functionally illiterate. It doesn't take an English teacher to realize that many persons speaking and writing in forums cannot spell, assign proper subject-verb agreement in sentences, or understand written statements enough to correctly respond to them. We have become a nation of linguistically lazy and verbally challenged citizens, and we expect outsiders to come here and write, read, and correctly interpret a language we butcher on a moment-by-moment basis.

I agree with you to Jessica. I agree they should have to learn our lang. and our ways over here. Trust me some cities in Mexico will put up with English but some other cities WILL NOT period!! I'm not racist either I just wish there were ways around it for them. I mean they come over here illegally (some of them) and they use our money for medical treatment and what not. Thats why we pay taxes for each week. It's just a sad world were living in right now in my opinion....

I am far from being racist,but I,too,see your point. However, because of someone's skin color or accent, we can not automatically assume they are here illegally,although that is what so many of us do. I think my main concern is for the ones who are here legally being so out of touch with our language. I am not one to try to pick up another language,but I am from here, and this is what I have been taught. If we were to move to Mexico,I don't think all of our strictly english language would be tolerated by their police and businesses. We would have to learn their ways,and I believe they need to learn ours as well.I also find it so upsetting the way I have seen a few hispanic gentlemen treat our policemen. At a gas station, there were 4 hispanic men pumping gas, the police officer pulled up to pump gas as well and he said "hello fellows,how are ya'll doing?" and all of the men looked at him very confused,like they had no idea what he was talking about. The police officer smiled and said "Have a nice day" and drove off. After he left, I heard the hispanic men calling him vulgar names and speaking pretty good english and I was appauled at how they acted. I just don't want to become the minority in my own hometown,but if they want to come here and be apart of our community,please do so,but don't take advantage of it.

SC I think there is a problem that needs to be addressed by someone.

DA I mean the humans South of the border.

I think what this topic is referring to is the illegals that are here. Such as the Mexicans. I'm not saying all Mexicans that live in Portland are here illegally but if they are they need to go home. Most states are looking for ways to combat this problem. I say if one enters or is already in the US they should be fined, gave a year to learn English and a year to either become a citizen or get the proper paperwork to be here. IF this can't be accomplished, GO HOME! I have to say since all the uproar about the illegals I have not noticed as many Mexicans in Portland. Maybe they are staying out of sight. I think anyone that enters the US for an extended amount of time should already know English before they are allowed to cross our borders.

I can't help but ask if jason and any others who agree with him could define this problematic immigration situation. Are you talking about people who have come here from south of the border, or those who have come here from north of the Mason-Dixon line? I was once told by a supposed "friend" that the difference between a Yankee and a Damn Yankee is that a Damn Yankee doesn't go home. Unfortunately, I have found elements of that attitude here in Portland. I wish the locals could understand that there are actually people who have chosen to move here. But when treated like a Damn Yankee, they aren't likely to want to stay. I can't imagine what those people who come here from another country must feel.

I don't really spend much time in Portland (downtown, businesses, etc.)to really know if there is or not. I haven't really noticed any living near me or anything like that though. What makes you think there is problem here with it? Have you had experiences with it?