I'm heading home for summer next week and I'm going to see my friends from back home. A lot of you have probably already heard about SB1070 in Arizona that passed http://www.nowpublic.com/world/arizona-passes-sb1070-immigration-bill-curb-illegal-immigrants . One of my friends is half Mexican (his grandparents immigrated here legally from Mexico) and he is obviously extremely opposed to the bill and he is quite pissed since he goes to college in AZ. I, however, support the bill (no bashing, this thread isn't a political discussion). I know that this topic is going to come up over the summer and I'm going to not say anything about it or contribute to any discussion about it, but I have a feeling that my friends will want my input, or for me to agree with their opposition to the bill. By stating my beliefs, my friends may not want to speak to me again (I know he won't). What do I say? I have no idea how to handle something like this and I know this probably will not be the only time in my life when a situation like this arises, so I'd like to have some suggestions in my pocket for future reference. TIA!
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Different Viewpoints (I need help.)
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I have heard many LEGAL immigrants express opposition privately to those who choose to come to the US illegally so maybe the topic won't come up betweeen you two. If it does, you could simply say that this country was built by immigrants and that you support LEGAL immigration. People coming to this country should do so LEGALLY, as his grandparents did. And leave it at that.
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Originally Posted By: readytogoIf it does, you could simply say that this country was built by immigrants and that you support LEGAL immigration. People coming to this country should do so LEGALLY, as his grandparents did. And leave it at that. This would be the best thing to say if it ever came up.
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If it comes up, maybe you could suggest that, instead of debating the bill, you could both read the bill and THEN discuss it...ask each other questions about it and so on. There's nothing worse then trying to have a discussion about something when one or both parties are lacking the facts of the matter.
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I would hope that with friends it would be possible to say "I don't agree with you on this" without losing the friendship. It all depends on how you do it. Keep your temper, don't belittle the other view, and know when to say no more.