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Of all the retailers to find themselves in a heated debate about immigration, Toys R Us is one of the more unlikely ones. But the toy retailer is under some criticism concerning how it handled a newborn's situation in a New Year's contest. Toys R Us offers a $25,000 scholarship towards college education for a baby born in the new year. The NY Times reports that three babies were tied for being the first baby: One from Bay Shore, NY, one from Gainesville, Georgia, and one from NYC's Downtown Hospital, Yuki Lin.
Baby Jayden Swain of Gainesville ended up winning the drawing, but Toys R Us disqualified baby Yuki (pictured, with her parents and delivery team) from the drawing because her parents, two 22 year old Chinese restaurant workers, are not legal residents - even though Yuki herself is an American citizen!
While the contest's fine print says the mother needs to be a legal resident, this has brought out some critics. The president of the Asian American Business Development John Wang says, "The schools accept children whose parents are illegal aliens in this country, so why is Toys ‘R’ Us taking this kind of position? They’re supported by many people, whether they’re legal or illegal, shopping in their stores, and they’re injecting themselves into this debate.” More from the Times:
Leo Y. Lee, 49, an engineer who is past national vice president of the Organization of Chinese Americans, an advocacy organization, pointed out that the savings bond was awarded in the name of the baby, not the mother, and that there was no legal requirement for a rule barring the American-born child of an illegal immigrant.Dear lord... Sure, who knows if baby Yuki would have won the drawing if she was still eligible, but it seems like Toys R Us dropped the ball on this one, PR-wise (and they just opened a big store in Shangahi!). It's complicated and dicey.“I am strongly opposed to the Toys ‘R’ Us decision to give the award to another baby just based solely on the mother’s status,” he said. His group, he said, does not “condone or approve illegal immigration, but anyone who is here should be protected by law — especially a baby with the same rights as any other citizen.”
But comments by Ms. Keller, the grandmother of the winning baby, hinted at the wrath that the company risked from the other side at a time when the most stringent critics of illegal immigration have called for an end to birthright citizenship, saying the children born to illegal immigrants are “anchor babies” who encourage illegal entry.
“If she’s an illegal alien, that makes the baby illegal,” said Ms. Keller, 50. Told otherwise, she remarked, “Sounds like a double standard to me,” adding, “She was disqualified — that should be it. Don’t go changing your mind now.”
What do you think? Remember when the Times Square Toys R Us was in a kerfuffle with breast feeding moms? And NYC's Downtown Hospital delivers more babies than most city hospitals.
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Why weren't they arrested?
btw: If I renounce my citizenship can I avoid paying taxes as well? Amnesty bill says that the illegals get 2 tax free years. Should we require equal rights to US citizens as well? I would love that that..For example, 2006 and 2007 no need to pay taxes..
Ignoring that the rules of the contest makes it moot: Can't wait for the Right Wingers to jump on this one!
As for Ms. Keller, She's mistaken, the baby isn't "illegal" but rather an American citizen.
The rules clearly state you must be a citizen for the contest... this whole story is rediclous. The rule was in place, it wasnt just decided on a whim at the last minute. I'm getting tired of the growing sense of entitlement.
Word, the rules are clear. They're just mad because they tried to get over and instead got busted.
Right. It's not as though this is a government-sponsored scholarship program. This is a major corporation 'contest' (though the competitve nature of giving birth on New Year's is dubious) with clear rules.
I think it's a shitty rule and I think everyone in this country needs to remember that there are very few of us left in the country that *aren't* immigrants, but the rules for the contest are clear.
RULES IS RULES
Did any of you read the rules?
It says Legal Resident, that means many things.
Mainly it means they have papers.
I find it odd that the "renounce" your citizenship argument always comes from the right. Why do they hate America so much?
did you read it? they are illegal aliens -- NOT legal residents first of all. second, they are trying to use the media to apply force to "steal" the prize from another family that legally won. Enough already. I dont know why the media searches these stories out, just to infuriate both sides of the issue?
They're not illegal aliens if they are documented.
They're legal residents, not undocumented.
And, Why you hate America so much?
Should've read the rules of the contest before they entered. Too bad, so sad.
I love America. I just dislike Americans.
The contest required the mother to be a "legal" resident of the US. She should have read the rules.
And I agree with Josh that they are now adding insult to injury by trying to use public sympathy to pressure Toys R Us. They should be arrested and deported.
Not one person speaking on behalf of the New York parents made a valid argument. The man that says if the government must educate illegals then corporations must give prizes to illegals as well? Explain that leap of logic. The rules were pretty clear that about the status of the parents, not the infant.
And isn't the US like the only country that grants citizenship to babies born of nonresidents? Either throw them out or make them legal and make them pay taxes.
'And isn't the US like the only country that grants citizenship to babies born of nonresidents?'
That's BS! Someone here needs to go back to school. MANY countries has the same policy.
Being an undocumented immigrant does no mean that they don't pay taxes. That kind of generalization makes me sick.
but it seems like Toys R Us dropped the ball on this one,
Why? Americans don't boycott, they complain loudly and then do the same thing.
Wal-Mart has the worst PR in the world, but you don't see them closing down anywhere, do you?
"there are very few of us left in the country that *aren't* immigrants"
Why is it so many people cannot comprehend the difference between legal and illegal immigration?
I'm *not* anti-immigrant by any means, but I'm going to risk being a douchebag by asking who paid the hospital bill. I ask only because one of my uninsured friends left a pharmacy the other day bawling because she couldn't afford her prescription.
As far as the contest, doesn't the standard contest or sweeps rule template usually include that the winners have to be legal residents? I don't understand why there was so much controversy - no one is entitled to win a contest.
Toys R US did the Right thing by following its stated rules and
the right thing in interpreting its rules. It is so wonderful that
a Real United States citizen won the prize for Their child. It is a shame that the govt insists we pay for illegals education (at least
until the illegals are deported or self deport) which is just a matter
of time. So why do illegals expect that they can now make demands on corporate contests to get the rules changed????
Could it be that real United States citizens follow the rules, and
don't cotton to illegals who always want the rules changed to
accommodate them. This is not an issue with race--it is an
issue with legality----as well as a reaction to illegals attitude
of entitlement.
everybody seems to be overlooking the most important fact.
why is a baby being given a $25,000 scholarship for being born on a lucky day in the first place? this is utter bs.
Isn't it a fact that we are descendants of illegals when this country first began?? Yep, we are all anchor babies! Go figure...
No green cardy, no winny.
Why aren't the illegal mexicans who hang out on the street corners on Steinway and Broadway ever rounded up by the NYPD?
what a mess.
I have to side with Toys R Us on this one, though the end result is a complete cop-out (awarding scholarship money to all three babies). Have you heard the story (I believe it was on Dateline last weekend) that Hispanic immigrants are plopping out anchor babies all along the Gulf Coast, so now the demographic make-up of New Orleans figures Hispanic as the largest minority group, which was NOT the case pre-Katrina? I understand wanting to make a better way for a child, but children follow by example. Veiling an illegal action as sacrifice is just setting a trend for dishonest behaviour throughout life, saying that falling through the cracks, lurking in the shadows, and leeching off of an economy without really contributing to its sustainment (hello TAXES!) is okay. It's not. and folks certainly shouldnt be rewarded when they are doing something ILLEGAL! that baby is 100% criminal by virtue of her lineage. SORRY.
Did our ancestors have green cards? I don't think so...
What the F are "anchor babies"?
Is this a new racist term and how did the grandmother even know this term?
If you live your life, why should you even bother with this? Is your life that bad?
"I ask only because one of my uninsured friends left a pharmacy the other day bawling because she couldn't afford her prescription." -Douchebag
Right, that's the fault of immigrants...it wouldn't have anything to do with the drug companies...oh wait, no, that would actually make sense.
Tell your uninsured friend to get a job with benefits, like working at a starbucks, they give benefits for people who work 21 hours/week or more.
It's funny to watch the rest of you spazz out about immigration, it's been happening, it's still happening, it will always happen, get over it.
I think they really need to start enforcing our laws so we no longer have to debate these issues. If you want to change the laws, fine --- lobby for it, but in the meantime strictly enforce the laws as they stand -- same for the contest rules.
Right, that's the fault of immigrants...it wouldn't have anything to do with the drug companies...oh wait, no, that would actually make sense.
I'd blame lawyers, myself... but that's just realism.
It's funny to watch the rest of you spazz out about immigration, it's been happening, it's still happening, it will always happen, get over it.
I don't think anyone has a problem with immigration. I think people have a problem with ILLEGAL Immigration. It's funny to listen to people who don't understand this.
The hospital and physicians should be sure to collect part of that $25,000 to cover the delivery bills.
The headline of the article is a flat out lie. Toys R Us has loves Babies Born to Immigrants. But this mother is not an immigrant; she's an illegal alien.
Like all illegal aliens, she stole what belongs to an American.
It is against the tax law to hand out money to illegals (because they would need social security numbers..Now they probably use somebody else's SSN so it is an identity theft which is a felony).
I hope the SSN they are using belongs to some commie and the IRS goes after her for not reporting the 25k winning.
99.9% of contests, sweepstakes, offers and the like in the U.S. have the exact same clause regarding citizenship.
Do a search online.
Here is a Google search:
TinyURL.com/uv2f6
Boilerplate stuff really...
I do hope some lawyer takes on this case and it goes to the Supreme Court and thus we will then find out if 14th Amendment includes children born to illegal aliens. This has never been tested.
Now go arrest them.
I will make sure my family purchases all of their toys from them for doing the right thing.
Yes, why were they not arrested and deported? We need more immigration officers.
When abrecrombie and fitch had a T-shirt and a auto dealership offended the chinese according to co-worker,who's chinese,one of the designated ,articulate chinese launch the email campaign which is on standby 24 hours a day.This include thousands of chinese here and abroad.Most of the time the company dont even let it become public they reversed course as the barrage of emails start coming in.He said 300-500 emails does wonders the first day.
The title of the article is misleading to say the least. I agree that it is unfortunate that US citizens and legal immigrants have such a difficult time understanding the difference between tolerance of legal immigrants versus illegal immigrants. I fully support legal immigration to it's fullest.
I also feel it unfortunate that a company that is trying to do so much good is coming under media scrutiny for upholding the law/contest rules. The United States should take a stand and do the same for itself.
Nice biased headline, Jen. Dare to be objective when the Asian stories come up.
I love legal immigrants; but I am troubled by illegal immigrants. The "anchor baby" rule needs to be challenged and revoked. I am deeply disturbed by my government's failure to secure our borders. But in this case, my opinion has nothing to do with the facts.
The rules of the contest are clear and, yes, they are boilerplate rules. So they didn't deserve to win.
Additionally, douchebag and I are paying for this hospital bill via the tax revenue we supply since we are law abiding citizens and don't get paid under the table.
I'm an asian and a legal immigrant. I follow the rules all the way, waiting years to get even get a green card sponsored by my employer. It pissed me off to see illegal immigrants demanding rights, when they have none. Sure the baby is citizen by birth, but Rules are Rules damn it!
Toys ‘R’ Us commits felony if they give this money to people without social security number and illegal person commits felony as well by receiving it. IRS will go after the people who got the $25k and did not report it. This is a fraud.
Re anchor babies:
Report: 40 percent of county's Medi-Cal births to illegal immigrants
http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2007/01/07/news/top_stories/20_40_021_6_07.txt
Hey haters, WE all win.
Toys r' us reversed their decision, all three babies will get a 25k bond for college.
And, the term used was a Legal Resident of the U.S.
that's anyone who came to this country legally and the parents may have came here on a Visa or sponsored by a relative.
That's Legal.
And, who the hell cares about the NC Times????
seeya, haters.
I don't see any forms that state you must be a "citizen" to win.
I'm Missouri, Show me.
Now that Toys R Us has reversed its decision, it needs to withhold the prize until the illegal immigrant has appropriately applied for legal status and give her a time limit; if she fails, no prize. I disagree too with the "anchor baby" rule; that is the reason illegals have kids as soon as they hit US soil; it grants them permanent illegal status. It makes one sick to think of how many other government or other programs hand out money to illegals; taking away from the citizens who are rightly here and have earned their keep.
Serious question as I'm not familiar with this "anchor baby" term. I do know that babies born on American soil are eligible for American citizenship, but does that by right extend citizenship to parents? I'm guessing no.
Would there be a situation where the parents were deported but the baby would be allowed to stay? (e.g. if the baby had grandparents who were here legally?)
This is a complete outrage. As far as I'm concerned, there should be a task force of the I.C.E. solely dedicated to reading news articles and acting on every illegal immigrant news story like this one. With pictures, faces, names and locations of their whereabouts - it shouldn't be a difficult task at all to just get two guys down there and get 'em!
America doesn't "belong" to anyone. America is made of of people from all countries and all coutries have a stake in its future. America "belongs" to the WORLD, and anyone who wnts to take advantage of American benefits has every right to do so. Got it?
Unlike with the federal government where you have seemingly little control over these types of issues, Toys R Us is a private company. I encourage those of you who disagree with their decision reversal to write, call, or email Toys R Us. Let them know how disgusted you are with this decision. In fact, don't shop their anymore and let them know that you plan to do so!
I agree. The only reason the decision got reversed in the first place was because of this "email campaign." We should start our own email campaign.
BTW, how come nobody is concerned about the baby who would have won if this baby had not? That baby's parents played by the rules!!
1)This was a contest by a private corporation ... not a government agency so Toys-r-Us makes the rules.
2)The 14th Amendment has YET TO BE TESTED in court as to whether children born of non citizens on American soil are American "citizens". 14th Amendment applies to those slaves who were under the juridiction of the US gov. READ UP
3)Want to be We The Taxpayers funded the child's birth because the "illegal" parents took advantange of our screwed up medical emergency system? Hmmm?
1)This was a contest by a private corporation ... not a government agency so Toys-r-Us makes the rules.
2)The 14th Amendment has YET TO BE TESTED in court as to whether children born of non citizens on American soil are American "citizens". 14th Amendment applies to those slaves who were under the juridiction of the US gov. READ UP
3)Want to bet We The Taxpayers funded the child's birth because the "illegal" parents took advantange of our screwed up medical emergency system? Hmmm?
Hey I'm basically adding to Philip but there seems to be a big part of the 14th amendment everyone is missing. It states "Every person born within the U.S. is a legal citizen... THIS WILL NOT, OF COURSE, INCLUDE PERSONS IN THE US WHO ARE FOREIGNERS, ALIENS..." This is straight from the constitution. I don't see how these "anchor babies" are getting this special right. Its clear as day right there. Illegal aliens are illegal, born here or not.
Oh yeah, and if these people can get into the country illegally, congress is rewarding crime and punishing people who follow the law.
I think I'll go rob a bank now.
Sorry, made a mistake. The thing I said was really what the author of what the 14th amendment said, not what the amendment said. My bad.
But don't get too excited. This still means the amendment doesn't give the right of citizenship to illegal immigrants, according to the writer's interpretation. And interpretation is really all that matters in government.
A few things bug me about this whole flap. One the rule clearly stated parents must be legal residents of the US. If we suspend all contest rules in the US than should a teen be allowed to win a trip to the Playboy mansion or a case of beer from a liquor contest? I don't care what the contest is or who is involved rules should be rules.
Second its funny to see the Asian Business group protest unfairness and racism. Perhaps they can explain how 99.9% of people working in Asian food establishments are ASIAN. Did you ever here of Equal Employment laws? Last time I checked all ethnic groups could wait tables or checkout orders. To extort a prize like they did from a well intentioned store is disgusting to me and it ruins it for everyone else because other stores see what happened and probably won't do a similar event.
Third, why didn't ICE arrest the parents for being illegal? See its a real slippery slope.
First you break a law to gain entry to a country, cause well its a stupid law that stands in your way to make money. Than you disregard getting a license or insurance because well thats a stupid law that gets in your way. Where does it end?