How do you feel about the immigration issue as it pertains to the US southern border, please speak your mind?
451533
I feel that anyone who wasn't born in the US or who wasn't born to parents who have citizenship in the US must be required to apply for immigration.  Residing in the country without a valid visa or US citizenship is ILLEGAL, and nullfies all rights which any liberals might seek to provide law breakers of any nationality.
334869
I think that a bill needs to be passed to help curb illegal immigration.  There are plenty of opportunites for people to legally immigrate.  Do it legally.  Then there won't be this problem.  I applaude the independant people who stand along to US/Mexico border to help stop the illegal immigration.  I don't think that the illegal immigrants realize how much of a strain they place on the US economy.  They can't get health insurance, driver's licenses or any of the things that they need.  Everyone else is forced to pick up the tab for them.  I feel bad for the kids of illegal immigrants who are US citizens but that's the chance that their parents tooks when they chose to move here illegally.  They need to go!  I know that sounds mean but that's how I feel.
548471
I dont know what a "Mexican issue" would be. If you are talking about illegal immigrants, I think that it is a bad thing that we need to have under control
548674
Only half in jest,you're entitled to your wrong opinion.seriously, Iraq has\nbeen a big problem for a few years,& we are probably taking a butt  whipping.Vietnam,redux.But I strongly disagree that the border/illegals thing is a non issue.Back in 1986, there was an amnesty declared for all the millions of illegals that had snuck over the border. The arguments back then were similar(with the exception of terrorism).Some things are still true-illegals still take some jobs that americans dont want. But they also take jobs that we can & will do. FYI, reps from the govts of honduras, guatemala and mexico expressed displeasure about our border security & said our policies violated the human & working rights of citizens of these countries. READ THAT LAST SENTENCE AGAIN. Mexican border guards kill guatemalan illegals by the truckload, then mexico complains about US??? IS THIS THE UNITED STATES OR Los Estados Unidos De Mexico y America Central???
1094877
I totally agree with you.  I live in one of those states.  The city I live in is now 96% hispanic.\nI don't have to tell you what that means.\nAs far as the comment that you are not illegal and don't have to go through what they are going through is crap.  No one forces them to cross the border.  I am tried of all the complaining about the American people and our government.  They need to do something about their own government.  By the way, my city now looks like Tijuana.  The very kind of city they are trying to get away from.  And for all you bleeding hearts in other areas that are not being affected by this yet.  Sit tight.  Coming soon to a city near you.l
616044
I'm a liberal Democrate and I have to say that we must secure our borders.  The Sheriff of Maricope is doing what the Federal government should be doing.  We must have controll of who comes into the country to remain free.  This doesn't mean throw all the "illegals" who are here now, out, and do not close our borders to legal immigration, but we must stop new "illegals" from gaining entry into our nation.  If you or I break a law, we pay the price, well, so should the people breaking our laws by sneaking over our borders.
438736
No.  And those that do have the most pathetic arguments in support of it.  It's always "compassion." Or they try to tie it to the civil rights movement of the 60.\n\nNEWS FLASH\nIllegals aliens are NOT citizens.  They have only HUMAN rights in the USA.  THAT'S IT.  They have no Constitutionally guaranteed rights.\n\nDeporting them is NOT a civil rights issue.  We have the right to manage our immigration policy however we see fit.\n\nAnd regarding compassion, I have tons of compassion for them.  But we have a country to run, and we can't let people just waltz into the USA.  WE CAN'T ALLOW THEM TO IMPORT POLITICS.  Poor, uneducated, illiterate people tend to like SOCIALISM.  I don't.  I'm not talking about good all american bleeding heart liberalism.  I'm talking about Castro quality SOCIALISM.\n\nAlso, they are massing in the Southwest by the MILLIONS.  Do you realize that the population of TEXAS is 22 million.  And the proposed legislation wants to make 12 million illegals citizens.  And MOST of those are in the southwest.  So, don't you think the people of these states have the right to not get their vote diluted by potential SOCIALISTS.  this is not about race.  I have no problem with people who are here legally.  But when you allow millions of people in, they congregate together and hold the same political leanings (like allegiance to Mexico and socialistic beliefs).  The fact that most can't speak English just strengthens their solidarity and reinforces their beliefs because they can't understand what most Americans are saying.\n\nThis has the makings of ethnic strife written all over it.  Look at Northern Ireland. Iraq. France. Cyprus. Sudan. Turkey AND Iran with the Kurds.  Quebec in France.  There is a clear correlation between ethnic strife when large areas do not integrate into the whole.  this is what will happen if we have entire cities with millions of new non-English speaking spring up in the southwest.  And this will happen if we have an open border.  The 12 million that we're talking about right now is just a start.  What about the next 30 years???\n\nAnd don't be fooled by the "guest worker" program.  They'll still be dirt poor, but "legal."  Then they'll have a basis for petitioning for rights.  They WILL want citizenship EN MASSE.  It will be the exact same situation, but worse since they'll have been INVITED.\n\nPersonally, I'd rather pay a dollar more per pound of oranges, rather than have my kids or grandkids bombed or have to fight a civil war.
715778
you could do the current issue of immigration.  There is a ton of information (and opinion pieces) out there right now because it is such a huge issue in the U.S.
847436
Expecting people to respect the law is not racist. I agree with your position, but I do care who is in the country. Respecting the law begins with not entering the country illegally. Have no fear though Democrats are going to give them amnesty and then they will all be legal. The new incoming head of the Homeland Security Committee has stated that his first goal will be to review the border fence with an eye towards scrapping the whole project. I am also sure that now that Democrats control The House, The Senate's first order of business will be to pass the Kennedy/McCain immigration bill, which will not only legalize all that are hear already, but will also allow no less than 400000 new immigrants into the country per year. The major stumbling block to passage has been that the House would not accept it and that doesn't appear to be a problem anymore.
699531
Well, that is a good question, and it depends on how you look at it, or what your view is on the issue of immigration (That is the correct way to spell immigration, not immagration)\n\nCongress was lost to the Democrats because of the war in Iraq, not immigration issues. The media and the elitists of both parties hardly had the courage to bring up the illegal immigration issue when it came to the election. The only one who had true courage on this very important issue was and still is, Lou Dobbs of CNN. \n\nMore than likely the elitist of both parties in congress, will do nothing on this issue, until one of their sons or daughters have been victimized by an illegal immigrant gang member. Maybe MS-13. Who knows.\n\nHowever, I still refuse to have any contractor at my house who has illegal immigrants working for them. \n\nThe real problem though is the people who come here illegally. While they run over the northern border like scared rats. They leave their brothers and sisters in the states of Oaxaca and Chiapas Mexico to fight for economic justice, and social equality. \n\nBut, you need an answer for your question, and the answer is, we will have to wait and see.
1054204
I have gone to Mexico before, unlike amy of the people here who comment on it ignorantly. \n\nOn the  beach in Tijuana, a corrugated border wall that extends about 100 feet into the ocean divides the U.S. from Mexico. The wall divides two different worlds.\n\nOn the Tijuana side, the barrier is covered by a memorial to those who died trying to cross into the U.S. While we were on the beach during a recent visit, small children ran up to us begging for food.\n\nThat same day, an injured seal washed up on shore on the U.S. side. San Diego’s Sea World immediately sent a rescue crew in a Land Rover. Aquarium employees assured us that the seal would be transported safely to Sea World, where it would be fed and its injuries tended to.\n\nThe contrast with the future that faces human beings on the other side of the wall couldn’t be more obvious. More than half of Mexico’s population lives at or below the official poverty line. Many survive on less than 1,200 calories a day--half of what’s considered necessary to remain healthy. \n\nOf course, this isn’t because there’s not enough food. The real source of the poverty is an economic system that depends on competition between Mexican and American workers.\n\nThat’s why the U.S. has turned its border with Mexico into a militarized zone--with Border Patrol agents armed with the latest weapons. Since 1994, the US administration has poured money into border enforcement. The effect has been to make crossing into the U.S. more dangerous than ever--leading to increased deaths among Mexicans whose only "crime" was to want a better life.\n\nWe Americans, rolling in our over-abundance of money, food, and basically anything we want we can get attitude should be ashamed to not welcome these people in. \n\nThere is no "immigrant crisis" at all. It is a myth.  It is a political move aimed at US citizens anger and predjudice, aimed to rile up people and direct thier discontent over the quagmire in Iraq and the Katrina neglect, and the corporate fleecing of our economy...  It works, poor people are easy scapegoats, all of the people who buy into this nonsense about a "crisis" should hang thier heads in shame.  Especially the ones who support these neo-nazi hategroups like the MinuteKlan.
1153484
We are all humans,sadly there are some that think the color of skin or  racial origin make them better than others others! I agree that the illegals are creating a big problem in this country,I agree that many of them come here and drain our system and resources\nI sat here several hours last night,just thinking.I tried to imagine myself as a parent in a country where there wasn't much opportunity to provide for a family.A country where a large portion of the population doesn't have running water.Can you even imagine what their lives must be like if they'd risk everything to cross the desert in a semi? I asked myself "what would I do" I think I would do what others have done and chance crossing the border and then try to become a citizen.From what I am told,if you live in such a country,obviously you wouldn't have the means of applying for citizenship before crossing the border.And being that you have little or no funds the US probably wouldn't approve your paper work anyways.Would any of you stay there and listen to your children cry because they are hungry or thirsty?Or would you cross the border?Not all illegals come here with criminal intent.Although just being here is illegal,I think you might have a different view if it were you and your family!\nAnd where does the blame truly belong? Illegal immigrants have been here for as long as I can remember.We didn't just wake up a few weeks ago and they were here! Our government turned their watchful eye the other way and let it happen. Have you ever wondered why?What were they getting in return? Who was benefiting from looking the other way.Have you wondered why after all the decades ,why our government suddenly wants  to put an end to them crossing our borders? Look at the news,everytime our government or someone connected to the gov.makes a huge blunder,an event has been created to take the attention away from the blunder! When the thing with Clinton and Monica first hit the news,the next night we heard about two guys carrying viles filled with Anthrax.I told my daughter not to be scared because it was only a deversion and that it would be reported later that they had made a mistake,sure enough that's exactly what happened!So look to the news .An election is coming up,and then there's that report that our Marines have deliberately killed innocent women and children in Iraq.Have you wondered why the trial for saddam is taking such a long time to conduct? Is that really saddam or a look alike?  Do any of us really have any answers?All I can say is that as a result of recent headlines,I see this country dividing and it is scary!
560684
No. It's the present!\n\nThat article was written poorly!  After reading it three times, I still haven't figured out if it's the American police or Mexican police!   Anyways, it doesn't matter regarding your question.  It sounds like one criminal group is fighting another for an illegal smuggling route.  What does the immigration law have to do with that? \n\nBreaking the law is just that!  We are finally trying to enforce some of our immigration laws. Our Southern border is our weakest link in our national security. It's about time we're doing something about it!
497615
Here it is:\n\n Good evening. I have asked for a few minutes of your time to discuss a matter of national importance: the reform of America's immigration system.\n\nThe issue of immigration stirs intense emotions and in recent weeks, Americans have seen those emotions on display. On the streets of major cities, crowds have rallied in support of those in our country illegally. At our southern border, others have organized to stop illegal immigrants from coming in. Across the country, Americans are trying to reconcile these contrasting images.\n\nAnd in Washington, the debate over immigration reform has reached a time of decision. Tonight, I will make it clear where I stand, and where I want to lead our country on this vital issue.\n\nWe must begin by recognizing the problems with our immigration system. For decades, the United States has not been in complete control of its borders. As a result, many who want to work in our economy have been able to sneak across our border and millions have stayed.\n\nOnce here, illegal immigrants live in the shadows of our society. Many use forged documents to get jobs, and that makes it difficult for employers to verify that the workers they hire are legal. Illegal immigration puts pressure on public schools and hospitals, strains state and local budgets, and brings crime to our communities. These are real problems, yet we must remember that the vast majority of illegal immigrants are decent people who work hard, support their families, practice their faith, and lead responsible lives. They are a part of American life but they are beyond the reach and protection of American law.\n\nWe are a nation of laws, and we must enforce our laws. We are also a nation of immigrants, and we must uphold that tradition, which has strengthened our country in so many ways. These are not contradictory goals. America can be a lawful society and a welcoming society at the same time. We will fix the problems created by illegal immigration, and we will deliver a system that is secure, orderly and fair. So I support comprehensive immigration reform that will accomplish five clear objectives.\n\nFirst, the United States must secure its borders. This is a basic responsibility of a sovereign nation. It is also an urgent requirement of our national security. Our objective is straightforward: The border should be open to trade and lawful immigration and shut to illegal immigrants, as well as criminals, drug dealers and terrorists.\n\nI was the governor of a state that has a 1,200-mile border with Mexico. So I know how difficult it is to enforce the border, and how important it is. Since I became president, we have increased funding for border security by 66 percent, and expanded the Border Patrol from about 9,000 to 12,000 agents. The men and women of our Border Patrol are doing a fine job in difficult circumstances, and over the past five years, we have apprehended and sent home about 6 million people entering America illegally.\n\nDespite this progress, we do not yet have full control of the border, and I am determined to change that. Tonight I am calling on Congress to provide funding for dramatic improvements in manpower and technology at the border. By the end of 2008, we will increase the number of Border Patrol officers by an additional 6,000. When these new agents are deployed, we will have more than doubled the size of the Border Patrol during my presidency.\n\nAt the same time, we are launching the most technologically advanced border security initiative in American history. We will construct high-tech fences in urban corridors, and build new patrol roads and barriers in rural areas. We will employ motion sensors infrared cameras and unmanned aerial vehicles to prevent illegal crossings. America has the best technology in the world and we will ensure that the Border Patrol has the technology they need to do their job and secure our border.\n\nTraining thousands of new Border Patrol agents and bringing the m
329679
I wasn't sure how I felt about the boycott but after seeing the number of people who are against it and the whole immigration mess, I believe it may very well be a valid way of getting a point across. I know most people say their major beef is with ILLEGAL immigrants, however, I feel that the majority of those illegals would much rather be legal. Our and their government makes it hard. If it were so easy to fill out papers and become legal people would do it. There are many roadblocks. In the meantime while red tape is being strung across every thing in the world, they still need to work and feed themselves and be able to have a normal life, therefore, their illegal status. I don't believe that the HR 4437 bill will be as easy as it sounds.\n\nI am Mexican, born and raised here by parents who were born and raised here. My grandparents were illegal immigrants who worked, paid taxes, paid their own medical bills and were not on any form of welfare. It took MANY YEARS for my grandfather to finally get a legal status and my grandmother barely got it about 3 yrs ago, which was shortly before she died. I dont speak Spanish, dont have a loyalty to Mexico and I love my country. However, I do not think sending them all back is the answer! When my daughter who is 1/2 mexican 1/2 white asked me about staying home from school I said no. Now though, I am changing my mind about it and I believe I will let the schools lose some money by not sending my 5 kids to school. Schools that I pay taxes to help support. If everyone did that, I believe it would show just a small sliver of what could happen. Problem is I don't think everyone will.\n\nAnyway, I think it's great they're trying to find their voice. Even though they're not officially members of our country, they are still members, whether people want to acknowledge that or not. For all the good they do I believe they've earned the right to be heard. There may be many people who will say they don't want them here anyway but the silent majority (business owners) know they don't want them to leave. If the wages of the avg. American worker are being brought down because Mexican nationals will accept lower wages, think what would happen if magically they all disappeared. Sure, the wages would go up but the companies that relied on staying in business due to being able to pay lower wages will go out of business. A LOT OF THEM! That would mean the unemployment rate would skyrocket. Lines full of American workers who no longer have a place to work. There is no easy answer to this situation. I do believe there should be a system of checks and balances so that not just anyone can come here, namely terrorists. However, the Mexicans coming here to work are not terrorists and even the $$ issue can't be completely valid because there are still and will always be WAY more of us(Americans) than there are of them!
241020
I hope someday happens. I think the US government should see both sides of the problem with illegal immigration and then decide what to do.\n\nI really have faith that the problem will someday be solve, soon or later it will be solved. I am just scared, because if it takes long time for this to happen, I am scared that a civil war will end this up. If is not a civil war, then it will be something worst.\n\nI hope both sides understnad the problem, but I am sure that people, immigrants, will let the government know that they don't like what they are doing.
559026
Ok....let's get one thing straight.  When my (and many others) ancestors came here long ago IT WASN"T ILLEGAL!!!  Most of them came here not for money or a better life but for life itself (jews, scots, irish).  They had people actually killing them, I mean gun to the head, knife to the heart.  And they came to this country and FOUGHT for this country, losing whole families along the way.  I live in the south and am a proud southerner (that does not mean racist), my family were poor dirt farmers from Tennessee who scraped by with what they could grow or what they could buy with the little money my father (who had to drop out of school at the age of 12 to get a job - only boy out of 11 children - and fought in Vietnam) made doing odd jobs.  Today we have laws in place to stop the over population of our country.  My husband is an immigrant who went through the proper channels.  Yes, it cost money that we didn't have but we STILL went through the proper channels.  They will let you in unless you have something to hide, all you have to do is fill out the paper work and wait.  I know that today time is money and one day can mean the life and death of someone you love but AMERICA is NOT to blame for the state of your home country.  I am all for immigration if it is done legally!  As far as I am concerned, whether you come from Mexico, China, England, France, or Tim-buck-too, if you come here illegally you should be prepared to face the repercussions of doing so.  Breaking the law is breaking the law, period.  No one is above it (with the exception of the Bosh family - or so they wish us to believe).