jcj

Wed, May 5, 2010 : 4:20 p.m.

@ David Briegel "They come here because American business desires and gets cheap labor. It is against the law. Enforce the existing laws and the problem will just go away." "Everyone knows why these laws are not enforced." Surprise! Surprise! Mr Briegel is advocating selective law enforcement. Arrest everyone BUT the illegals! And we all know why those laws are not being enforced!

yaah

Wed, May 5, 2010 : 4:17 p.m.

Odd premise to this op-ed. I do not watch Glenn Beck or Fox News. Yet I heard about this story several times. Who exactly is ignoring it? I'm frankly surprised there wasn't a birther remark thrown into the op-ed.

JMA2Y

Wed, May 5, 2010 : 12:13 p.m.

AnnArbor.com had no other letters from which to choose to print today? This letter is lacking in logic. I heard about the shooting days ago but it's not a huge news item when there's a flood in Tennessee killing people and a terroist in NYC trying to do the same. The media isn't in collusion with anyone to hide the news. I'm sure it made the papers in Arizona. I doubt that was the ONLY alien, legal or not, to ever have shot someone, anywhere, in the U.S.

David Briegel

Wed, May 5, 2010 : 5:02 a.m.

They come here because American business desires and gets cheap labor. It is against the law. Enforce the existing laws and the problem will just go away. Everyone knows why these laws are not enforced.

robyn

Tue, May 4, 2010 : 12:08 p.m.

I think the problem is that people look at illegal immigrants in a very negative way - as a whole. This attitude is what is fueling those opposed to immigration reform and the new law in Arizona. Face it - illegals that come here and WORK - are doing so at a lower wage than an American citizen is willing to work for. Me just being crazy again - people that WORK are actually an asset to our society. Those that have snuck in here to WORK in all probability DO want to stay and DO want to continue working and living as citizens. Now - those who come here simply for the benefits we give, those that do not work or contribute to society, those are the people we do not want or need here. The same goes for those who come here and commit criminal acts. (Hell - we have enough of our OWN citizens that do that already!) Maybe if people begin to separate 'good immigration' from bad 'immigration' - the people who are feeling threatened by reform will agree that those who come here under less than honorable pretexts (to collect welfare or for criminal activity) should NOT be allowed to just walk in. I'd have to do some research - but if I had to guess, I'd think the crime rates involving Hispanic on Hispanic crimes are probably much higher than Hispanic on White crime - especially violent crimes. Keeping the bad illegals out is a protection for the good illegals. Allowing them to show that they are working and making them apply for citizensihip so that they can stay here an continue working is not a bad idea. Politicians don't like touching this subject because the votes they get from the growing Hispanic community means more to them than what we think. In case nobody noticed - most of those who hold high political offices are more influenced by money and power than by the citizens who have elected them.

debling

Tue, May 4, 2010 : 11:27 a.m.

I learned a long time ago not to listen to "shock Jocks" and other outrageous television hosts like Glenn Beck. Incendiary rhetoric, outlandish claims and conspiracy theories is all they can muster. Nevertheless, the topic of illegal immigration remains a serious national issue. I stay still because the problem has been around for decades, we all know about it and nobody wants to deal with it. Republicans blame the Democrats and the Democrats blame the Republicans (and I have seen both types of Presidents come and go and the problem remains). Expensive solutions are proposed (fence, electronic monitoring, increased border control) but nobody wants to pay for it (increased taxes, cutting the military spending, etc.). We say that illegal immigrants take American jobs, but there are many American companies that are happy to hire them (under the table or pretend they don't know they are illegal) because they are cheap. We want to stop them from using public facilities (schools, health centers, libraries etc.) but we are opposed to national identification cards that would help us detect them. The bottom line is that people come to the US for economic reasons. Unless you take the incentive away, they will continue coming. Vigorously procecuting employers and illegal aliens, seizing their assets such as homes, cars, cash (like existing drug seizures) and imposing crushing fines will quickly end this problem.

robyn

Mon, May 3, 2010 : 11:27 p.m.

Maybe I'm just crazy but I think that people from ANY foreign country should have to follow our immigration laws to live here and become a citizen. I also think we need to do away with the 'anchor baby' system. According to the GAO (Government Accountibility Office) about $1.1 billion in welfare and food stamp benefits were provided to illegal aliens with citizen children in 1995. It has since grown even though they say illegal immigration has actually slowed down a bit since 2000. In 2004 illegal immigrants paid into federal taxes $10.3 billion less than they cost the federal taxpayers. The GAO does not calculate the cost of illegal immigration and social assistance programs for individual states. Something does need to be done, this is NOT a racial issue, it is a societal issue. We do need to secure the borders, stop the inflyx of illegal immigration and allow those who wish to come into our country the opportunity to do so legally.

Edward R. Murrow's ghost

Mon, May 3, 2010 : 5:15 p.m.

Brittanicus: And then, after building that fence, it will need to be constantly patrolled. If not, you've just built a $9 billion sieve. But I do like the idea of a Jackson Prison motif on our borders. It will say a lot about what we are as a nation.

Brittanicus

Mon, May 3, 2010 : 4:35 p.m.

BUILD THE REAL FENCE? 1)Why is it so difficult to follow the original fence plan, that was drafted by Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA) who co-authored the 2006 Secure Fence Act,? Under his leadership, nearly sixty miles of fencing along the border in San Diego County has been constructed. As Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee Duncan Hunter had proposed building two parallel steel and wire fences running from the Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific Coast. Hunter called for building a reinforced, two-layer 15' fence, separated by a 100-yard gap, (NO-MANS-LAND) along the entire length of the US border with Mexico, which patrols could easily navigate to apprehend narcotics smugglers and illegal aliens. It was to include additional physical barriers, powerful lighting and sensors to detect illegal border crossers. But what happened the initial fence plan was undermined for a single layer fence, with concrete buttresses to stop vehicles with many virtual methods that malfunctioned. The Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations bill would specifically eliminate the mandate of the Secure Fence Act of 2006, even though Hunters fence was extremely successful. Up to 2009 a--TRILLION DOLLARS is been appropriated to fight the Iraq and Afghanistan war, but as always American taxpayers have been--SHORT CHANGED--when it comes to the fence between the US and Mexico. MILITARIZE THE BORDER NOW WITH WELL ARMED TROOPS? Congress appropriated billions for Israels border fence, but the American people who paid for its construction--get nothing but a fence that incredulously built poorly, underfunded and is far from finished. 2) Prior Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said a barrier running the length of a border would "COST" too much. A 2,000 mile state-of-the-art border fence has been estimated to cost between four and eight billion dollars. The expenditures for a single fence that would run the full length of the border would be as low as $851 million for a standard 10-foot prison chain link fence topped with razor wire. For another $362 million, the fence could carry electrified nodes, but was never implemented. Initially it was estimated that Representative Hunters San Diego fence would cost $14 million -- about $1 million a mile. The first 11 miles of the fence would eventually cost $42 million -- $3.8 million per mile. Since the inception of the national border fence across the USA, millions of dollars have been wasted on the Boeing manufacturers malfunctioning equipment. 3) EVEN TODAY THERE ARE HUGE OPEN AREAS, WITH NOTHING TO STOP ANY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT, DRUG SMUGGLERS OR TERRORISTS, BUT RUSTY BARBED WARE FENCING? IT"S BEEN ONE SWEET LIE BY WASHINGTON. By one estimate each year between 400,000 and 1 million illegal immigrants try to slip across the rivers and deserts on the 2,000-mile (3,200-km) US-Mexico border. In 2005 over 1.2 million foreign nationals were apprehended by the Border Patrol. By one estimate the Border Patrol catches 1 out of every 10 illegal border crossers, but the officials prefer to remain silent on the subject in discussing the problem. Tuscon unofficial Border Patrol statistics are that only 1 in 10 illegal aliens are apprehended and arrested. By another estimate over 155,000 non-Mexican individuals were apprehended trying to enter the United States along the Southwest border in fiscal year 2005. The figure of illegal aliens is now between 20 and 30 million. Learn more about illegal immigration and the massive costs to you if AMNESTY passes. There should be no restraints on funding any of these measures when it comes to the American people's protection, for jobs, taxes, infrastructure, ecosystem, population growth and more. To learn more go to NumbersUSA website Freely distribute. No copyright. Tell America.

bunnyabbot

Mon, May 3, 2010 : 1:15 p.m.

this is easy, we already have immigration laws. They should be enforced. If you are found to be here illegally you should be deported. Plenty of people are on the list to come to America the legal way. additionally, if they are made citizens not only do they get a right to vote they get government health care. The dems just might get to stay in office but they'll bankrupt us faster.

JSA

Mon, May 3, 2010 : 11:27 a.m.

The politicians of both parties have abrogated their responsibility when it comes to immigration. Neither party has wanted to touch it for fear of alienating the Latino population. That is just plain wrong. If you are in the country illegally you are breaking the law and should be apprehended and deported regardless of race, age, or ethnicity. In LA County alone they cost over $130,000,000 in tax dollars according to the LA Times. Multiply that by every city and state in the country. This is money that could be better spent on American citizens. Round em up and ship em out!

dlb

Mon, May 3, 2010 : 10:51 a.m.

Unfortunately, there is so much ingnorance out there, fed by Limbaugh and Beck. Yes, I have watched both and am repulsed by their racist, bigoted views. I am surprised that this "opinion piece" was posted. It really should have been more of a comment, because the author gives so little thought to his "essay". The immigration issue is a complex one that does need to be addressed. Bush tried in '06, but was unsuccessful. As much as I didn't like him, he at least tried to tackle the problem. Hopefully, Obama and Congress have more luck.

Jake C

Mon, May 3, 2010 : 10:06 a.m.

And to repute the second point of thte Opinion piece, it doesn't matter whether it's the Democrats or the Republicans who vote for an Amnesty / Immigration bill. Immigrants will vote for whoever is most aligned with their political philosophy, just like they've always done. And I continue to find it hilarious that people who watch Glenn Beck, a top-ranked "infotainment" show on the top-ranked cable news network, continuously look down on the "Main Stream Media". Is the #1 most watched cable news network not "mainstream" enough for you?

Jake C

Mon, May 3, 2010 : 9:09 a.m.

"Recently, a police officer in the city of Detroit was shot and killed by a suspected drug dealer. Even more tragic than this event is the fact that the mainstream media has totally ignored it." Oh wait, the "main stream media" such as CNN actually did cover it: http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/05/03/detroit.police.shooting/?hpt=Sbin Just the same as they covered the shooting of the Arizona officer: http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/04/30/arizona.deputy.shot/index.html?iref=allsearch So what exactly are you complaining about? Just because Glenn Beck says that he's covering some important story that the rest of the nation is "ignoring", you just automatically believe that's true? Even though it takes a 5-second Google News search to prove it's false? Where is Glenn's coverage of the Detroit shooting? Unfortunately it doesn't exist, because he doesn't have a political angle to be gained from talking about it. All he cares about it riling up his fan club against the "liberal menace".

ypsiman

Mon, May 3, 2010 : 8:49 a.m.

My qustion there is no law already? How can thy hire all the illegal aliens and not get in trouble,,,Oh thats right the rich do it so its ok, Let go look at bush ranch in Texas and look for green cards. There is a right and wrong way to get here,What about the one willing to do the right thimg but having to wait because of the ones the cross over. I say no amnesty and yes to the az law asking for a green card.If your not legal your doing something wrong here

Huron74

Sun, May 2, 2010 : 8:20 p.m.

I serious doubt if Levin, Stabenow, or Schauer care one darn bit about what us mundanes think about anything.

Edward R. Murrow's ghost

Sun, May 2, 2010 : 6:49 p.m.

As I read these posts on illegal immigration, there seems to be a fair amount of ignorance and illogic. The illogic is with those who think the illegals take away jobs and come for welfare. Which is it? Certainly our welfare system attracts some. But if they are coming for work, they are coming for work. And, indeed, welfare is the government. They trust the government even less than do the teapartyists. Any contact with the government puts them at risk. But leave it to conservatives to pull out the bugaboo of welfare and the racist image of lazy Mexicans, albeit lazy Mexicans who are taking our jobs. The ignorance is with the cause of this crisis and its potential solutions. The lack of good-paying jobs in Mexico certainly is PART of the problem, probably even a majority of the problem. NAFTA is an ill-begotten effort to solve Mexicos economic problems, and clearly its not working. So what solutions do you Nobel Prize-winning economists have that will solve Mexicos economic problems to the degree that risking ones life in crossing the border (and please realize that crossing the border illegally is a life-risking activity) no longer seems to be the more feasible option? But the other ever-growing part of the problem is the escalating drug violence in Mexico. It is a problem caused by our insatiable appetite for illegal drugs, fueled by the billions of dollars we pay for those drugs, and a violence perpetrated largely by weapons bought legally and illegally in the United States due to our lax gun laws and the lax enforcement of those laws we have. For all of you supply-siders (cause thats what you are), the solution to this problem is on our side of the border, not theirs. This is a product of the so-called war on drugs. How well thats been working out for ya? And whats the solution that you think is feasible? And lets understand what isnt possible. In 1944 the German Army put nearly 500,000 men on the coast of France, the Netherlands, and Belgium (a coast line much shorter than our border with Mexico) to stop the imminent Allied invasion. It didnt work. Putting 500,000 soldiers on the US border with Mexico will slow down illegal immigration, but it will not come close to stopping it. So the question is: how much are you willing to pay to do this? And what commonsense steps do you want your nation to take? Howl at the moon if that makes you feel good, but the moon will still be there tomorrow night.

Edward R. Murrow's ghost

Sun, May 2, 2010 : 5:18 p.m.

Stun: If it is so difficult for an employer to require proper proof of citizenship or residency before hiring someone, how much sense does it make to expect police to be able to demand the presentation of such proof at a traffic stop? We have a nearly 2000-mile long border with Mexico. You could put the entire US Army on patrol there and there would still be large gaps. You want a real border defense? Pony up the taxes. Oh, that's right. I forgot. You're already tapped out. Of course, our border would look a lot like East Germany's with West Germany during the Cold War. Great image, that.

jcj

Sun, May 2, 2010 : 4:46 p.m.

@David Briegel How about it should we take away the jobs and welfare??? I have said numerous times to penalize the employer AND the illegal. You like most liberals have very selective hearing and NO answers to a direct question. Why don't you just say what most juveniles say. I don't know! Just once I would like an answer to a direct question. Any penalty for the illegal? I have already helped the illegals across this country. I suspect more than you have helped the citizens of this country.

David Briegel

Sun, May 2, 2010 : 4:38 p.m.

Chosen1, My favorite T-shirt is the 4 Indians, Native Americans on horseback. It reads: Homeland Security Keeping America Free Since 1492 They weren't very successful! Good post Top Cat. The jobs will exist until the employers are jailed! Why should an upper class American have to pay a fair wage when he can maintain America's fine tradition of servitude! fishnuts, what cop doesn't have the authority TODAY? Idiotic? Agreed!

Top Cat

Sun, May 2, 2010 : 3:59 p.m.

Illegal aliens generally come here for three reasons, jobs, welfare and citizenship for their children. End the jobs and welfare and many if not most will leave. It is likely that many have misinterpreted the 14th Amendment and its reference to being "citizens". They phrase "and subject to the jurisdiction thereof" would indicate that children born on U.S. soil to illegal aliens are not in fact automatic citizens.

clara

Sun, May 2, 2010 : 3:35 p.m.

Per the US Government: The unauthorized resident immigrant population is defined as all foreign-born non-citizens who are not legal residents. Most unauthorized residents either entered the United States without inspection or were admitted temporarily and stayed past the date they were required to leave. The number of unauthorized immigrants living in the United States in January 2009 was 10.8 million. 6,650,000 came from Mexico, 530,000 from El Salvador, 480,000 from Guatemala, 320,000 from Honduras, and 270,000 from the Philippines. Per the Center for Immigration Studies: There is evidence that the number of new illegal immigrants arriving has fallen by about one-third in the last two years compared to earlier in this decade. There is also evidence that the number of illegal immigrants returning home has more than doubled in the last two years compared to earlier in this decade. While migration patterns have fundamentally changed, it must be remembered that the overwhelming majority of illegal immigrants have not left the country, and tens of thousands of new illegal immigrants continue to settle in the country each year. Our analysis shows that only the illegal immigrant population has declined. The legal immigrant population does not show the same decline. This is also true for Mexico, the top illegal-immigrant-sending country. The fact that the legal immigrant population does not show the same decline is an indication that stepped up enforcement has played a role. Another indication that enforcement has played a role in the decline is that the illegal immigrant population began falling before there was a significant rise in their unemployment rate. While the decline began before unemployment among illegal immigrants rose, unemployment among illegal immigrants has increased dramatically and must now be playing a significant role in reducing their numbers. There is evidence that the illegal population rose in the summer of 2007, while Congress was considering legalizing illegal immigrants. When that legislation failed to pass, the illegal population quickly began a dramatic fall.

stunhsif

Sun, May 2, 2010 : 3:28 p.m.

Yeah, put it all on the employer. If he hires an illegal he goes to jail but a cop cannot demand proof of someone being here legally after pulling them over for a violation? How idiotic is that. The employer is only part of the solution. Deport anyone determined to be here illegally back to their country of origin.

chosen1

Sun, May 2, 2010 : 3:23 p.m.

Does anyone have proof that the Native Americans gave the early settlers passports or citizenship? We came in did some scouting then started taking over. Now we're upset that people are coming in from other countries (and stop with the its only mexicans that are illegal thinking) and taking over. Hypocritical? of course, but noone will see it that way

theodynus

Sun, May 2, 2010 : 2:39 p.m.

"Recently, a rancher in the state of Arizona was shot and killed by an illegal alien. Even more tragic than this event is the fact that the mainstream media has totally ignored it. " Illegals make up between 5 and 10 percent of the population in the United States. I'd be really surprised if they WEREN'T responsible for, say, 5-10 percent of the 17,000 murders that happen here every year. Even if illegal aliens were less prone than citizens to commit murder, they'd be responsible for at least a couple of homicides each day. "Illegal aliens will mean permanent Democratic Party control of the U.S. government" Uh. Illegals can vote? Sorry, not following you here. I'd suggest you start by reading the Constitution.

David Briegel

Sun, May 2, 2010 : 1:57 p.m.

If there are no jobs, they will not come. If they are starving, they will go home. You won't help them. I am certain of that! I never used the word "rich". The criminals that hire them tend to be "upper and middle class! I ask you why you folks never, ever demand justice for the employers?

jcj

Sun, May 2, 2010 : 1:24 p.m.

@David Briegel And where is your solution? All I hear is right wing bashing. I agree lets punish the employer. But I am not naive enough to believe that would keep all the illegal immigrants out. And neither are you! But you are not willing to answer a simple question. What do we then do with the remaining illegal immigrants after we have thrown all their employers in jail? Are you for enforcing the law for all or just the rich?

Elizabeth

Sun, May 2, 2010 : 1:08 p.m.

It is spelled Glenn Beck. Two N's. Apparently none of you watch his show! Oops.

David Briegel

Sun, May 2, 2010 : 12:56 p.m.

Most would rather bash liberals/progressives/elitists than solve any of the number of problems discussed here!

David Briegel

Sun, May 2, 2010 : 12:54 p.m.

Oh no. You wound me. You lump me with the EVIL Left Media! Oh. And blindly. Oh. My mantra is justice and I protest injustice. Selective enforcement is true with many laws. Poor and minorities are much more likely to be prosecuted. Most want to do everything from deport illegals to machine gun them at the border. Yet, hiring illegals is never prosecuted. If they were minotities doing the hiring that law would be enforced tomorrow! You totally miss the point that they would not be here except for the jobs! Upper and middle class Americans hire the illegals and buy the drugs that fund the drug cartels that are now killing cops. American weapons are killing Mexican cops. Pay your NRA dues and continue the lunacy!

jcj

Sun, May 2, 2010 : 12:31 p.m.

@David Briegel Putting employers of illegals in jail would solve the part of the illegal alien problem. I have no problem penalizing those that hire illegals. But do we turn the other cheek to those that still enter the country illegally? Would you impose any penalty on them? Lets stop ALL selective enforcement of our laws. If we catch an illegal here ship him back or throw him in jail. If we catch a politician taking bribes throw him in jail. If I am caught speeding ticket me. If you are caught cheating on your taxes you should be penalized. And you might be taken seriously if you didn't blindly chant the mantra of the liberal left media!

clara

Sun, May 2, 2010 : 12:07 p.m.

Ask Deputy Louie Puroll if the only reason illegals come here is for jobs. He was just shot by smugglers for Mexico. The borders need to be secure. We have guest and employment visas available for those who want to work here legally. Build the fence congress authorized but the president will not allow to be built. Fund the Border Patrol Officers.

David Briegel

Sun, May 2, 2010 : 11:53 a.m.

If there were no jobs there would be no illegals. We are making this issue so complicated because the lawbreakers are your friends and neighbors! If the illegals couldn't make a living taking jobs from Americans and being hired by Americans they would not come here!! Why do we complicate the issue so? Oh, I already answered that one!

oldrustynail

Sun, May 2, 2010 : 10:54 a.m.

Much of the new Arizona law is a reproduction of existing Federal laws which should be enforced by the Border Patrol, U.S. Customs and mostly, ICE. A concern which I feel will be brought up in the courts. Can Arizona law lead to racial profiling is a question as well. Part of the reason the Federal agencies are not fully enforcing the laws is due to a lack of funds. They lack the agents. To fully do this enforcement, does the government increase taxes or shift the money from some other programs? If so, which programs?

clara

Sun, May 2, 2010 : 10:39 a.m.

It is not just people coming over to work. There are drug smugglers who do shoot US citizens. An Arizona deputy was shot by marijuana smugglers this week! http://ktar.com/index.php?nid=6&sid=1289944

stunhsif

Sun, May 2, 2010 : 10:29 a.m.

@Gerald, It is as simple as this. If you have a green card, welcome to America. If you don't have a green card, you are going home. If you employ illegals you are going to get fined enough money that your wallet will be empty. If illegals knew that jobs were not available, they wouldn't try to get here so hard. Take some of Obama's stimulus money, hire Americans and build a barrier/wall between the USA and Mexico. I just love how the libs try to marginalize Fox News and Glen Beck, I guess it makes them feel superior/smarter. Have they ever even watched Glen Beck or Fox News, probably not? Fox News has more viewers than CNN ( Snooze NN ) and PMSNBC combined and is out-gunning them every single day.

Moose

Sun, May 2, 2010 : 9:52 a.m.

The President does not "make the rules." Why is this site publishing an "opinion" from someone who is not able to understand how our government functions? Oh, wait, this is the site that regularly publishes columns by people who post scientific "facts" with no scientific basis and then silently deletes comments pointing out the fallacies. Not expecting this one to be around much either.

genericreg

Sun, May 2, 2010 : 9:44 a.m.

This place is getting to be more and more like Fark every day. Nice greenlight, Annarbor.com.

srburns

Sun, May 2, 2010 : 9:28 a.m.

Recently, a truck-driver in the state of Illinois was shot and killed by a white American citizen. Why has no national media reported on this story? This kind of collective guilt imposed on vulnerable populations has to stop. There is an old saying that Russian Jews used to have: "When Ivan steals, Ivan is a thief. When Moishe steals, Jews are thieves." Why are we still fighting against this type of ignorant fear-mongering in 2010? Depressing...

alterego

Sun, May 2, 2010 : 8:18 a.m.

My goodness! What would happen if our citizens started killing each other, like they do in big cities? I can't believe that the main-stream media doesn't report every single one of these issues. Imagine an unwealthy person killing another person? Why don't we hear about that robber who killed the guy at the gas station? Socialists do not want illegal aliens, because government-provided benefits, like emergency room treatment, drinking water, access to education, or roads would have to be shared with them. Capitalists want illegal aliens because lower pay to employees means more profit. Capitalists also want employees who don't talk back and create strife. Capitalists don't want employees who demand benefits. Illegal aliens tend to be from countries in which Catholicism is the main religion. Imagine what would happen if our country was filled with Catholics whose religious beliefs do not support abortion or birth control, homosexuality, or equality for women in leadership positions? Are you suggesting that we keep the Catholics out?

pseudo

Sun, May 2, 2010 : 8:06 a.m.

I have yet one more question for you: Who is worthy of coverage? The person murdered in,say, Detroit, or the "rancher" in Arizona? Does one or another merit more coverage than the other?

pseudo

Sun, May 2, 2010 : 8:04 a.m.

Gerald, I would prefer that you calm down a bit. Glen Beck has very little credibility so if he covers something, Fox is covering it. Other won't pick up on it because Glen Beck has tried to create news more than just report it. He's entertainment, not a credible journalist. Next time you write in, please include the source of your numbers because you can be as easily dismissed as Mr. Beck. I agree with you that those who come here illegally are breaking a law and as a nation of laws, they should be punished and sent home. However, I also know that if we really do that, our food prices will go through the roof because we have refused to really pay US wages to those who grow and harvest our food. I am willing to talk about this further but apparently, the people we have elected to congress are less than willing to discuss and negotiate AND COMPROMISE on the realities of changing our immigration laws and law enforcement policies to achieve legal immigration for some and stop the illegal immigration of others.

Al Feldt

Sun, May 2, 2010 : 7:48 a.m.

I must add two points to fjord's response, a murder anywhere by anyone for any reason should have has no bearing on national policy. Second, if a few Republicans agree to allow our senators to open discussions on immigration policy, it is possible that badly needed revisions in our national immigration procedures might actually be passed. Such revisions might allow some existing illegal immigrants to eventually become citizens but when and how that might happen cannot even be discussed due to Republican efforts to prevent the problem from being considered.

David Briegel

Sun, May 2, 2010 : 7:39 a.m.

The easiest way to stop illegals is as simple as putting the people that break our laws by hiring an illegal! No job, no illegal. Higher employment for Americans. Were those "unconstitutional tricks" when used by the Repubs to pass billionaire tax cuts or Big Pharma's/Billy Tauzin prescription drug no-bid giveaway! We might take people serious if they knew and understood something besides the foolish rants of Beck, Dobbs and the local X.