The realistic solution for illegal immigration

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Tuesday, October 03, 2006

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By Robert R. Haan

There is a falsehood being bruited about that illegal immigrants are doing jobs which American citizens will not do.

In fact, bilingual individuals are often given preference because they can communicate with the ever-increasing segment of our society that speaks only Spanish. That segment of our society has a loyal and sympathetic “networking” system which alerts their compatriots of any good job opportunities and other benefits available in the U.S. Because of their illegal status, they may work harder initially and for less money, doing jobs which do not provide the benefits to which American citizens are entitled. That is the price they are willing to pay for a share of the “American Dream.”

I have counted 20 automobiles parked near the intersection of Ida and Carolina streets. There is also one huge travel trailer which can accommodate sleeping for six or eight people. A few years ago, there were only one or two cars parked out there. Now that space is being used for housing.

Immigrant employees regularly make remittances of money to their homeland. That weakens our economy. Most foreign countries severely restrict the amount of wealth which can be taken from their countries. The present policy is making the economy of Mexico stronger, and that of our country weaker.

The large influx of foreigners is overcrowding our schools and hospitals, necessitating more building and staff. When ill, those here illegally simply present themselves in hospital emergency departments for treatment. Legally and ethically, they cannot be refused care. If care is denied, and they happen to have had a serious health problem and drop dead as they leave the hospital, there would be a huge legal exposure. Often it is not possible to rule out serious pathology until a patient is admitted and evaluated.

Our judicial system and prisons are becoming overcrowded and less able to serve the needs of our citizens. It has been said that a disproportionate number of the illegal immigrants end up in our prison system. At one point in the not too distant past, Fidel Castro was emptying the Cuban jails by shipping criminals to the United States, under the pretext that they were seeking asylum. Now Mexico is encouraging that segment of their society to go to the United States. Our prisons are already overcrowded, necessitating the construction of more prisons. Building more prison facilities and staffing them is very expensive.

There are so many of them that it is now thought necessary to print documents and signs in Spanish, as well as English. Of course, that cost must be borne by all of us. The unintended result may be that the immigrants will not find it necessary to learn English. There are now three TV stations broadcasting in Spanish in our area, and more radio stations.

This might become a huge social problem if our country should suffer a severe economic depression, such as in the 1930s. Only this time it will be much worse, because of a huge private debt burden which now exists in our country. American citizens desperately trying to feed their families and pay mortgages to avoid losing their homes may, in desperation, resort to violence.

Yes, we are a nation of immigrants. But that was when there was a need for more people to man the factories and till the soil. Now many of our fellow citizens are unemployed. We can accommodate only a certain number of people without seriously lowering our standard of living.

The huge wave of illegal immigrants has been allowed to occur only because their presence is an asset to the people now governing our country — the employers who like cheap labor, and the producers of goods and services who know that more people will create more consumption, and hence more profit.

Our leaders boast about their concern about our security, yet they allow huge numbers of strangers into our country without knowing their identity and anything about their past social behavior.

It is now not possible to know what, if any, immunization against serious diseases those entering our country illegally have. They may bring into our society diseases to which our citizens have no resistance.

Arresting and deporting the huge number of people who are here illegally is not practicable, simply because of their vast numbers. The number is probably two or three times the number often estimated.

Given the sheer number of those here illegally, the only realistic way of dealing with the problem is to make those here illegally want to go home. That can be done by making it a serious crime, punishable by a huge fine and a prison sentence for anyone who aids and abets them in any way. With modern technology, there should be a means by which we can establish who is, or is not, a citizen. Consider what would happen to our standard of living if we were to allow the many millions of impoverished people on our planet to come here and share our birthright.

(Haan lives in Napa.)

130 comment(s)

Cris wrote on Oct 3, 2006 4:10 AM:

" This is one of the worst written, supported and truthful articles I've ever read. The writer doesn't mention his sources and only address them as "it has been said". The historical references are not well presented ( the mariel event from Cuba) happend on the earlies '70, and the writer clearly is trying to make it look as it is happening now. I do not know who is in charge of editing the news and opinions but I think that it is smart to check what you are posting on your site. For me, for example, is desapointing. Whatever you say from now on I will know that has not been researched, has not historical background and is based only in feelings, and fears. So sad..... "

Caring Human wrote on Oct 3, 2006 4:34 AM:

" Robert, Answer these 2 simple questions? 1, Have you ever read the Immigration law book and know Immigration laws, so you are making a wise comment / Judgement ? 2, Are you personally going to the lady that worked 45 years to build her pear farm and now the pears are rotting on the ground? "

Fed Up wrote on Oct 3, 2006 6:18 AM:

" Chris almost has it right.This paper should check the people that write critical letters of a huge social problem we all know to exist.Illegals flood this nation and burden the middle class by draining away social services.Is Caring Human(?) going down to the border to replace the emergency rooms that have had to shut down due to illegals using it like their own personal H.M.O.? Is Caring Human going to reimburse the victims of hurricane Katrina who were supposed to get work helping rebuild the area but were undercut by illegals that moved into the area and took the work away? Is Caring Human personally going to reimburse the state for the cost of bilingualy schooling the children of illegals? I thought not. "

Agreed wrote on Oct 3, 2006 6:50 AM:

" U.S. Business finances campaigns so in essence we have the best government money can buy. The only way to stop the illegal alien invasion is mandatory employment varification and work place enforcement. All other measures will be inefective and costly. Why do you think congress refuses to mandate a varification system that is already in place? Business would lose its slave labor pool and would be unable to exploit workers. Its all about money. "

Trouble wrote on Oct 3, 2006 6:54 AM:

" Big business, unions, special interests, religions, pastors and cronies of corrupt politicians are not suppose to be the caretakers of our Constitution or sovereignty. They are not suppose to tell us which laws they would like to follow and which laws they would like to ignore to fatten their coffers. Trouble "

Gonzalo Díaz wrote on Oct 3, 2006 7:12 AM:

" 30% of employers of undocumented workers are households, so please stop with the hypocrisy. And the hospitals? Yeah, poor hospitals, they are having a really rough time financially... Surely if thet summarily kick the undocumented people out, manual workers will statrt making 30/hr, health care prices will become reasonable again, and oil will start flowing from the gutters. "

Tina Grace wrote on Oct 3, 2006 8:01 AM:

" It is true that illegals do jobs that Americans won't do. Why? Because an illegal will go to a worksite and bid himself out for less wages than the American so that the illegal can obtain that work. Americans can not do that work for less because living in a high-tech country requires a certain amount of money to be made in order to pay for car insurance, registrations, health insurance, school tuitions for their children, mortgages and other necessities. Illegals don't have that high overhead because they live in groups, live in garages or rented rooms, pay no mortgages, have no drivers licenses and pay no insurance. Any person who does not have the money may get free medical treatment in our hospitals and that is one of the reasons many hospitals are going broke. The American worker is slowly being replaced by those who are willing to work for less. They send most of their money to their country of origin and then depend on the replaced AMerican taxpayer to subsidize their housing, medical and school for their children. No, this is not right and it is certainly not fair to AMericans who struggle to provide the very same things as the illegals who come here. It is time that our elected officials stop selling the American people for a vote and stop aiding and abetting a foreign criminal. Once, amnestised, these 12 million plus and their families will become highly eligible for welfare, food stamps, housing subsidies, school tuitions and their free medical because the majority of the illegal population is the poorest in their country of origin and most are illiterate, unskilled and uneducated who are prone to living under the poverty line. Immigration is good for the country if it is legal and the immigrant is willing to learn English. Most utility invoices are being printed in many languages to accommodate those who refuse to learn the language thus costing the American taxpayer more money. Also, if amnestised, the illegal will have the right to ask for higher wages and benefits from his/her employer. So what have these companies accomplished? "

bob hernandez wrote on Oct 3, 2006 8:36 AM:

" how much will gas cost if illegals left $5 Millk a gallon $8 Give them papers "

Amanda wrote on Oct 3, 2006 9:09 AM:

" 86 hospitals have closed in California in the past few years, 25 Americans per day are killed across our nation by illegal aliens,28,000 killed since 2003. 29% of California inmates are illegal aliens. Yet we are supposed to welcome them with open arms or we are racist. Illegal aliens don't help our country. They help line the pockets of big business. "

Mike wrote on Oct 3, 2006 9:13 AM:

" Paying them cheap might seem like a good deal, but we're paying so much more to support them in our schools, hopsitals, and other infrastructure. Every time it gets researched, more hidden costs are identified that we've been paying. You can pay now, or you can pay later, but you're going to pay. I'm a middle class worker...how come so many of these illegal aliens drive nicer cars that I do? "

Sandra Page wrote on Oct 3, 2006 9:47 AM:

" I would rather pay more for milk, more for lettuce, more for wine, more for any consumable product than pay more in medical insurance and taxes to help take care of people who are in this country illegally. Employers that hire illegals must be hit where it hurts....in their pocket books. It doesn't matter that 30% are households.(if thats true) We are creating a class of "slave" labor. If this keeps up we will soon be a state of the very wealthy, and the very poor. All of the middle class will have to leave California and find a place where they can afford to live. And Mr Diaz, how do you think other people survive in states that don't have the problem with an influx of illegal workers? Somehow they do just fine, in fact many places do better. So spare me your gloom and doom. On labor day there was a picture in the register of a march in Calistoga in support of illegal workers. The front of the parade had a picture of Ceaser Chavez. I believe he would be outraged if he knew what his picture was being used to support. He was against illegal workers. He wanted American citizens to have livable wages. He knew that illegals undercut what American citizens need to make in order to live. I say Bravo Mr. Haan, you've hit the nail on the head. "

I speak American wrote on Oct 3, 2006 10:41 AM:

" Economic theory is evidently not the strong suit of those who would ignore its role in immigration. The concepts of Laissez-faire or free market economics are reverently ignored by the misrepresentations of Sandra, Mr. Hann and others. Not being privileged myself as to what Caesar Chavez would be outraged by I am reasonably certain he would not condone either Sandra or Mr. Hann’s opinion. If you consider Capitalism as creating a class of slave labor perhaps you might examine just what rationalizations you would use to assuage your fears. The Scapegoat for all your imagined frustrations was once Communism; it now resurfaces in any stranger. "

Sandra Page wrote on Oct 3, 2006 11:07 AM:

" Mr. I Seak American, Spare me your sad opinion. Communism is the only alternative to getting rid of a sub waged working class? I beg to differ. America has been a capitalist country since its founding, but that did not exclude unions or fair labor laws. Why allow a working class that does not have these same rights? Big business can get around all of the laws set up to protect our working class by hiring illegal workers. Aside from all the other problems this illegal population causes, this in itself should be enough to outrage the average working citizen. Fair labor practice does not equal communism. Learn some history and maybe then you can intelligently surmise what Mr. Chavez would feel about our current situation. "

Trouble wrote on Oct 3, 2006 11:13 AM:

" Sorry "I speak American." But you are wrong. Because I am for enforcemnet of the law does not make me a communist or anti-capitalist. 1. Secure every inch of our border with a fence. 2. Control every inch of our border with manpower and technology. 3. Fine, confiscate and imprison every employer that aids and abets illegal aliens of any race. 4. Bring charges of dereliction of duty to every local, state or federal elected leader that does not enforce current immigration law. 5. English only as our national language. 6. Remove all the freebies for anyone illegally in this country. 7. Repeal the 14th Amendment for anchor babies. 8. As we find illegal aliens of any race deport them permanently. Big business, unions, special interests, religions, pastors and cronies of corrupt politicians are not suppose to be the caretakers of our Constitution or sovereignty. They are not suppose to tell us which laws they would like to follow and which laws they would like to ignore to fatten their coffers. Trouble "

Mike wrote on Oct 3, 2006 11:31 AM:

" Actually, Caesar Chavez was extremely opposed to illegal immigration. Learn your history before running your mouth, Mr. "I Speak American." Look here: http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/op-ed/navarrette/20050330-9999-lz1e30navar.html "

Doug wrote on Oct 3, 2006 11:31 AM:

" Haan's article is so on point that it should be syndicated. "

Sad opinion wrote on Oct 3, 2006 11:44 AM:

" Sandra, the oily metaphors serve to obscure your own socialist advocacy. Why fall back on working class dogma and liberal devices when you can intelligently make your points without reference to another’s knowledge of history? A history you so conveniently construct about Big business yet glory in its handiwork. Assess your own words and read comments carefully before accusing others of any lack of knowledge. Adam Smith did not write the Constitution. Trouble is not worth a comment. "

adriana martinez wrote on Oct 3, 2006 12:29 PM:

" This is not a good idea but a racist one to criminalize all illegal immigrants. Everyone in the u.s is an immigrant, and i dont see why they have to be criminalized then all of us should be criminalized. This is an act of racism and unfairness. your need us here, and no one is going to take us out, because with out illegal immigrants the u.s. or as many call it the "free" America is nothing!! "

Cris wrote on Oct 3, 2006 1:15 PM:

" When I started and I posted my first comment I didn't mention anything about illegal immigrants. I was just amazed in how poor written this article was in consequence, making me wonder how poor the research on this difficult subject is. I have been doing some of it and if look in the web for immigration issues in this country at the beginning of this century or the end of the last one, you will see your words spelled one by one:against the chinese, the italians, the irish...and now the hispanics. Every act is a consequence of another, has any of you consider the triggers of this situation? this is not happening since yesterday, or last year, or because they are just too lazy to go to the embassy to get their visas, there are a lot of factors, variances, limitations, opportunities, etc. This is a circle. Is like the drug problem the US has...Is it because south american countries grow the coca leave or is it because the US buys the cocaine?? so what was it first: the egg or the hen? How can any body state an opinion with out been on the two sides?(that is if you really want a fair opinion) if not, you will only understand and see what you want to see. Has anybody been in another country? has anybody here seen another reality?, and I don't mean latinamerican countries, china, europe, india? if not then your knowledge about any of the mentioned countries is limited and you can NOT state and opinion...same principle.. Save the ignorance and please do your homework. Maybe your family and friends agree with you. Enlight me with knowledge and a solid reason based on facts and research for me to agree with this poor, poor article. "

Mike wrote on Oct 3, 2006 1:19 PM:

" My ancestors were legal immigrants, Adriana, and therefore not criminals. Illegal aliens are by definition ILLEGAL, and should be treated as such. Unless, of course, you don't respect the rule of law. If you prefer to go that route, then we can ignore the laws designed to keep people from taking justice in to their own hands. The rule of law keeps us from descending in to violence. "

Mike wrote on Oct 3, 2006 1:24 PM:

" Actually, Cris, this has been well researched, it just doesn't get any media coverage. Jill Stewart wrote this for the San Francisco Chronicle last April: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2006/04/28/EDGNSGUCDV1.DTL "

Cris wrote on Oct 3, 2006 1:26 PM:

" Adriana, forgvive my asking, but are you black? "

Mike wrote on Oct 3, 2006 1:29 PM:

" Reead if you dare...http://www.immigrationshumancost.org/ "

cris wrote on Oct 3, 2006 1:53 PM:

" it was not me who ask if adriana is black, and I am the first one in posting a comment (just to clarify). Second note: no such article Mike... :( and by the way: what has been well research? "

Mike wrote on Oct 3, 2006 2:36 PM:

" Cris, try using the copy and paste function to get the article link into your address bar. I know you can do it. Every aspect of illegal immigration has been researched over the last few years, that's why people are so outraged. Here's another link specifically talking about California: http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/immigrationnaturalizatio/a/caillegals.htm "

really wrote on Oct 3, 2006 3:25 PM:

" Is you all white? "

Amanda wrote on Oct 3, 2006 3:29 PM:

" To Adriana Martinez , you have the typical attitude of illegal aliens and those who support them. Let me let you in on a few facts. There is a big difference between legal immigrants and illegal aliens. One follows the rule of law and the other spits America. This country was built and ran just fine before the illegal invasion and will do so again once all the illegals are gone. We don't need illegals here, don't want them here and they will be sent back to their country of origin where they belong. Our politicans have been spouting their drivel long enough about how we can't survive without them and it's all a bunch of garbage, the only people who believe that are the illegals themselves. Start getting used to it, your free ride is about to end. "

for mr Hann wrote on Oct 3, 2006 3:37 PM:

" Our judicial system and prisons are becoming overcrowded and less able to serve the needs of our citizens. It has been said that a disproportionate number of the illegal immigrants end up in our prison system. At one point in the not too distant past, Fidel Castro was emptying the Cuban jails by shipping criminals to the United States, under the pretext that they were seeking asylum. Now Mexico is encouraging that segment of their society to go to the United States. Where does this information come from sounds like hate mongering to me? "

Amanda wrote on Oct 3, 2006 4:10 PM:

" Mexico is using the United States as it's safety vavle. Dumping it's poorest, and it's criminals into the U.S. Then they don't have to deal with them, making things a lot easier for their corrupt government. What I would love to hear from illegal aliens from Mexico is why they never condemn their country for this and why they never demand change? They sure have a spine once they are here in our country to demand what they think are their "rights" "

oh well wrote on Oct 3, 2006 6:11 PM:

" You can't hear the complaints for all the noise. Its a steady littany of the same misdirected slop with no real solution suggested unless you are all simple enough to belive that you can actually build such a fence with no money and place those You think you can catch in prison. You wouldn"t be able to come close to the cost. As long as you ignore the real structural issues for the problems we all face we are doomed to false reaction and meaningless "simple solutions." "

For the for mr Hann dude wrote on Oct 3, 2006 6:14 PM:

" It appears you know how to use the internet. I suggest you go to google or yahoo and type in: illegal immigrants cost statistics or something like that. You can be creative. All of the facts will jump out at you and you can pull your head out of your, well out of the darkness. The media is slow to disclose the facts, for whatever reason, maybe they also hire illegals. But there is no reason for you to drift in darkness, if you'll do a little research for yourself. "

James wrote on Oct 3, 2006 6:19 PM:

" oh well, don't be such a panzy!! We don't need the fence. We need to take away the incentive. Stop social services for illegal aliens, fine and imprison those who hire illegals, deport illegals after implanting a microchip that cannot be easily removed. If we give them notice that this is what we will do, and actually follow through with it, they will stay home. Maybe it is time that we perform a regime change in Mexico. They have the resources to take care of their own, their government is so corrupt and that is why the poor are flooding our nation. Incidentally, I hope Mike Thompson is reading this thread!! "

Fed Up wrote on Oct 3, 2006 6:30 PM:

" It's greed pure and simple that's killing the golden goose(America).The businessman that owns a chicken slaughterhouse(for instance)needs all the low wage,unskilled easily exploitable labor he can get so where does he look? Mexico.Mexico can send all their lower class unemployed people north for jobs and in return they send most of their paychecks back into Mexico.The Adriana Martinez's of the world want to call it racist because the American middle class isn't going to roll over and die.Just because someone whose job skills amount to running a lawn mower and leaf blower can scale a fence and run north he's somehow indispensable to this nation? Let the employers pay for these illegals.We'll see then what their true cost to this nation really is.Adriana, the U.S. won't miss you and illegals one bit when it's all said and done because you are lying when you try to tell us we can't do without you.If you are invited into someone's home then you are a welcome guest. If you sneak into someone's home though and then refuse to leave when asked you are a parasite and a thief.By the way, how does Mexico treat their illegal immigrants anyway? "

Sandra Page wrote on Oct 3, 2006 7:34 PM:

" Mr Sad, Just exactly what is an "oily" metaphor? I do not, and have never advocated socialism. Do you even understand what socialism is? What planet do you come from? Do you know history? I suggest you take some classes from someone who actually teaches facts and not opinions. I actually have never gloried in the handiworks of "Big Business" being a self employed hard working individual who very well understands how capitalism works since I live it's concepts every day in "small" business. I also know my history pretty well and know that labor laws were made to protect people from being taken advantage of by less than honorable employers. Illegal workers get paid substandard wages, undercutting American citizens. Also they have no recourse when it comes to job injuries, or medical insurance. The middle class american foots this bill and not their employers. As for a fence....please, it will never work. Heavily fine the employers. Make it not worth their while to hire illegals. The problem will go away with the lack of jobs. It is the only answer that makes any sense. "

Hay Cris Budy! wrote on Oct 3, 2006 7:41 PM:

" Hey Cris buddy, I sincerely hope you’re not a product of the Napa Valley Schools. Please have someone read over your comments before you post them. For you to criticize Mr. Haan’s letter in any way is pure comedy… "This is one of the worst written, supported and truthful articles I've ever read.”…Well, at least you were right on your third point. "

Rocco Ferrario wrote on Oct 3, 2006 8:42 PM:

" Any type of physical fence or barrier, like a chain, will only be as strong as its weakest link, and I doubt would help curb the flow of illegal aliens into our country to any extent. How’s this for an idea to chew on…Given the fact that Mexico’s number one source of revenues is now the cash sent from those in the U.S. back to friends and family back home, I would propose taxing every money transfer out of the U.S. a flat rate of about 30%. The money raised could be evenly split between our hammered hospitals, struggling schools, overcrowded prisons, crime ravaged families, and of course…Law Enforcement. (And for anyone to suggest that Caesar Chavez would have condoned illegal immigration is a dishonor to this Arizona born union leader who wanted nothing more than higher wages and better conditions for the Legal immigrant farm workers he valiantly tried to represent.) "

Mike wrote on Oct 3, 2006 9:26 PM:

" Rocco, I enjoy your opinions but have to disagree with you on the fence. The Isreali fence has worked very well in keeping Palestinian terrorists out, and I think it will work very well in slowing down illegal traffic. Of course, it still must be managed properly. "

Michelle wrote on Oct 3, 2006 9:34 PM:

" He Adriana Martinez, I was wondering if I could borrow or steel your fake papers so that I could claim to be an illegal alien? My husband and I cannot afford insurance right now and I would like to have a baby. There are other reasons too; my doctor says that I may need knee surgery and I would also qualify for housing assistance. "

Michelle wrote on Oct 3, 2006 9:38 PM:

" Hey Adriana, it's me again, I would be willing to drive you to Mexico. We could exchange my legal papers for your not so legal papers there. You would come back as me and I guess I would have to find a coyote, but that's ok. I really need it. I would also like the state to pay my way through college, and as me they won't. "

Caring Human wrote on Oct 4, 2006 7:53 AM:

" Who is AFRAID of the poor migrmats that come to work? Not the Professionals the Doctors, The Enginners, Techs, those that have no profession and blame theit own Incompentance and uneducation and now YEAHHHHHHHH on the poor Immigrant. What have you done to make your self better? What Education are you giving your family & children so they can compete in the NEW WORLDD GLOBAL ECONOMY? This is what will matter in the end, not the poor undocumented farm worker. Stop Balming your own unsuccessfullness on others aand make your own life plan and get to work on it, this is the only antitode for FAILURE. "

Caring Human wrote on Oct 4, 2006 7:57 AM:

" BILL HERE IS SOMETHING YOU ALSO FORGOT TO ADD SO OTHERS WILL KNOW.. More Abysmal Reporting on the "Costs" of Immigration By Shawn Fremstad | bio As I've mentioned before, a number of media outlets seem to have bought hook, line and sinker into GOP spinmaster Frank Luntz's framing of immigration as a "net cost", despite the overwhelming evidence and consensus among economists and others that it provides net economic benefits. The latest reporter to bite is Jonathan Weisman of the Washington Post. Weisman's article is headlined "Cost of Senate Immigration Bill put at $126 Billion" and reads something like a press release from Rep. Tom Tancredo, perhaps the wackiest of all immigrant foes. The story, at least on the web, even includes Tancredo's picture! Weisman leaves out one teensy little fact—CBO also says that the Senate's bill will boost GDP by .3 to .4 percent over the next five years, and even more after that. Don't let that .3 to .4 percent fool you—.4 percent of last year's GDP is almost $50 billion dollars. In other words, new and legalized immigrants under the Senate bill will boost economic growth by more than $500 billion over the next 10 years. Last time I looked, $500 billion is a lot more than a $126 billion. So, it might have been sensible for Weisman to report that fact. This is the worst omission in Weisman's story, but it's not the only one. Economists Dean Baker and Brad DeLong have already taken Weisman to task for misrepresenting the CBO report. According to CBO there is a drafting error in the bill that has the effect of dramatically understating the positive revenue effects of the bill. Weisman leaves out any discussion of these revenues that would almost completely offset the costs of providing federal benefits over the next ten years to legalized immigrants. "

Caring Human wrote on Oct 4, 2006 7:59 AM:

" Immigration's bottom line. Opponents of immigration reform have taken to predicting that the United States would suffer the ruination of all but apple pie if Congress grants a path to citizenship for the estimated 11 million illegal entrants now in the country. Be warned, they say, because creating those new citizens would lead to the biggest explosion in welfare spending in decades. And be prepared because immigrants begetting immigrants would overrun America with foreigners, spelling doom for a way of life held so dear. Three-word response: wrong, wrong, wrong. In fact, opening the golden door a bit wider would be an excellent bargain. So say the numbers from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, based on an authoritative, unbiased study of the costs and benefits generated by the immigration plan approved by the U.S. Senate in May. The CBO projects that enabling most of the 11 million to eventually become citizens and allowing more people in as temporary guest workers would cost the federal treasury basically nothing. The balance sheet shows that, over a decade, providing Medicaid, food stamps and other benefits to the immigrants would cost $48 billion, while the immigrants would produce $44 billion in federal tax revenue. Much of the money would flow into Social Security, helping to maintain the system's solvency as aging baby boomers retire. The numbers - $48 billion out, $44 billion in - are a wash, and they are a far cry from outlandish claims that the immigrants would trigger $30 billion a year in welfare costs. Also important: the largest outlays in the CBO's spending forecast relate to the Earned Income Tax Credit, a program that provides financial assistance to the working poor. The help would go not to people on the dole but to people laboring at the bottom of the economic ladder - working people. Where the Senate's plan gets costly is border security. The CBO puts the tab for 370 miles of fencing, 500 miles of vehicle barriers, 1,000 border agents, 20 detention facilities and similar measures at $78 billion over 10 years. This is the only type of spending countenanced by anti-immigration zealots because they fantasize that it's possible to seal the borders without providing opportunities for desperate, ambitious foreigners to hold jobs that Americans don't want. They're dreaming, and the Republican lawmakers who are holding fast for border enforcement and only border enforcement should wake up to the reality that America "

Mark Turner wrote on Oct 4, 2006 9:05 AM:

" Will the citizens awake to the invasion before it is to late? "

don j in texas wrote on Oct 4, 2006 12:14 PM:

" i wish this article could some-how be seen in every major and minor newspaper in the U S. thank you for trying. "

cvilla wrote on Oct 4, 2006 12:14 PM:

" i agree totally with everything that you said, i live in a town that has thousands of illegals, and recently we have had an influx of "people from somolia", that have come here for political refuge. our government has furnished them with jobs, social security cards,ans drivers licenses.i have seen the cards myself. the health services department here is warning people about untreated diseases that these people are bringing with them. there are many upset people in this town but we have no choice but to put up with it. "

Native American old woman wrote on Oct 4, 2006 12:19 PM:

" I am one of those who have seen a lifetime of abuse , both physical and mental by illegal aliens, starting in the 40s and still ongoing. I think this article is the most sensible one I have read on the problem of illegal aliens. The only other thing I would add is that those who have given the illegals the right to protest against a country that they have no right to be in would be punished as well. That would include some in high places. I think they forgot what the word "illegal" means. Maybe that would refresh their memory. The president signing a paper will not help, as he can counter sign any time he wants to in secret. And as soon as the elections are over he can deny it anyway. And a fence would help, but not just in certain places, as that would give them room to complain that they are forced to enter in more dangerous places, in an effort to blame us for their problems. "

Alexander Columbo wrote on Oct 4, 2006 12:24 PM:

" We deserve a chance like you had in the past....with or without papers, we will still be here..accept and legalize. "

cvilla wrote on Oct 4, 2006 12:26 PM:

Jose Gonzalez wrote on Oct 4, 2006 12:33 PM:

" I really don't know where to begin in replying to this article. Native Americans has their own standard of living before Europeans came along and chaned all of that. They brought with them disease that the original occupants of this country did not have any protection against. In addition, the article talk about sharing our birthright. What kind of ignorant stament is that? The people who live in this country do not have any more birthright that those who originally occupied it. This article is racism cevered with arguments written by someone with less-than-average intelligence. How sad for this great country that some of its lowest citizens (in terms of intelligence and logic) are allowed to put their ignorant thoughts in print. "

Frances wrote on Oct 4, 2006 12:38 PM:

" what about those who came in legally with visa and overstay but are working hard, off the book and are law abiding. Not all of them are interested in becoming a citizen, they just need to be able to work, make money and go home occassionally. They dont just take all the money to their countries, they have to contribute to the economy of this country by paying their house rent and utility bills. They also buy the same food and go through the same conditions like the citizens. US can stop people from coming by helping these countries to develop their own potentials in their own country. If the economy of these countries improve drastically, everybody concern will leave the US. No one like to be a criminal unless the person is demented. The Bush's idea is very good. The people concerned should pls make it work. You will see that people will work very hard within the limited time given and go back to their countries to establish themselves in a more relaxed and homely environment. Thanks. Frances. "

Ed wrote on Oct 4, 2006 12:40 PM:

" I agree but we also need to go further. We should not give automatic citizenship to anyone born here - so that pregnant women that cross the border to have babies here can take them back where they belong. It should also not be illegal to shoot trespassers coming across illegally onto private property. Why prosecute American citizens protecting themselves and their property? I feel bad for those that have it tough in their own countries, but hold those countries responsible for their people. "

lost Canadian wrote on Oct 4, 2006 12:42 PM:

" The issue of illegal immigration is clouded by many things. As a Canadian living and working in the US I did not take any jobs from any American but helped to create more jobs. I teach and educate many especially minorities. My status in America was once put into jeopardy by unscrupless employers including one of the largest oil companies in the world, bp. Immigrates fall victim to unscruples people. Some of what these people do is because they try to interpret the laws, some of it is to get around the law (one employer while my papers was being filed deducted taxes off my check but failed to pay them saying I was illegal in the US). I had another employer wait until the last minute before he attempted to fix my papers so I was legal again. Majority of the people that are illegal became illegal not through crossing the Mexico-US border but by falling out of status. When I fell out of status I had to turn myself into the INS and explain to them all that happened then they decided that what I had said was true and I was allowed to stay here. When speaking about illegals we tend to talk about those who take the lower paying jobs. Realize these people tend to be less educated and because of the conditions they are in may rwesort to crime to survive from simple things like driving without a license to bigger things. I support immigration reform but would like to see those who caused me so much pain by what they did to me and my family be punished for not adhering to the law as well. There are girls brought in the US illegally as sex slaves and we tend to turn a blind eye to those who do this. US has the highest number of sex slaves than anyother nation. The system is broken and for those who are legally here they should be granted immunity if those who are illegaly are. For those who deliberately violate the law by refusing to pay for someone to leave after there visa expires or does something to void the persons visa they should be punished and treated as criminals as well. "

Jen wrote on Oct 4, 2006 12:42 PM:

" When illegals are here waving the Mexican flag...losers! They have no appreciation for those who sacrificed even their lives for this country and they have no business being here. They need to go home and do whatever it takes to make their country better,rather than imposing on America!Especially when they don't even appreciate this country! "

Born/Bred US citizen wrote on Oct 4, 2006 12:43 PM:

" All immigrants should be caught, sent away and charged double for everything...rent, food, medical and fined heavily..for fraud....tax evasion..or whatever else can be thrown at them...... "

Native American old woman wrote on Oct 4, 2006 12:43 PM:

" I just read some of the comments about Cesar Chavez. How amazing for those of you who never knew him to speak so eloquently about him! I was one of those who spoke up against his illegal acts, and for that the UFWU tried to kill me. Cesar was born on the "south" side of Yuma. Look on the map! He was just barely legal. Most of the people he worked with was illegal, and he talked about not liking the illegals to the press. He also talked about peace, when he was one of the most violent people I knew. As long as he got his way, everything was o.k. If you really want to open some doors of education, check out the hidden stories that lie in the archives of small newspapers where he led his thugs. He claimed to love the vinyards, so who destroyed so many of them? This is not about race, this is about justice! "

Gwen Johnson wrote on Oct 4, 2006 12:43 PM:

" It's funny, but I never thought I would have a realist point of view until I went back home and saw the sudden and drastic influx of what was obviously illegal immigrants. For the past year, I have been studying for my Masters Degree in International Relations in Paris France. I came home to the western suburb where I have lived for the past 20 years to see not only a nearby apartment complex go from a somewhat even mixture of cultures and races, to at least 30% hispanic. I went to the local commercial establishment and in every aisle, every line, there was whole families who didn't speak one inkling of English. I went to the local supermarket for groceries and I could count on one hand the number of English speaking patrons out of 50 people -- me, my daughter and the cashiers. I went to the local gas station and this gentleman was asking the clerk if she spoke Spanish as he showed her his drivers license which you could still smell the plastic it was so new. I know that in the space of 9 to 12 months, there would be no way that this many immigrants could have come to my town "legally". Now I am not prejudice, and I really think every one should have a chance at a good way of life, but do it legally!!! I have been told that many of the warehousing jobs have huge hispanic workers where no one speaks English and for some reason, they have these preconcieved prejudices that African Americans are lazy and therefore, they hurl racial slurs at them constantly or make working conditions complicated because of their preconceived notions about African Americans. I have been privy to several incidences where they did not believe I spoke Spanish and stood witness to some of their attacks in Spanish which I have reported. So it is not just the economics of it, or the strain on resources but it is also the racial tension that is added due to ignorance. "

Deanna wrote on Oct 4, 2006 12:45 PM:

" Why should the rest of us have to pay our taxes and not those who are here illegally? This is what really bugs me. Perhaps we should legalize them so they have to pay their fair share. Employers need to be fined for hiring those who aren't qualified to work in the USA! "

Cecilia wrote on Oct 4, 2006 12:49 PM:

" I want to see a white person pick berries in scorching, hot weather. But I will never see that, because all you white people are too scared to get your hands dirty and rather complain that am immigrant took your low paying job. You'd rather go on welfare and collect off the government. You all are pitifull!! It makes me laugh to see how you guys get no sleep just thinking about illegal immigrants! Hmmmm? Let's think about paying double than what we do for our groceries? Because w/o the immigrants, that is what is going to happen. This country is going to turn into a 3rd world country. So face it!! What pisses y'all off is that there are so many Latin people taking over and pretty soon white people will be diminished to nothing. Can't take it can you? Better learn Spanish, you are going to need it. "

Deep South Proud wrote on Oct 4, 2006 12:50 PM:

" we can't keep'em from coming into the US, but once here they SHOULD AT LEAST SPEAK FRICKIN' ENGLISH...and once caught, punished then sent back to where they belong. "

Travis Clayton wrote on Oct 4, 2006 12:56 PM:

" "Our birthright"? How did it get to be your birthright, exactly? And did your American History textbook happen to list the Brothers Grimm as authors? At no point in American history was immigration policy ever shaped by a "need" for additional manpower to work in the factories and till the soil. Your ancestors bought people for that purpose, and howled just as loudly then as now about all the terrible, un-American immigrants who were going to ruin the wonderful society they'd built on land gained through theft, lies, and murder. "

Native American old woman wrote on Oct 4, 2006 12:57 PM:

" Cecilia, I have some white blood in me and I certainly HAVE picked berries and just about any other crop that grows in this country, with the exception of those my family were driven away from by hordes of illegals bearing knives, clubs and outnumbering us and the WHITE people we worked with. At least, you were never beaten for speaking your language in public like my people were. On the contrary, you have been encouraged to reject English. "

Jesse wrote on Oct 4, 2006 12:57 PM:

" Most middle class Americans live paycheck to paycheck with very little savings. They pay ever increasing tax rates for everything they buy, own and earn. Homeowners see their property tax bills increased to build schools and hire teachers for the burgeoning illegal immigrant populations’ offspring. All this while 20 billion dollars of remittances go to Mexico alone? Do those funds get taxed? Perhaps some did, but we need to tax it ALL, and put these funds back into the communities affected. Are you listening IRS? Besides, it’s time to dump the Federal and State income taxes, and pay for everything with Federal and State SALES taxes on everything purchased except for food. That’s the only fair way out of this that issue. Let’s face it: the illegal laborers get low wages, the taxpayers get overtaxed and the employers reap the benefits. Sure, the consumers get lower prices, but how much lower? Sure, we need workers, but the average American doesn’t hire them from a street corner, businesses do. Do you think all the savings gets passed on to the consumer? Right. A workable guest program and mandatory jail time for employers who employ illegal immigrants (enforced by all city, state and federal law enforcement agencies. No enforcement, no money) would solve this. Within specified limits if people had their background checked and the appropriate, ultra secure I.D. perhaps they could come and go as they pleased, then, there would be no need to relocate entire families. These workers could send even more money home and their families who would enjoy a much higher standard of living in their native countries. Perhaps their native countries would also begin to prosper. If people from other nations want to immigrate to the U.S. they need to follow the process; no exceptions other than asylum. Allot of illegal immigrant advocates claim this is a human rights issue. What allot of bunk. These megalomaniacs have their own agenda, mainly creating political power and the wealth that goes with it. These are the same people who will stomp and rant to raise your taxes, then, pay their gardener as little as possible. These people are not the next Martin Luther King Jr. or Cesar Chavez. They like to do interviews and create controversy. They make demands and spew skewed statistics from their mouths calling anyone who disagrees with them a raciest. They are to be viewed with suspicion and once the suspicion is confirmed, with distain. They are one rung below lawyers. Oh, allot of them are lawyers—whose ambition is to be the first President of California. And you think people are mad about this issue now? Just wait until the next recession, and yea, it will happen. Those paycheck to paycheck Americans will want those landscaping and chicken factory jobs. What then—ciaos that’s what. Furthermore, amnesty doesn’t work. Been there, done that. What’d we get 20 million more demanding the same in 10 years. And before you go off on me I am married to a recent, not so light skinned, legal immigrant. Her sisters and brother are also here—they all followed the process: immigrating legally. This rant is dedicated to the paycheck to paycheck, dwindling middle class folk who are getting shafted by their own government to subsidize illegal immigrants and the businesses that employ them. Remember in November… "

Jermaine wrote on Oct 4, 2006 1:05 PM:

" Your point was well taken. No other country allows such an influx of illegal immigrants. Those who have come into this country legally and had to battle the tons of paper work phone calls and the money paid for the oppertunity to be a US citizen should lead the fight. "

Jay wrote on Oct 4, 2006 1:18 PM:

" Well, we now will start building a fence for billions of dollars. We could save a lot of monies by hiring labor from Mexico as it would be near the work. I really think a better answer would be to place severe restrictions on employers. If illegals didn't get paid, then they would be very reluctant to enter this country to work. I don't know about other states but it would be easy enough and without the cost to issue ID's for work and being able to shop. "

dude wrote on Oct 4, 2006 1:22 PM:

" hey, if someone is willing to learn another language, then they deserve a job more than some other american who just sits around and thinks the world revolves around him and so he doesn't need to learn another language "

Jose wrote on Oct 4, 2006 1:25 PM:

" To adriana martinez..... You have a very interesting statement concerning the criminalizing of undocumented immigrants....how it is racists....The interesting thing is that Mexico does criminalize and has always had a law making illegal entry and residence in mexico a felony....But even without the law, which I imagine is easily gotten around with a few dollars paid to the ever-so-corrupt mexican police, mexico has been incredibly unjust to those from central and south america on there journey to the united states...Something, you will almost never hear of in the latin press....Why? Well, other than the obvious reason that it would demonstrate hypocrisy, it would take away from the traditional victim mentality that fuels arguments like yours....Also, it's unfortunate that you and others actually believe that low-skilled undocumented workers that come from latin america are not replaceable...I assure you, they are....In fact, I would bet you that the millions of workers, that applied and are waiting in line for there visas from Africa, asia, and latin america would love to have a job here doing whatever to better there lives.... "

dude wrote on Oct 4, 2006 1:28 PM:

" Deep South Proud, why should someone that comes to the US have to be punished and then sent back to there homeland,which is probably a better place anyway. "

dude wrote on Oct 4, 2006 1:32 PM:

" This is to Jen, the people that fought for this country weren't even americans in the first place because they were from Europe, but hey of course you dont know anything, youre american "

Jose wrote on Oct 4, 2006 1:36 PM:

" To cecilia, It's always interesting to hear someone say that id like to see someone do a certain job that is now occupied by a latino....It's as if that job didn't exist before someone from latin america came to occupy it and save to lazy american citizens...So let me explain something really easy for you to understand...You run a landscaping business...starting in 1990(when the massive wave of undocumented immigration started from latin america) you advertise maybe 6 dollars an hour.....what would you do if no one comes to fill the place....you up the price...Now, what happens when someone comes from a country that was used to making only 6 dollars a day? He is more than happy to work for six dollars an hour....And this continues for years on end because 6 dollars an hour still is a fortune for those in latin america 16 years later.....Now, what happens to those that were born here and have equal skills.....they are pushed out or are forced to take lower wages that would have risen if there weren't so many people willing to work for so little....(enter the illegal immigrant)...... "

Amber Vaughan wrote on Oct 4, 2006 1:42 PM:

" This article is perfect. This is exactly what's going on and more people need to read it. "

World Citizen wrote on Oct 4, 2006 1:44 PM:

" "Proud to be American" reads in several trucks stickers nationwide; most of them are also proud of being Irish; Scotch or British descendents, even European, Asian, African or Latin"American" (still, America is not only the U.S., ok?); eventually immigrants, surely different times, different circumstances, different opportunities. Big companies, pushed by strong Unions, provide high wages and costly retirement plans; American companies suffer with the Asian Invasion and cut thousands of jobs, not because of the immigrants (legal or not), but start seeking lower cost countries; the U.S. is doomed by its own corrupted government, killing their own people in other countries (and perhaps a few newyorkers?). Still, the U.S. is so attractive not only for mexicans but for most of the world citizens, but Mexico happens to be next door, so, who's to blame? Most americans (born/bred/spoke) don't even know where is Mexico city (is it next to Tijuana?). Don't tell me illegals don't pay taxes, most do, through buyings in same stores as americans do, through their payroll check without a chance to obtain a tax return as most americans do, or not? Would it be better for americans to allow immigrants to establish businesses instead of "stealing" your jobs, and then hire you? A fence has never been a solution, violence isn't either. Stop the demand and the offer will decrease, just like drugs, I don't buy, you can't sell: Out of business. Stop the hate, read more and be happy. "

Pat wrote on Oct 4, 2006 1:50 PM:

" I'm not against immigration but the present system IS broke. I believe some of the problem is employers and there greed. Yes a business needs to make money to stay in business,,,But how much is enough? They could pay more to attract American workers but they don't want to!!. Instead of paying Americans they want to pay minimum wage so the business owner can have his home his vacation home,New hummer,4 wheelers,jet skies,ETC ETC. It is not wrong to have that stuff at all but they need to realize there business needs to take care of there workers also. How much different would America be if employers would say I have enough.My business is successful. I have more then i need. I'm going to give the extra to my employees to help make there lives better. Instead it's Hmmm if i pay as little as i can get away with i can go get a new Hummer every year..YEAH FOR ME...Your not working hard enough I WANT MORE MORE MORE.... As a business owner you do deserve to have the nice things as you have taken the risk and put out the effort but they need to remember who helped them get there. SOOO if they would remember who helped them be successful and take care of them immigrants would not have a chance of finding employment here because Americans WOULD WANT to do the job "

GS wrote on Oct 4, 2006 1:52 PM:

" Republican pro-business supporters like cheap labor and Democratic civil rights supporters like uneducated voters, so the hypocrisy continues. Anyone who has a basic understanding of economics knows that an increase in supply (i.e. labor - illegal or legal) drives down the price for it (i.e. wages). So the wages earning lower and middle class segments of our society are being forced to complete for jobs that are being either shipped overseas or pay less due to the influx of labor competition. The article was 100% right, business likes the new consumers. Our economy is like the wheel gerbils run on - more people equals more demand for food, cars, housing, houses which leads to more imports and more need for labor which is satisfied by immigrants and the wheel keeps spinning. Unfortunately, the only real beneficiaries are the owners of capital and politicians. They reap higher profits and politicians get reelected because the false economy is still positive. But wehn the wheel stops, society is stuck with millions of additional uneducated drywall hangers, fruit pickers and dishwashers and the business owners go on vacation with their profits from the cheap labor and live in their secluded communties to get away from the hordes of uneducated people in our country. Wake up, globalization is good for the investor class, not the person who sells his time for a wage, blue collar or white. This is from a conservative, educated citizen. "

owen wrote on Oct 4, 2006 1:53 PM:

" to "dude" who wrote "Deep South Proud, why should someone that comes to the US have to be punished and then sent back to there homeland,which is probably a better place anyway." THERE IS NO BETTER PLACE THAN THIS ONE OTHERWISE YOU WOULD BE THERE INSTEAD OF HERE. YOU ARE EXACTLY THE REASON THIS IS A PROBLEM, YOU BREAK OUR LAW, YOU BREAK OUR BANK, THEN YOU SAY THERE ARE BETTER PLACES THAN HERE. YOU ARE THE REASON WE DONT WANT ILLEGALE HERE BECAUSE ASSININE PEOPLE LIKE YOU SYMPATHISE WITH CRIMINALS. LAST I CHECKED MEXICO SOLD THIS LAND TO THE U.S.A AND WE MADE IT GREAT, MEXICO HAS EVERYTHING IT NEEDS TO BE GREAT EXCEPT FOR YOUR COWARDLY LEADERS AND UNEDUCATED PEOPLE WHO WONT REVOLT AGAINST A CROOKED SOCIETY. SO STOP HATING US OVER JOBS THAT TEENAGERS USED TO HAVE. "

Mexican-American wrote on Oct 4, 2006 1:53 PM:

" I am very shocked to read the comments that most of you have to make regarding this situation. It makes me cringe to see that some WHITE people have the nerve to call this THEIR country??? With what right? You seem to have forgotten that everyone in this country is in immigrant, or did I miss the chapter in History class where it explains how everyone arriving in Ellis Island had citizenship papers at hand. I understand to a certain point where this immigration is getting out of hand & we do need a system to know who come in and out of OUR country. Yes, I said it OUR country I was born to a then illegal immigrant & I am a CITIZEN like or NOT!!!! It really disgusts me to see how many of you people write about us Mexicans as if we are animals of some sort we are human just like white, African-Americans, Native-Americans, etc... You make it sound like all white people are perfect, Ummm 'NO!' I'm sorry what nationality was the man who recently killed 5 innocent young girls in that Amish School?? Getting to the point that no nationality is perfect they all have the law abiding people just like they have criminals. Now we have this wonderful country that was built by immigrants, which God only know how many diseases, is trying to kick out the same type of people that founded this country?? Talk about ignorance... "

irma wrote on Oct 4, 2006 1:56 PM:

" Amanda you not only have the sense and possibility of being one of those americans that live off of welfare instead of really working, because let me tell you girl I am one 100% mexican and yes it does disgust me when people of your kind enjoy your self trying to make us mexicans look like terrorist here or aliens of some kind invading your planet. I dont't thank you for being here but our parents who have the braveness of coming to our homeland which got stolen from many years ago you probably ditched school or were too busy getting high when when they studied that in history class.......go ahead all keep encouraging that great big fence it won't make a difference get your behind to work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "

G.Lemus wrote on Oct 4, 2006 1:57 PM:

" I'm a 4th genertation american of mexican decent. Guess what all my forefather work the fields as american citizen,served this great nation with pride, learned and spoke english and educated their children. If you stop and look at the current influence of Illegal Immigriants they have no desire to become americans they want to reamin prideful Mexicans. They refuse to learn english, learn american values. Look when you drive around town how many women pushing strollers, and how many of theses women are mexicans. In the morning when I take my children to school, I make sure they have breakfest. I see a lot of mothers walking their kids to school and expecting that their children be feed. The other day there was a mother who told her older child to say that he dropped his plate so he could get another on for his little brother. And guess what it was a non-english speaking parent. "

owen wrote on Oct 4, 2006 1:57 PM:

" HEY CECILIA, 300 MEXICAN WOMEN HAVE BEEN BURDERED ON THE BORDER IN MEXICO AND HE WAS NOT WHITE SO STOP BEING A RACIST. "

Tom wrote on Oct 4, 2006 2:03 PM:

" GS is right. He forgot to mention that ehile the economy may produce jobs while the number of people increases, our per capita wealth, not national wealth is decreasing. That is, our GDP has been increasing so that we remain the wealthiest nation, when you divide our national wealth by the number of people, legal and illegal, our wealth per person is declining. "

jose wrote on Oct 4, 2006 2:07 PM:

" Irma..... Don't be so quick to talk about history when you criticize someone....It's apparent that you and everyone else who uses that convenient line that mexico was stolen.....How convenient....How convenient it is to take something that happened over 150 years ago and act like it was yesterday....The southwest was sold to the united states and yes there wasn't much of an option given to the mexican government.....but, for the good or the bad that was how things were 150 YEARS AGO....and if the outcome of the war would have been different dont' think for a minute that mexico wouldn't have done the same....Also, and more importantly....The inhabitants of what is now california, arizona, new mexico, nevada and colorado were generally the people that today in mexico are very discriminated againsts...that's right...eran indios....(Indians) So, I find it humorous to here as a convenient argument for illegal immigration that "it was stolen from mexico anyways"....It was land sold that was occupied by very few people that mexico didn't really recognize-and still don't- as mexicans.....And, and guess what these people did after the sale.....the stayed...and...they became citizens....so....where's your mindless arguement now? "

Vera wrote on Oct 4, 2006 2:09 PM:

" This is to Amanda's comment- How you can say that a person fleeing for a life worth living or at least a cance to live a better one pits on American is beyond me. If anything they see hope. The people who spit on America are the politicians themselves. After Sept. 11 happend an anti-terrorist bill was proposed and everyone new it was going to be passed why because Bush didn't want every front page of every newspaper to read "Bush Vetos Anti-Terrorist Bill". And what did these poloticians do add on some pork. There were about 250 amendments added on to that bill giving money to their cities for sometimes ridiculous and absurd projects. Money I might say the government doesnt have. They spit on America when they did that. They disrespected all the people who were touched by that day and they disrespected the bill and what it was meant for. And for what? Money. Money money money it's what makes the world go round. It can corrupt a person enough to forget that we are all people. One comment that disturbed me is the prison sentence for anyone who helps an illegal immigrant in ANY way. Is it not human nature to want to help some one in need. Would you not take in a starving helpless child on the road and feed her and cloth her? Would you not feel compasion? Do you not wish the best for your fellow neighbor for your brothers and sisters? I wonder if all these people who hate on all these people they don't even know if they believe in God. It is interesting to think that these people can praise god and preach good words but without hesitation put down people they know nothing about and can be so cruel. Why not get to know a mojado an illegal immigrant to know their story and know all the hardwork and worries they go through everyday because when it comes down to it were all human beings first. "

jose wrote on Oct 4, 2006 2:22 PM:

" Irma Que bueno que pongas algo de los rusos, asiaticos...ect...Porque es un punto interesante....Porque debemos premiar los que tienen el lujo de vivir tan cerca que no tienen que esperar su turno? O sea, seria muy dificil para un africano nadar el atlantico no....Y no creas por un segundo que ellos no son tan pobres como los mexicanos....Son mil veces mas pobres, y ellos tienen que hacer lo que la mayoria tiene que hacer que no comparten una frontera con los estados unidos:esperar su turno.....Pero obvio....segun tu, y otros, racismo es no permitir todos que no quieren esperar su turno de emigrar.....Basura! "

Laura wrote on Oct 4, 2006 2:24 PM:

" I am from the Chicago area. We have a huge amount of illegal immigrants here as well. The schools are over populated and unable to afford these transient people. I agree that we need to go after the businesses that hire the illegals and put huge penalties on them. There should be some sort of fingerprinting done on all new hires then sent to the INS database to see whether or not that person is here legally. If everyone is fingerprinted, whites, blacks, hispanics and so forth, then they can't scream profiling. I believe that INS could follow up with those who are not registered and deport them immediately. I think we should implement some system such as this to force employers to watch who they hire. If there are strict guidelines on getting a job, then maybe the illegals would quit coming here. "

Maya wrote on Oct 4, 2006 2:24 PM:

" I just wanted to say I little about myself to help people view my illegal life. I was brought to this country by walking the border back when I was 6. Since then I haven’t left this country that I grow up in and love so dear just like everyone else that lives here. Even though I am Mexican I wasn’t told about my status here until I was in College. Just wanted to let you guys know it’s so hard for illegals to live here. And most of them if not all are just trying to make a normal living just like everyone else. The American Dream. When I was in high school is when I started to notice something was wrong. I went to Drivers Ed just like everyone else but only got a permit and when it was time to get a drivers license I couldn’t. It’s not that we don’t want to have insurance or drive license it’s that we can’t get one. . When it was time for me to get a job. I had to go buy a social security that didn’t belong to me. I was never a criminal. I went to school just like everyone else. Grow up with friends name Nicole and Mike. It wasn’t by choice, I was forced to do it to live like everyone else. I don’t belong in Mexico I lived my whole life here. But how is it that I don’t belong here ether. We can’t just apply and then magically get papers. it’s a long process and only with a lot a requirements we are granted papers. I felt like a ghost living in what was said to be a free country. It’s impossible to buy a car or get credit. Oh and at the end of the year I couldn’t do my taxes because I was scared that I would be sent to Mexico. Most people from Mexico are good people with education. They are not trying to scam or harm people here. . They are living in fear and are trying to leave a in peace. Once here most don’t go back and don’t send money over there they start a family here. I do agree in Making it harder to come in. But the people that are already here deserve some respect we are all human beings and you can’t think that your better than someone else just because of a border. Bye the way I now am a American Resident. "

jose wrote on Oct 4, 2006 2:25 PM:

" ha....a remember the alamo eh?....I think you should probably read again.... "

jose wrote on Oct 4, 2006 2:29 PM:

" Shannon.... By the way....i was writing in russian....just so that you aren't confused "

paul wrote on Oct 4, 2006 2:31 PM:

" Wait tell they are living next to you with 3-5-7 families in one house or apartment , cars parked everywhere, laoud music , drunk and uruoting everywhere , There coming to your your city soon , and the'll start deminding rights ( THEY HAVE NO RIGHTS ) they've broken our laws by being here Illegaly , If they demand rights then they can always return home . not only are they taking jobs , they depress our wages , they abues all goverment sevices . They need to go home and stand in line , like all before them had to do. We have one flag in america , That alot of citzens have died for ,to keep this county free for all AMERICAN CITZENS , Every illegal has not a clue , They don't respect that , If they did they would'nt have broken our laws or fly the mexican flag . Yes us citzens do remmember the marches !!!! thank you for waking AMERICA up "

Irma wrote on Oct 4, 2006 2:34 PM:

" Jose nopalito creo que se te olvido de que rancho naciste o, tambien eres un americano nacido de una buena persona que quiso mejor vida para ti. Crese un poco animal y ponte a trabajar basura irecycable........ "

jose wrote on Oct 4, 2006 2:40 PM:

" Irma..... Nada que ver...En ningun momento dijo algo que no fue cierto....Tenemos que reconocer las cosas como son....Usando argumentos falso y irracionales no ayuda para nada....Pensando que cualquier critica de un proceso desordenado de inmigracion es racista tampoco sirve....Y por fin, pensando que los mexicanos merecen estar aca mas que los demas nacionalidades es absurdo.... "

Sandra wrote on Oct 4, 2006 2:42 PM:

" I work in insurance and have to say that I do deal with alot of immigrants who just arrived in the country. Some work 2 8hr shifts just to pay their car note and insurance. I do recognize that they do work hard. The only problem most of the time is the spanish only. I am a proud Mexican-American and am fluent in both languages. So I am able to help them. I just wish that they would try and make an effort to learn english. It would help them out and help everyone else. They would better themselves in the process. My problem is the comments I hear people make. I don't understand why they bring racial slurs into the picture, when it has nothing to do with the whole problem. Other people of other races do worse. No race is perfect, blacks kill, whites kill, middle eastern, etc..So people need to stop the hypocrisy, ignorance and racism and think about real solutions that actually work and don't involve hatred or name calling. That is just flat wrong. Remember we all got to go sometime and God will remember everything one has said and done in his/ her life. "

John wrote on Oct 4, 2006 2:43 PM:

" We are all Human's We are all on this world together and like it or not it's the only one we have!! My family came here through Ellis island way back when. When i don't know never bothered to ask. I was born in America so im an American Citizen. If you want to come to America and make a better life for your self then fallow the law's of America and you can be a Citizen with all the rights and responsibilities and liabilities. IF you sneak here in the middle of the night you should expect to be deported. If i wanted to move to a different country I would have to fallow there law's to become a Citizen or i would be deported if not jailed. I personally don't care what decent you come from. Just remember this is America. Here we speak English. Please learn the language. We also have busy body old ladies,Slow small town life,Bustling city's,Crotchety old men,Bad driver's,Taxes,Mostly friendly neighbor's,Cat's,Some VERY good looking girl's,Snotty teen's, and a multitude of other things. Please come here and through your culture into the mix. Just please do it the proper way. "

Carl wrote on Oct 4, 2006 3:58 PM:

" Our goverment sold me out. It will pay dearly for that. I'll not pay a cent to irs. Nor will most other people I know. SEE YA. "

Phil wrote on Oct 4, 2006 5:24 PM:

" Our nation is built on laws to ensure our freedom. Illegal immigration is against the law. You may not like the law, that does not change it. Those of us here legally desire the law be upheld. I understand the situation in other countries may not be as good as it is here. That does not change the laws of this country. Just like the rest of you my ancestors were immagrants. They stood in line to get in, they learned the language, and they became citizens. I don't care if you are Mexican, Russian, Japanese, or Martian. Live by the laws or leave. "

chris wrote on Oct 4, 2006 5:41 PM:

" Unfortunately people on both sides are letting compassion of some sort get the better of them. People that want the illegal immigration to stop now just want the citizens who do not have jobs to get them. Also, they do not want the illegals dying in the deserts or mountains. While people against stopping illegal immigration are felling so bad for the circumstances these people find themselves in and why should they be so lucky and others be in such poverty. All do seem to fell the same level of compassion, but to me it seems the placement of said compassion is the souce of the dividing line and without a doubt will continue to be so reguardless of what our government decides to do. "

JAJAJA Que risa que me dan wrote on Oct 4, 2006 7:41 PM:

" Most of the people who read this article, and agreed with it......don't know what the heck are they talking about. Think about this: How about you, "great citizens" of this beautiful nation, would have to move to another place where you are not wanted? Let's say America was not America, but some other nation on the south hemisphere or in Africa where poverty rates are out chart? How about America was another 3rd world country? WHAT WOULD YOU SO PROUD CITIZENS DO? A) Starve to death with all your family. B) Leave the place you love the most, and move to that country where you can actually get a job, support your family, and a chance of a better life for you and your family. Choose wisely........ "

victim of american dream wrote on Oct 4, 2006 9:00 PM:

" All of it is just money for lobbyists trying to take what they want of this opportunity. In one side is the government which is getting taxes from all those immigrants and medical bills that are unaffordable even for Americans whom has insurance. This money comes from their production, because somehow they have to work to food and clothing. Taxes are always included. On other side are the employers that pay the minimum, "when they pay something". But on the corner are immigration lawyers which are waiting for the feast. Seems that the American Dream is just a mirage. "

Tony wrote on Oct 4, 2006 10:02 PM:

" I am a third generation Hispanic tired of seeing illegals protesting on the streets it's ILLEAGAL! You should come here the right way. I don't care what kind of poverty gives you the right to break the law and disrespect our country. If your poor you dont break the law and steal to have a better life You Broke the Law. But the sad truth Illeagals don't care about any laws which is why we should and enforce ours. The below excerpt is taken from NUMBERSUSA.COM Go their and fax for free to our government and put an end to this mass invasion of people that will change a diverse nation to a lopsided one. As part of the press conference, new poll results were released, which show that most Americans want less immigration and large-scale U.S. population growth. The results are amazing. When asked whether expected population growth under current immigration rates would improve or worsen their quality of life: Hispanics: By a 6-1 ratio, they say quality of life where they live would be made worse rather than made better by such population growth. Blacks: By a 9-1 ratio, they fear worse over better (about the same as the 9 ½ -1 ratio for whites). All Political Affiliations: Democrats expect the population growth will make things worse over better by 7-1. The ratio is 10-1 for Independents, and 14-1 for Republicans. Every Region of the Country: The survey divided the United States into nine regions. Regardless of the population density, voters in each region appear to much prefer their current level of population over significantly more growth. Not surprisingly, voters in the congested Mid-Atlantic states say one-third more growth would make the quality of life worse over better by a 13-1 ratio. Even voters in the relatively open spaces of the northern Great Plains region say worse over better by a 10-1 ratio. "

jo jo wrote on Oct 5, 2006 4:19 AM:

" talking about breaking the law?about a nation of laws? So tell me how many of you punks have go over the speed limit, dont stop on a stop sign,drink before 21,etc who hasnt break any law, WHO? "

Caring Human wrote on Oct 5, 2006 6:08 AM:

" 1, Has anyone of you evan read the Immigration law book ? WISE UP DEAR PEOPLE, 2, No one is Illegal, its just a word, who made laws and borders, not Almighty GOD? Stop the HATRED that you abhore Almightys other children, the only ones that have a FIXACTION on the poor Immigrnat are those that are Uneducated AND AFRAID TO LOSE THEIR FRUIT PICKING, DISH WASHING ROOM CLEANING JOBS. Those that have professions and are educated know better, just read whats happening now in uptstate newyork, florida, Ca with the farms and Poor farmers that they have their products/fruits/veggies rotting on trees & and on the ground. WILL ANYONE of YOU Go to work there ? One word YES or NO............. Who made you Almighty GOD to call others legal or Illegal? The Ignorance that is so rampant on this subject is amazing, at least learn aboutthe subject that you want to converse about, instead of name calling and habouring hate in you. learn about World Globlazation, LEarn about World Economics adn teh forces that drive the Economy, Learn about OUTSOURCING, Learn about why corporations are folding up in USA and moving to other countries? learn about why USA has comedown to #5 in world Competativness, and most importantly learn about our TRADE DEFECITS AND WHY? This is whats hurting USA not the poor migrant that comesa to feed their familiy, If there was a easy way for them to come to work the feilds and farms they would not sneek across any Human Made borders would they ? SO WHOS GOING TO THE FEILDS TO ASSIT THE FARMERS THAT HAVE ROTTING FRUITS AND VEGGIES THAT NEED TO BE PICKED?? ANYONE ?? WE WILL PAY FOR DEALY IN A FEW MONTHS WHEN A LETTUCE HEAD WILL COST US 15 BUCKS :(, Then the Tune that you will sing will be diffrent:) Wake up to REALITY. May Almighty give Wisdom to teh elected to make the right decsions adn choices that our nation will again raise adn not be the borrower that we turned out to be.We have become a nation of debitor, This is whats bothering me :( Have a great life all :) "

Country Girl wrote on Oct 5, 2006 8:41 AM:

" This is to Cecilia; If Mexicans work so hard, then why is Mexico have so much poverty??? If there is workers over there then wouldn’t you build up your country?? Now if WHITE people like you say, are so lazy then why do we have such a Great country that all illegal immigrants dream about?? If our country is such a mess and you dislike the people here, then why do you come over?? Anther thing you said, “Let's think about paying double than what we do for our groceries? Because w/o the immigrants, that is what is going to happen.This country is going to turn into a 3rd world country. So face it!! ” NO sorry that’s NOT going t happen! If you guys weren’t over here buying groceries, our prices would be higher yes, but then our wades would go up also. Mexicans are NOT going to take over our country because George Bush just bought 700 miles of fence to keep you out! "

Allyn Drew wrote on Oct 5, 2006 9:58 AM:

" Everyone talks about 12 million ILLEGALS in our country, and what can we do about it. First we need to stop then from coming here in the first place.I do not blame them for coming here, everything is FREE! We need to incorporate HEAVY fines on any employer who hires an ILLEGAL. And the employers know they are hiring ILLEGALS. If a person has dark skin and hair and does not speak ENGLISH, wouldn't that be a clue? We need to stop the FREE medical to all ILLEGALS. We need to stop all the FREE education that includes breakfast and lunch to all ILLEGALS.We need to take back our country! We need to take down the Bi lingual signs, and stop printing anythink in Spanish, in particular, our voting ballots. Wow that is really stupid. Last time I checked, you can only vote if you are an American citizen. And to beccome a naturalized citizen, you must learn to speak, read and write ENGLISH. We need to stop making it comfortable for ILLEGALS in our country. We need to put out the message that ILLEGALS are no longer tolerated. If they want to be part of our society, they need to come here LEGALLY, and assimilate. The ILLEGALS here now do not want to assimilate. They simply want us to cater to them. We have given them all the impression that we are not going to deport them. Sooner, or later we will need to stop spending the $80 to $90 billion dollars annually to accommodate all the ILLEGALS.The problem is that no one is telling them they are not wanted. We, as a government, do nothing to discourage this outrageously "Bad Behavior". we need to start paying attention to this societal change that is occuring right in front of us.We can no longer allow this to continue.Most ILLEGALS do not pay income taxes,they do not have driver's licenses,they certainly do not carry auto insurance, nor do they pay for health insurance.And with all the money they save by not paying for anything, they send home(Mexico)$billions of dollars from our economy to theirs. It would be great to have a national id card.If for no other reason that to elimminate the present excuse employers now have. "

Jejeje NO ME PUEDO DETENER wrote on Oct 5, 2006 10:07 AM:

" This Robert Hanna doesn't have a clue about what's really going on around here. Want to switch places? Try that.....and tell me how you feel about not being able to continue studying bc you can't make enough money or how about hiding and not being able to speak up when you or your family members are being abused. Try stepping into those people, you call "ILLEGAL ALIENS", shoes for at least one full day. Trust me, you'll think differently. Just don't judge before hand. This land didn't even belong to you when the Mayflower arrived. Give it a Thought. "

Alexandra wrote on Oct 5, 2006 10:29 AM:

" Well let's put it this way, yes make people want to go back home, but what about the people that have NO home? The people that were born outside this country and their parents brought them here as infants? Those people have no home. They aren't US citizens and don't know their native land. They speak perfect English and can't even go to school because they aren't given the resources to do so. They are the ones that lose out on all this. They may be much more intelligent than many of us Americans, but they can't do anything with that intelligence because WE don't let them. They were raised as Americans and have lived as Americans. They shouldn't be persecuted because of their parents. "

Country Girl wrote on Oct 5, 2006 10:37 AM:

" Good Job Allyn Drew! "

Anita wrote on Oct 5, 2006 1:48 PM:

" Allyn Drew and Country Girl ya'll rock. Keep tellin the truth. You both are a 100% right. "

Allyn Drew wrote on Oct 5, 2006 1:59 PM:

" We need to take a really hard look at the 14th amendment. I do not think the founders of our Nation ever thought about anchor babies and the slow destruction of this great country "

Allyn Drew wrote on Oct 5, 2006 2:04 PM:

" And if I were in their shoes for 24 hours, or however long. The first thing I would do to better my position is to learn to assimilate and actually learn to speak the language of the country I just sneaked into, ILLEGALLY!!! Or better yet, learn to speak the language, then sneak in... "

Baptista wrote on Oct 5, 2006 3:52 PM:

" Alexandra wrote: Well let's put it this way, yes make people want to go back home, but what about the people that have NO home? The people that were born outside this country and their parents brought them here as infants? Alexandra, if this truly is your situation, I'd say you should take it up with your parents. They are criminals and have done you a grave disservice. Your need (however you may define it) is not a mortgage on anyone else's life and Americans are not sacrificial animals to be sent to the alter of your happiness. Keep up with the guilt thing, though; it seems to be working! LOL "

HEIDI wrote on Oct 6, 2006 8:38 AM:

" TO THE "COUNTRY GIRL " I REALLY DON'T KNOW WHY YOU'RE SOOOO WORRIED ABOUT WHO IS TAKING OVER THIS COUNTRY. IT LOOKS LIKE TO ME THAT YOU DON'T HAVE ANY THING TO DO.GET A LIFE AND LET THE REST OF THE LIVE THERE LIVES ANY WAY THEY WANT.AND FOR YOUR INFORMATION POVERTY EXSISTS EVERYWHERE NOT ONLY IN MEXICO.IF IT WASN'T FOR THE WHITE PEOPLE HAVING FACTORIES IN MEXICO AND PAYING CHEAP LABOR AND WOULD PAY THE HOULY RATE AS THEY DO IN THE UNITED STATES THEN MEXICO WOULD NOT BE SO POOR.THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS HAVE COME TO THE UNITED STATES SO THEIR FAMALIES COULD HAVE A BETTER LIFE. "

Jijiji No me paro de reir wrote on Oct 6, 2006 10:10 AM:

" To Allyn Drew.... I've been in this country for 7 yrs. Took me 1 yr and a half to speak, listen, write and read in English. My family has become part of this country. Didn't have a rough time learning laerning the language (the one who struggle a little were my parents)....very simple. How about you? What else can you speak besides English and "STUPIDITY"? It's easy to judge and speak with no bases. These people bearly have time to at least try to go to school and learnd the language. Older people coming in here must work to support their families. Tell me if your grandparents have any idea on how to use a Computer.....My USA history teacher doesn't know how to use one she is old around 59 yrs old. So get this: It's harder to learn something as you age. So don't go there, beacuse you are to lose. If you want more facts look around your neighborhood. People think before talking, it's very simple. By the way no one is taking your country we don't want it. I didn't sneak in and I'm not mexican either. "

think before writing wrote on Oct 6, 2006 10:35 AM:

" People say that there are millions of illegal immigrants in the U.S and many more planing to enter the border the same way. Instead of waisting BILLIONS of dollars building walls, passing laws to treat employers who hire illigal immigrants as criminal, why not use the money to speed the process that illegal immigrants have to go through inorder for them to obtain a legal status. Peple say that they take jobs away from U.S citizens, but I have never seen a U.S citizen working on a onion field. If it wouln't be because of illegal immigrants many vegetables and fruits would cost a fortune. What a bout a the contributions they make to the social security and they will never be able to use that service. To all those people who says that they are unemployed because of an illegal immigrants let me tell you that you are really lazy because there are many jobs out there. You just need to work hard like all those illegal immigrants. This country is being created by immigrants that contribute part of their culture to enhance the U.S. Their should be many languages not only one. Last keep in mind that the countries these illegal immigrants come from have corrupted governments that only seek for their own benefit and they forget about them. If these illegal immigrants do something to improve their country they will get killed or loos their family. The U.S is the biggest philanthropist so lets be open minded and help all the illegal immigrants who need help. "

IM. wrote on Oct 6, 2006 1:24 PM:

" THIS IS TO ALLYN DREW YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND THE NEEDS OF HUMAN POVERTY AND NOTHING IN LIFE IS EVER FREE.THAT IS WHY WE COME HERE TO WORK YOU HAVE NOT DONE ANY RESEARCH ON HOW ILLEGALS ARE NOT GETTING FREE MEDICAL OR FOOD STAMP I WORK AROUND ALOT OF ILLEGAL AND LEGAL PEOPLE THAT ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE CITUATION HOW WE WILL WORK AROUND IT SO THESE ILLEGAL PEOPLE CAN GET WHAT THEY DESERVE SINCE THEY WORK AND DAY BY DAY HAVE ACCEPT THE NASTY DISCRIMINATION FROM MANY OF AMERICANS. "

LAURA wrote on Oct 6, 2006 1:26 PM:

" CAN WE JUST GET ALONG............. "

IRMA wrote on Oct 6, 2006 1:33 PM:

" IF I HAVE OFFENDED ANYONE IN THIS WEB I APOLIGYZE "

Baptista wrote on Oct 6, 2006 2:15 PM:

" IRMA, VAI PARA EL INFERNO "

IRMA wrote on Oct 6, 2006 2:30 PM:

" PARA BABTISTA DEME LA MANO PORQUE PARA YA VAMOS LOS DOS. Y OTRA COSITA ANIMAL DIGAME SU COMENTARIO NO TENGA MIEDO . "

IRMA wrote on Oct 6, 2006 2:34 PM:

" QUE LE PASA PORQUE LA AGRESION? "

IRMA wrote on Oct 6, 2006 2:38 PM:

" YA ME VOY POR AHORA HASTA EL LUNES HAVE A GRREAT WEEKEND :)......... "

joe wrote on Oct 6, 2006 3:56 PM:

" If we give these illegal aliens e.g. farm workers legal status/permanent residency do you think they will still do the same job? of course not they going to look for better jobs, hence more illegals needed to do their former job. "

ken wrote on Oct 6, 2006 4:25 PM:

" it is true that illegals do the dirty job that Americans refused to do and somehow a big help to the unskilled labor shortage, but once they become legal immigrants/citizens who do you think will do their jobs, of course another batch of illegals again, it's a cycle, solution needed. "

Tony wrote on Oct 6, 2006 6:44 PM:

" I am a 3 generation Hispanic and I am against ILLEGAL Immigration .I understand the culture from a unique perspective since my family came from Mexico LEGALLY many years ago and embraced this country not like the illegal Mexicans of today that just want to get there’s. it’s illegal send them back I don't care how poor it is in there country when you talk to them all you here is how great Mexico is. don't come here and abuse the U.S. the only country that has ever given them any kind of chance. Learn the language do away with bilingualism they will never learn with that crutch. My great grandparents learned how to speak English but them again that was before the politically correct dawning of the 1960’s we as politically correct Americans created this mess. We need to do what's right for us first then we can help the rest of the third world. Mexico has created a culture of breaki