" The only reform we need is to kick out anyone representing the Executive Branch that refuses to enforce the laws already in place. "

" I would be in favor of these bills if there was also a piece of legislation passed and enforced that would eliminate our taxes going to services for illegals. "

" i think congress is stalling and they should pass some sort of immigration soon as possible. immigration benefits economy "

" OK, Rocco, how would you (if you were "representing the Executive Branch") lead every undocumented man, woman and child in possibly every state in this nation across the border to their country of origin? What's the plan? "

" The "plan" is to enforce the law against businesses that hire illegals! If they can't get work, they will go home. Duh! The point is not to look at the last election, the point is to look at the last two time amnesty was passed: in the 60's and the 80's. Both times we were promised "comprehensive" reform with border control and amnesty. All we got was amnesty and that is all we are going to get this time if this passes. Build the fence! Enforce the hiring laws! Issue Green cards like they are candy at Halloween! Let the Border Patrol do their job! Then, maybe, we will talk about amnesty... "

" The article fails to note that the overwhelming majority of American citizens, native as well as naturalized, are against any form of amnesty or guest worker program. Indeed, America's citizens, by a substantial plurality, support overall reductions in all form of immigration, legal as well as illegal. It's bizarre that so many in the media and punditry in general, admonish the administration and House and Senate members for failure to pass unpopular legislation that the public neither wants nor needs. Ideally, the legislation that would put this to bed forever would be legislation codifying a one time only referendum on the issue. It's tragic that America can no longer trust it's elected representatives to carry out the demands of their constituents! "

" I dont think people should come to the U.S Peace OUT!!!! "

" Barbara, if the INS did thier jobs and regularly raided businesses that hire illegals, and shipped them home, we wouldn't get every person, but we'd make a dent. Also we need to start charging huge fines to any businesses that hire illegal workers. If there is no profit to be made off of them, the jobs will disappear. This is a problem that needs to be dealt with on many fronts. Is your attitude one of it is just too difficult to deal with it, so come on in? "

" How is Ms. Pelosi supposed to get her grapes picked if all the illegals are home? "

" Washington is all about talk no action. There is an easy fix to illegal alien problem -- Give border patrol agents the authority to shoot any illegal alien in the foot on sight. Now all the liberals will yell -- Crime against humanity but I say think about how many lives of illegal aliens we will save who die crossing the border. Once they know they are going to get shot...they never dare come close to our border. Support Tancredo...and stop illegal alien invasion. "

" america let oportunity to work here and is right give a change to path to any legal status "

" Let’s see … they want the 20 million Mexicans to be legalized through amnesty (what’s in a name). 20 million times the three kids, one wife, and two sets of grandparents who would then be legal (7 to 9 new residents) is somewhere around (conservatively) 150 million new citizens or legal residents. This is an invasion by anyone’s standards (unless you went to public schools lately and have no meaningful math skills). You think that hospitals, schools, housing, traffic and crime is bad now? But, hey, as long as the politicians can pander to this vote and keep their own lifestyle going, as long as government employees can assure that their job will be secure with ever increasing tax driven jobs and as long as certain businesses become ever more wealthy (all at the expense of the taxpayer and the quality of life in this country), what the heck? Welcome to Mexifornia. This is not a race issue though many will try to make it so. This is the selling of a country. "

" I bet that all of you who just made the comments regarding illegal immigrants being shipped back to their home countries know someone who has babysitter, maid, gardner, painter, construction worker...etc. from foreign cuntry with no permission to work legally in U.S. And it is convenient for an american to have cheap labor without no high demands, high pay, health insurance and all the benefits that one would pay to an american-born helper. Can you deny that fact? And I would like to see an american working on the farm picking lettuce for $5.55 an hour 10 hours a day 6 days a week to provide for their family. Those illegall immigrants are hardworking people who risked a lot for this difficult choice to leave their families and try to make better life for them and their children. Most of you don't even know how it feels to leave your home in order to try to help your loved ones... And these are the people who has something to compare US with and therefor they appreciate the life here and the opportunities ... And they do have hearts and feelings and they dared to take their courage in both hands and try to help themselves! And think of the history of this country - you know it is build by immigrants who tried to change something for better!!! By reading most of the bitter comments posted here I just get sad for those who sit on their hands and blame immigrants and government for their misfortunes, i guess. I personally think that giving rights to illegal immigrants to legally work here, get education, pay tax, be able to return to their families in their homecountries and come back to continue what they have started will show that this is the country of "dreams come true" and this is the country that spreads democracy in it's unique way. A lot of people deserve second chance - don't everybody deserve the first chance at least? As far as criminals among the illegals - how about criminals who have every right to be here, don't appreciate the life they have been given and being true citizens break the law knowing it...??? How about the ones who get married for false reasons just to optain rights to become legal??? The immigrants are criminals, but the citizens who sign up for it aren't? All I am saying is - let's not judge someone (not knowing them) before we judge ourselves! "

" It is absolutely unrealistic to find and deport all 12 million unlawful immigrants in the US. It is unrealistic to ever expect that we could secure ALL of our borders--not just the Southern border. It would decimate the US agricultural and construction industries to remove these unlawful immigrants overnight. Harvests are already in jeopardy NOW in New York and Colorado because of deportations. American farmers and the poeple they feed are hurting. "

" We have been here legally since last 8 years and waiting for Green Card approval for last 6 years. Usually Green Card approval should not take more than 1 year 6 months for legal immigrants. Everyday is tough at work dealing with people who are putting you down just because they are born here. These politicians can't wait to pass the fence bill to do favors to their friends to make money. Does anybody care for us? Everybody is an immigrant here. How come people forget that? "

" LOL at "An Invasion" "

" I say yes to a reform cause yes all of you against it could go in here and complain and nag about it from the comfort of your homes on your computers but how many of you would be willing to work out on the fields with the siring sun hitting your back everyday for minimum wage? just so they could do... exactly that, be able to buy a computer for their children so they could learn, succeed and be knowledgeable and so they wont have to go threw what they went threw when they were children. In my eyes all they want is a better life and for us to try to prevent them from that is unfair. For you accuse them of trying to "invade" is just uncalled for the last thing on their mind is invasion the only thing on they're mind is to succeed and to give they're children a better life and if that's a crime then were all guilty. Lets not forget this is a country established by immigrants "

" So...let me get this right...according to you, we should let all of this go because illegal immigrants work for low wages and had a tough time coming here? WHAT?!? If you're illegal, you SHOULDN'T be allowed to make good money! You're a criminal! You're illegal! And you think we should reward that by paying higher wages? Oh...and I feel SO SORRY for you, because you 'risked a lot and made a difficult choice'. You know what's risked every day in this country? Legal, English-speaking citizens' potential for education, way of life, safety, taxes and so forth! Because of YOU! You also go on to bemoan the fact that illegal immigrants (criminals) have 'hearts and feelings', like that should excuse their illegal entry into my country and their stealing of my tax dollars. What about my heart? What about my feelings? And then you speak of their COURAGE to do all of this? I think it's just the opposite: cowardice. They're cowards for exscaping thier country and living off of us when they really should have had the courage to stay and fight and fix the mess their country is in. You also talk about immigrants wanting to change their lives for the better. What does this have to do with me, my tax money and my country's security? If you want to change your life for the better, get Dr. Phil's book and get to reading! Why do I need to be part of your dream? Sure, have a dream and go for it, but finance it yourself! "

" I was an illegal immigrant in 1989 along with the rest of my family. In 1994 all my family members (5) obtained green cards. No one in my family has ever been a recipient of welfare or any other public service. In fact, I still vividly remember counting pennies to buy a gallon of milk. Nor are we the criminals that everybody assumes 'illegals' are. My older sister graduated as a nurse, my younger sister as an accountant, and I am one year removed from college as an electrical engineer. And my parents, they still work hard in agriculture which was their occupation when they were helping my siblings and I through college. My wife was also brought into this country illegally when she was 7 years old. She graduated high school, community college and now dreams of becoming a school teacher. She awaits any reform that will give her the ability to fulfill that dream. So in a way, a part of me is still 'illegal'. Point is, don't label all 'illegal aliens' as 'tax-money-sucking-criminals'. This is a country of great opportunities for anybody that's willing to put a little effort. "

" I'm getting so tired of the "we're all immigrants" garbage! You are either a legal immigrant who did it properly, or a line jumping illegal immigrant who spits on those stupid fools that follow the law. Imprison those that hire illegals and mechanize the fields now. Cut off all social services to non-citizens NOW! (what a taxpayer rip-off!) We don't need a fence and we don't need deportation, we just need our current laws followed. "

" The fact of the matter is.... we are not going anywhere we are staying. So learn spanish or you will be the minority. "

" Thank you Sandra!!!! I too agree that we would at least make a "dent" in this problem. Yes, problem! If it is so bad here, why are these illegals driving nicer cars than us working class people, living in nice apartments on the county or state's dime? Why do I have to wait so long in the grocery store for them to pay for their food with WIC and foodstamps? Why are we feeding their children lunch and breakfast at school every day? They get paid cash to work! No documentation for anyone! Go after these employers! Catch the ones at Home Depot everyday picking up the cheap undocumented labor! I don't know about anyone else, but I am sick of hearing how horrible we are yet they come over here and TAKE TAKE TAKE!!!!! I wish it was so easy everywhere! "

" One in 3 immigrants that are undocumented have American children. Some immigrants have been here most of their lives. To deport them is disgusting. They know no more of Mexico than we do. We must push the path to citizenship now for these people, otherwise we will be a country of orphans. To suggest that we deport the children also is even more morally reprehensable. "

" yes, there are immigration laws, but these laws need fine-tuning....they need to put some Draino in that immigration backlog coz it aint coming through smoothly.... just give ted kennedy a chance....im sure he knows what he is doing....tom tancredo is just trying to mnake himself look like he is doing something but when faced wth a domestic issue like this im sure he doesnt even have a straight answer. oh i know, his solution to illegal immigration is an installment of propositions that will start wth securing the borders and will make its way up to mass or lets just say mutual deportations! "

" The path of legal immigration to the US is ridiculously complex and difficult and inordinately long. Imagine highly educated people with highly valued skills and employers who feel they add value and even jobs to american citizens are made to wait many times 10 yrs or more to just get to a green card, another 5 atleast for citizenship. Why for instance should a doctor working in an underserved inner city married to a computer programmer writing customised software for the banking/insurance industry be put in such a predicament. Does not happen you say. Well me and my wife are living proof it does! Another issue that clearly needs to be addressed is the issue of whether the US wants family(extended family like brothers/sisters and grown children of citizens) to migrate ahead of highly skilled contributing employment based immigrants that would add to the competitiveness of the US in the world. In other words if X number of legals are let in, on what basis should they enter. What was important in 1965 when the current policy was fashioned does not pertain today. "

" This is only going to get worse. My son was in class the other day the some of the kids were using a headset to read along to. One kid asked if he could use it and the teacher said no, because he knew the kids was going to goof around. The kids reponse was are you racist or something why can the white kids use it, then my son had to point out that one of the kids that was using it had the last name of Lopez. That shut that question up. Why do they always have to use that card. "

" To Immigrant, I personally have never hired anyone who is here illegally to do anything for me. I never would. IT IS WRONG!!! You are so right that the illegals come here and work for subwages. Why are they paid these low wages? Why are they not paid what a legal worker would be paid? Why was Ceaser Chavez against illegal workers? Because they are willing to work for subwages and it lowers the pay for everyone who has a right to be here working those same jobs. The employers that hire them should be fined. The illegals that work the jobs should be sent home. The drain on our mediacl system, our school system, our legal system is too much for the middle class to handle. If things continue as they are eventually California will be a state of the very wealthy,and the very poor. The middle class will not be able to afford to live in California. Businesses will continue to take full advantage of the serf class of citizen they have created in thier self excused, misguided, and self indulgent practice of hiring illegal workers to do the jobs Americans are fully capable of doing, and did do when I was a young person entering the work force. My husband pruned vines when he was 18. No young American citizen would be hired now at a wage they could live on. Why? Illegals will do it cheaper, and the state will house them, give them medical care, and a free education for thier illegal children. This is not a race issue. I do know there are Mexican immigrants who have green cards and are here legally. They are victims in the fall out from thier illegal countrymen and the businesses that hire them. They too get paid sub wages for doing hard work. This is not an acceptable way for us to live. This is our country and we have every right to demand illegal workers be sent home. We have every right to expect the businesses in our country follow the law, and to be punished when they break the law. While I may feel sorry for the plight of the illegal worker, it does not mean they should come here. They have thier own country. They need to work to fix Mexico. We need to work to fix the U.S. "

" Cocky, eh? Don't get too comfortable hombre. The American people are pretty angry these days. And you might want to learn some U.S. history too; read about "Operation Wetback". "

" Comprehensive Reform is just that - comprehensive. Everyone here is arguing the same point, something needs to be done to change the status quo. The Senate proposal last year was stricter on border enforcement and worksite enforcement than the house bill but that fact got lost in clamor against "amnesty." Anyone who has tried to navigate the system legally from a non-European country knows that the current system is a disaster. It's confusing, complicated and completely clogged. Even the politicians don't know the real extent of the problems. One thing I can say....there is no clear evidence that the "drain" on the American economy from undocumented immigrants is not equaled to or exceeded by the amount of money they contribute to taxes, Social Security and Medicaid that they will never collect from. In fact, many economists agree that legalizing these workers could save Social Security. The American voters spoke clearly at the polls this last November and let the politicians know that we need the Immigrant Worker. Tancredo was one of the only survivors of the "deport 'em all" crowd and it's only because of his location (ya know that undocumented immigrant haven of Colorado) lol. People need to stop jumping on the bandwagon of that says immigrants hurt our economy and check some real hard facts. Support the upcoming legislation and let's get past this issue and on to some real important issues, like why the Republican regime has so thoroughly failed this country over the past 8 years. "

" I am so ready to move to Canada. Why can other countries have rules restricting wannabe's and can get away with it? A Canadian the other day told me they are quite happy with their health care system. Also they do not accept people into their country that are over 55 because they are afraid they will take advantage of the health care. I am so SICK of all these illegals and ME having to learn Spanish in order to get a job!!! "

" is still an amnesty. This article is hogwash. If these lawbreakers are permitted to stay here, it is an amnesty however they try to spin it, and the American people will be righteously outraged. "

" Very interesting.. tell me why the U.US. coastguard stops the Cubans from coming ashore when they are trying to leave a country ruled by a dictator and most just want a better life.. THEN they won't stop these people from Mexico who come over to have a better life also. I say the bank robber just wants a better life, too, but they are BOTH ILLEGAL. "

" When does it end? I keep hearing that it's inhumane to send these people home. There are an endless supply of new illegal immigrants pouring in everyday. When is enough, ENOUGH? Are we supposed to give our country away? Why do we have no rights in our own country? Do you want a real eye opener? Go to google and type in the different states Most Wanted list. Go to the the DEA website Most Wanted list. The names on these lists are overwhelmingly Hispanic. This isn't racist it's FACT. Mexico and Latin America's criminals are pouring into our country and wreaking havoc. In 1986 the government estimated 1 million illegals for that amnesty, 4 million turned out for legalazation. They tell us 11 million now? No way I bet we have at least 30 to 40 million in our country. As far as the raids and the whining that children are being left while the parent is taken into custody. What happens to the children of American criminals? They go to a relative or they go into state care. The illegal immigrants want us to let them go because they have kids. Their demands for special treatment never end. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH "

" I heard a Hispanic man on a talk show say "This our state anyway ,it was taken from us" .. Well now if it was still a part of Mexico ..would it be as prosperuos and wealthy as it is now or would it be just like the rest of Mexico ...very rich or very poor citizens. Wake up America !! We are headed that way now with all the illegals.. I read an article in Readers Digest a few years ago by an INS official who said "If something is not done to stem the flow of illegals , we are all going under !!" "

" It is sad how some people fill there heart with hate.I think that it is ignores,many people who now day call this country theres don't realize that in there family there is sure to be someone who entered the united state from another country legaly or illegaly. Maybe some people haven't read history or don't remember that before only criminals were sent to America as part of punishment for what they had done,so what does that mean that we should also hunt down those families and send then to there country of origin.People don't see how much illegal immigrants sufer the things that they have to go through how there families sufer and all the thing that they are willing to do to assure there childrens well being even if they have to sufer the in suferable.Lets be realistichow many of you who write about how immigrants are affecting your country are actually willing to work 40 or 50 hour shift picking strawberries or oranges, how many of you are actually wiling to feel humiliated day in and day out just because you have the hope that at least your children will be given the opportunity to have a good life. All of you who fill your mouth with big words about immigrants please take a step back and look at what is happening objectively, go apply at one of the places an immigrant would work at and do what they do every day,every week, try to live with fear that they will seperate you from your children that they will take all hope for a better life from you and that they will treat you like a criminal even if the only thing you did was try to live better your life. People have to stop the hate they have to stop trying to prove that they are better then other, because all it show is weakness, and ignores lak of knowledge or maybe just to much pride to admit that America my America is a country based and built by immigrants were people have hopes of a better life and happyness no matter what race or religius belief we are all people with a right to live. Think for a minute that you are an immigrant and you have to be sent to a country were you have nothing to go to, no hopes of a job or even of having enough to provide your child with a decent plate of food, think that is your child who is asking you for food, what would you be willing to do for then "

" The addition of 12 million uneducated, unskilled Third World denizens to the United States will be an unmitigated disaster. These people are nothing but dead weight and will never be anything else. Deport every last one of them and their anchor babies, too. "

" Katherine....IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH HATE!!!!! It is so easy to say "We are hated. Our life is hard and miserable. We want more for our children, etc, etc." While I may be sorry for the individuals that have hard lives, I do not feel responsible to take care of them. This is my country. No one who comes here illegally, no matter how tough their life is deserves my help. Fix things in your own country. There is no reason Mexico could not be a fruitful country, other than the corruption in the government. FIX IT!! Do not come here and whine that your life is hard and you want better, unless you come here legally. California is starting to become like Mexico. The very wealthy taking advantage of the very poor. The illegal immigrants do not see this, because it is still better here, than where they were. But the middle class sees it, cause we are paying for it. Soon there will be none of us left to pay, and we will have Mexifornia. And then the rich will have all the serfs they created to work for nothing in thier fields, thier homes, and all the other poor paying jobs they created by hiring illegal workers. The middle class will no longer exist. It will be the same as where the illegals came from. Our country will suffer, and thier lives will be the same. "

" Didn't we already fight the Civil War and put slavery to an end? Why are we tolerating it again? Go back and read everything written on illegal immigration. Now, substitute the terms 'Illegal Immigrant" with the term "slave" and you'll get the real picture of what's happening across our country. It's nothing more than corporate America taking advantage of a downtrodden Mexican populace at the expense of our country's middle class. Mechanize the fields now. Get the able bodied bums off of entitlements now. Enforce our current immigration laws now. Stop all social services for non-citizens now. Imprison those caught smuggling people, supplying fake documents, and hiring illegals NOW. We don't need reform. We don't need massive deportation. We DO need some law abiding common sense!!! "

" Our government is determined to shove illegal aliens down our throats with amnesty no matter what the majority of us want. The Republicans want cheap labor for big business and the Democrats see lots of potential votes. Both parties are traitors to the American people. If they get their wish and pass this amnesty I don't think they realize just how bad the anger and backlash from the public will be. "

" "Still, the president’s fuzziness is worrying. He did not mention a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants already in the country." This says it all...I give up...I moved out of this insane asylum to an area where reason and pride prevail. Bye Bye Napexico. "

" "The article fails to note that the overwhelming majority of American citizens, native as well as naturalized, are against any form of amnesty or guest worker program. Indeed, America's citizens, by a substantial plurality, support overall reductions in all form of immigration, legal as well as illegal." I agree 100 % with this statement and, anyone else who has the fortitude will admit to the same. "

" I moved out of California to get away from the over crowding that Napa has become. I had a beautiful house in Napa but little by little homes round me were filled with 10-12 immigrants plus there cars. You think Napa housing would do anthing? NO! Growing up in Napa all my life I hated to leave. I go back to visit family but hate the thought of what the years to come will bring once was a beautiful town and a place I called home. THey say this was there land and we took it over then. WOW! aren't they luck we did. Just think of what came out of our pockets to help support these immigrants. $$$$$$$$ There needs to be some kind of change "

" Thats the sound of someone seeing the light! "

" WHAT IS GOING ON HERE???!!! I'm a single parent (no child support)w/ ONE income. I work for Napa County H&HS. I pay my own rent & expenses - I don't have the luxury of living w/ my parents/grandparents/aunts/uncles, or drive a big SUV w/ shiny rims YET I barely can PAY rent in this infiltrated couny, they say "I make TOO much $" for the food bank, or subsidized housing or any other help. I come to work every day and see the welfare lobby OVER-FILLED WITH ILLEGALS getting free medical aid, free CASH aid and free FOOD with MY TAX DOLLARS !! And we have to pay more taxes to fund the METH EPIDEMIC PROBLEM?? Where do you think the METH comes from?? MEHHEECO!! And people wonder why I say I should quit my job and get in LINE !! This place is too much!! By the way ENGLISH is the primary language in this country. If you can't even speak it, ask for classes in YOUR OWN COUNRTY. "

" Mexifornia I fell your passion and the peices are in place for change but we need to keep moving forward with the process of controlling the borders and we can put the funding behind the people who deserve it like you and I. "

" As long as there will be opportunities/shortages on workers/americans who are not willing to work on farmland/factories/hotels/babysit etc. ....for minimum wage or less, long hours with no benefits and days off - there will be people who are willing to take those jobs! How many american women do you see working as maid in hotel? Almost none!!!!!! Wonder why? How many american families do we see having nannies, cooks, cleaners, gardeners.... from Mexico? Because those people will work like slaves without complaining... "

" Last time I checked, in order to qualify for the services you were referring to, an individual had to show proof of legal status. I have worked in the system and know that undocumented individuals DO NOT QUALIFY OR RECEIVE any of these services. If their children are legal residents or citizens, then they are able to qualify for them. I am a citizen and also went through very difficult times after the death of my father, but I did not blame my misfortune on others or hated them for receiving services that were denied to me. Since I was old enough to receive a work permit, I have worked two jobs to support my mother, younger sister, and myself. Even after I married, both my husband and I continued working two jobs in order to affort a college education and support the lifestyle that we wanted. I realize that not everyone wants to or can do the same, which is why I do not begrudge them if they seek assistance. If fact I do not bemoan the fact that my hard earn taxes are used for to help those in need, I would rather it goes to them than to line the pockets of dirty politicians or unjust wars. "

" TO "March 14, 2007 4:37 PM" Are you not aware that illegals get false documents to show they are here legally? That way businesses that try to obey the laws get duped into hiring them, or ones that don't care get to look the other way (cause they have papers) and state aid is available to them because of thier false documents. The papers are easy to obtain for a price. "