Where do you stand?

[Lady's Human]

Illegal immigration has got to be stopped. Corruption in Mexico (the main reason illegal immigrants state that they cannot emigrate legally) is not the fault of the United States government. Lax or nonexistent border control IS the fault of Congress and the Administration.

[moosmom]

I believe that the borders should be closed and that the laws be made stricter as far as illegal immigrants are concerned.

Everytime an immigrant enters the US illegally, a LEGAL resident of the US is shortchanged.

There was a story in the paper a few days back about an illegal immigrant gave birth in the desert so that her child would be born a legal immigrant. What next???

We need to start taking care of our own LEGAL residents.

[Teri]

I believe that the borders should be closed and that the laws be made stricter as far as illegal immigrants are concerned.

Everytime an immigrant enters the US illegally, a LEGAL resident of the US is shortchanged.

There was a story in the paper a few days back about an illegal immigrant gave birth in the desert so that her child would be born a legal immigrant. What next???

We need to start taking care of our own LEGAL residents.

The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.

[Edwina's Secretary]

It depends......how do you define Reform???

I strongly support a guest worker program. ( GWB and I agree on something....although I'm sure for very different reasons....)

And... I do not think immigration from Mexico is the only immigration that is occurring illegally.

And....I do not think illegal immigrants are sapping government services or medical services.... they are AFRAID to go to the emergency room or social services for fear of being caught and deported. Most are paying taxes (payroll deduction....same way most of us do!)

I believe anyone who wants to make a home in the US must learn the English language (hello Miami!!!) And I think a whole lot of US citizens should work on their ability to speak proper English while we are on the subject. (There is something about a very ungrammatical rant against people not speaking English.)

I believe there is LOTS of xenophobia blowing around the current discussion.

I do not believe immigrants are taking away jobs from citizens. Unless, of course, your children are aspiring to cut my lawn, tar my roof, pick my strawberries or clean my house.

And I hope anyone who is ranting about "them" having all the benefits of citizenship is voting in every election and volunteering for jury duty....you know...those citizen rights everyone is worrying "they" are getting for free?

[Miss Z]

Well, I suppose I'm not talking about the same thing (although I have seen the American immigration problems on the news), but in the UK there are immigration problems too. I would support any country becoming tighter on immigration. I know that there is war and corruption in many other poorer countries but they can't use more developed countries as a sanctuary illegally. There was a programme once about how illegal immigrants get into the UK, and many cling to the bottom of lorries going through the channel tunnel . Unfortunately, when they arrive in our country and I'm sure this could be the same in the USA, many will turn to crime to make a living as they will find it very difficult to find work. Not only that, but population is swelling to maximum, especially here in the UK as we are such a tiny group of countries. Around 5 million new houses are built in the UK each year which destroys some of our beautiful countryside, and the demand gets higher as more people enter the country. The UK needs join with America and also become stricter on immigration laws too.

[Lobodeb]

And....I do not think illegal immigrants are sapping government services or medical services.... they are AFRAID to go to the emergency room or social services for fear of being caught and deported.

On the contrary, I saw something on 20/20 or Dateline (I can't remember which) that illegal immigrants are part of the reason that healthcare costs are rising so quickly. They aren't afraid to go to the ER because they have a fake name and SSN and don't worry about having to pay the bill, so the hospital is stuck with the costs.

I believe anyone who wants to make a home in the US must learn the English language (hello Miami!!!) And I think a whole lot of US citizens should work on their ability to speak proper English while we are on the subject. (There is something about a very ungrammatical rant against people not speaking English.)

Chicago is the same way! I agree 100%!

I do not believe immigrants are taking away jobs from citizens. Unless, of course, your children are aspiring to cut my lawn, tar my roof, pick my strawberries or clean my house.

Again, bravo! You've said what I feel better than I could!

[lizbud]

My Grandmother & Grandfather immigrated to the US from Ireland. They
came here by way of Ellis Island which was the starting point for entering
this country for many, many people. I voted unsure because I don't really
know what the immigration policy is now. I don't know what should or
should not be changed. Does anyone know today's policy?

[momoffuzzyfaces]

I'm for reform. We need to get those borders sealed - NOW!!!

I'm not against immigration. I'm all for it but through the legal channels.

I get really cheesed off seeing them wave the Mexican flag. HELLO!!! GO BACK TO MEXICO AND WAVE IT THERE!!! WE AREN'T THE UNITED STATES OF MEXICO - YET ANYWAY. Inspite of Dora the Explorer and all the other sneaky things being done to teach us Spanish instead of them learning English. (like making Spanish a REQUIRED class in schools and using Spanish on commercials and other tv shows)

One thing I wonder: If GB waved his magic wand (and I'm convinced he has one if only in his mind) and made every illegal here an American today; how long would they work at the wages they are currently being paid? I bet after a while they would say, Whoa! we are now Americans and deserve a better wage!! And they would be right!!! Physical labor is hard and can wreck your health. Seems strange that a country who is so agast at sweat shops in other countries, would allow such low wages to be paid here whether to illegals or not!!! Just something to think about!!!

And yes they do sap the resources; the kids can go to schools free and lots of them get free medical service. I can't do that even being disabled!!!

I just get mad when they are here illegally and demand RIGHTS!!! which they don't or shouldn't have since their being here is AGAINST THE LAW!!!

I think anyone who knowing hires illegals should be fined for each one hired. But that's just my opinion.

[Edwina's Secretary]

MOFF...there is a fine for each illegal hired knowingly by a company. There is a federal law, known as IRCA (Immigration Reform and Control Act) of, I think, 1986 or 1987 that sets out the fines.

I have a relative by marriage who was here for many years illegally. He did not drive a car nor go to a doctor out of fear. When he broke his leg a friend of mine who is a radiologist privately took the x-ray. But, as he was not legal all that meant was he in fact KNEW his leg was broken (I didn't have any orthopedic friends.... )

Just food for thought. What if we sealed the border with Mexico, a nearly impossible task? Could the results be a revolution in Mexico? A communist or other unpleasant US hating government on our flank? Then we could invade them (at what $$ and lost lives??)

It is not a simple problem and there are no simple solutions.

[momoffuzzyfaces]

MOFF...there is a fine for each illegal hired knowingly by a company. There is a federal law, known as IRCA (Immigration Reform and Control Act) of, I think, 1986 or 1987 that sets out the fines.

I have a relative by marriage who was here for many years illegally. He did not drive a car nor go to a doctor out of fear. When he broke his leg a friend of mine who is a radiologist privately took the x-ray. But, as he was not legal all that meant was he in fact KNEW his leg was broken (I didn't have any orthopedic friends.... )

Just food for thought. What if we sealed the border with Mexico, a nearly impossible task? Could the results be a revolution in Mexico? A communist or other unpleasant US hating government on our flank? Then we could invade them (at what $$ and lost lives??)

It is not a simple problem and there are no simple solutions.

A revolution in Mexico or one in the USA? Which would be best??? We are heading that way if something isn't done about this. There are already around 11 million illegals here and hundreds crossing in every day.