Paul wrote on Dec 2, 2005 9:33 AM:Let me stir up the pot here. Most of the children of illegal immigrants are legal citizens because they were born here, so you can’t say that all children are Illegal immigrants too and are taking our education or medical benefits. Also if you deport their parents then you are affecting our legal citizen children. The children have no one to speak for them.

John wrote on Dec 3, 2005 10:39 PM:Change the Law.Ninety-nine percent of illegals choose to have their babies here. They are responsible for that act and should be sent back along with their children. If we need 400,000 workers for agriculture why are there millions of illegals here, with more on the way?

Rick wrote on Dec 4, 2005 9:32 AM:"Where do we see the benefits of illegal immigrant workers". Granted they pick our crops when in season. But, they spend only a 1/8 of the money they make here and the rest go es south of the border to support the other children they have down there. Damn if we do and damn if we don't.

Proud American wrote on Dec 4, 2005 7:29 PM: Well they claim the poll is biased. They claim theis, they claim that. "No, it isnt't that high.." etc... What pro-illegal groups fail to take into account is this: THE AMERICAN TAXPAYER SHOULDN'T BE PAYING FOR ANY EXPENSES INCURRED BY ILLEGAL ALIANS. None. Zip. Whether one dollar or one trillion dollars. This is the fundemental flaw in their logic--- if you can even call it that. Illegal means illegal... PERIOD. WHEN ARE YOU IDIOTS GOING TO GET THAT THROUGH YOUR THICK SKULLS!!!!!??????

Craig wrote on Dec 5, 2005 7:39 AM:Let me stir up the pot even more, children of illegals getting citizenship status is a loophole in our legal system. It needs to be closed. Give them a choice, take the kids back to their country or leave them here and put them up for adoption. Rewarding illegals will just continue to increase the problem we have. How much of your paycheck are you willing to give up to cover the costs of illegal activity?

Dan wrote on Dec 5, 2005 1:06 PM:I don't believe we can stop illegal immigration, what we can do is to change the TAX laws. Right now there are only a few of us that (through income and various tax') have to pay for the services mentioned (medical, education, incarceration, etc, etc.). I feel that eliminating income tax altogether and increase tax' on Gas, food, alcohol, rent and the things we all (immigrants included)use; then we would all share in this burden, and be less an expense on the current tax payers. I read a while back that the early immigrants in our fine society left after a while because they simply couldn't afford to live here - we need to examine this and how we can all share in helping each other, then if it is too cumbersome, they can leave; but by staying they can feel that good because they contribute as well.

Nameless wrote on Dec 7, 2005 5:38 PM:I'm in love with an illegal imagrant who was treated so poorly in schools here that he dropped out. He wasn't from Mexico, but from England. He remains illegal because he cannot get paid enough to file for residency. Maybe if we lowered this fee we could get more people processed and either be allowed to stay or transported back. Until then...It is our problem and it doesn't hurt to take care of people in need from time to time.

Brian wrote on Dec 8, 2005 9:33 AM:Send them home. All of them. The US has laws to govern our people and bussinesses. We follow the rules, we succeed. We break the rules, we do not succeed. That is how things work here. Things do not work this way south of the border, due to different cultural and political philosophies. We will not suffer a major labor shortage by sending millions of illegal imigrants home. How do I know? As a kid, I grew up in an agricultural area. During harvest season, I would work in the feilds to make extra money. Not one illegal immigrant. There was no hourly wage. We were paid by the bushel. I also mowed lawns and did yard work for my neighbors year around. These are the jobs we could reclaim. Here is the two headed monster we could slay. One head being the burden of supporting illegal imigrants and the other is strengthening the social fabric of our society. How many of you have kids that hang out at the mall or sit around and play video games all day? Of course there will be an increase in kids doing drugs and drinking. They are bored stiff. Give the youth a goal and solid life experience. These work opportunities are available to our children in the suburbs as well.

An Idiot wrote on Jan 28, 2006 6:06 AM:Illegal is Illegal. Ok, I hear you. But, Unless you are a Native American, your roots came here through immigration aswell. Who are you to say they are not welcome. What was this land founded on? Frankly, go read up on Douglas Massey. He has a little bit more knowledge on the situation than many of you folks. Get your facts straight before you open your mouths. (and yes, its a problem, how to approach it (lets throw them out, lets do this lets do that) you are only going to cost lives doing that.

Eugene wrote on Feb 24, 2006 10:50 AM:Some people are just races and stupid... No imigrant has ever asked to get help so that all of you will be mad that America spends so much money. Anything and everything such as foodstamps or free lunches at school it was all offerd no one asked for it dont get mad because imigrants are takeing advantage of it. If thats the real reason why your mad then all you have to do is take it all away just don't offer it anymore and let them live thier lifes here how ever they can. If they can't afford it then they should go back by thier selfs... Then that should be the end of the problem right??? Like I said some people are just RACES... No questions asked.

Lou wrote on Mar 20, 2006 1:25 PM:It's amazing how desensitized people can be towards illegal imigrants and their kids education, as if they were the ones who put California in a deficit. I know for a fact that there is not ONE legal American who would just "LOVE" to work in the fields, in the hot blistering sun, and get petty cash per bucket, bag, or row. Nor have I seen unemployed Americans competing with immigrants for a low wage job! It is not JUST the illegal immigrants that has caused California to be in the red. What about all the "legal Amerian's" that are sitting on their butt's doing nothing collectiing cash aid, food stamps, free medical, low housing, child care, and anything else they can get their hands on because our system has allowed them to be lazy. Americans aren't stupid, their actually smart because they know how to play the system. I would rather put my hard earned money into an illegal immigrant who has plans to go to college, get a degree, and be someone in the work environment, than to give it to a lazy person that's legal and does nothing with their life! I say let illegal children get their education. They might be the next person you'll call boss! People, let's look at the whole picture here!!!

CA Burrito wrote on Apr 18, 2006 11:08 AM:Are we all forgetting about the capitalists that contributes to the migration of immigrants? Capitalists continues to seek profits; therefore, lowering wages. If there are heavy (HEAVY, not just the slap on the wrist) penalties to corporations/businesses (i.e. Walmart debacle)perhaps this will deter the influx of illegals. Afterall, no one migrates to an area that contains no opportunity to grow. Also, an increase in taxes will help strengthen CA's dilapidated system and infrastructure but ALL YOU FOLKS SCREAM FOUL!!! So, stop your bickering!

graciela wrote on Apr 24, 2006 4:58 PM:LT ME START BY SAY ALOT OF YOU PEOPLE ARE SO INGNORENT TO THE STITUATION. THE MEXICAN PEOPLE HAVE NO FAULT, THEY CAME TO BETTER THEMSELVES AND THIER FAMILIES. LETS SAY YOU WERE IN THIER STITUATION YOU WOULD DO THE SAME THING TO HELP YOUR LOVED ONES AND DONT SAY YOU WOULDN'T. JUST BECAUSE OF YOU WERE BORN WHITE AND JUDGE OTHER COLOR. LIKE ONE PERSON SAID, "IF YOU WHEREN'T BORN NATIVE AMERICAN YOU ARE ALSO CUNSIDERED ILLEGAL." THIS IS TECHNALLY THERE LAND. ALL YOU SMALL MINDED PEOPLE NEED TO GROW UP AND STOP BEIN SO SHELLFISH AND RACIST.

Realistic wrote on Apr 29, 2006 1:08 PM:There are so many things that we do not know and could not possibly find a true picture of. There is no true way to know the real costs or benefits of illegal immigrants. We need to look at REALISTIC solutions. Trying to capture and deport some 11 million plus illegal immigrants is NOT realistic. It will NEVER happen. Many also fail to realize the number of defacto illegal immigrants. My American friend's husband of 2 years is currently not here legally. They are in the process of getting the paperwork done but as it stands now he has to leave the country for about a year. After which he can return and eventually become a U.S. citizen. They are waiting to see if congress will change the law so he can remain here. If he does have to go, he will but his wife who is PREGNANT with their first child will have to raise their child alone for the year and she will be sending money to Mexico to help him. So who ends up suffering the most, the wife and the child! She is considering leaving the country for that time period also but does not want to leave her teaching position and stop working on her masters. They pay taxes, have health insurance, and do absolutely everything legally. So many people think that illegals are abusing the system and costing us billions but the picture is so much more than that. I also know a few people whose parent's brought them here when they were infants. They are now adults and suffering the consequences of their parents actions. We need to stop making remarks that make no sense and try to find a solution. Also many people fail to realize just how difficult it is to become legal. She could barely figure out all the terminology in the paperwork and she's a college graduate who will soon have her masters! And for those of you who are making cause and effect leaps from illegals to increased teenage drug use need to start taking some responsiblity for their children's actions and stop blaming others for their doped up teenagers!

Wizard wrote on May 1, 2006 2:22 PM:Everyone should do a little history research on the great deportation during the depression. Over 100,000 Hispanics were deported including over 40,000 American Citizens (adults and children, 1st and 2nd generation!). People lost everything and people died. The US government (and severl states) never even acknowledged the errors, mistakes and inhumanity of it all. Is our economy so bad that we want to repeat our past? Have we learned nothing from the Great Depression? When we deport 10 million, are we ready to deport 400,000 US Citizens because they are less educated or less white then the majority? It is true that 50% of the illegal immigrants have their families and don't send money back to Mexico. If their average family size has four children, then their are 1.4 million single males, 1.4 million couples and almost 6 million children, most of whom are US citizens.

John wrote on May 1, 2006 2:48 PM:This is not about right or wrong, but what each indivudal can gain. Citizen: Loss of tax dollars, depreciation of wages, increased no. of uninsurace/unlicenced motorist, more people on foodstamp/food assistance programs ect. Only citizen that would go pro-immigration is one with friends/family wanting to immgrate or a business that profits from these people. Construction used to be a middle income job. note USED to be. Illegals: nothing to lose, dont want to reform thier own government, don't care who they burden as long as its in thier own best interest. Lucky for the Citizens of the US They can vote, illegal immigrants can't So for whatever reason if a pro-immigration bill passes, they only can complain of thier own ignorance.

Kenny wrote on May 1, 2006 11:20 PM:ILLEGAL ALIENS: DON'T PAY TAXES DON'T PAY FOR HEALTH CARE DON'T PAY FOR EDUCATION LOWER THE PAY SCALE FOR BLUE COLLAR WORKERS DON'T CARE ABOUT OUR COUNTRY OR THEY WOULD APPLY TO LIVE HERE LEGALLY!

Fred wrote on May 3, 2006 1:02 PM:I'd like to say a couple of things on the subject that have not been said. (1) The corrupt Mexican gov't has been back by the US government for years. This was due to the threat of the 'communist'. Like many of the goverments the US back (Nicoragia, El Salvador, Panama, etc) leaders were greedy and supressed the people. Whe the people rose up, the U.S. back gov't elemnated them. My point here is the U.S. has some responsbility to help these countries - they are miles behind where they could have been if it weren't for U.S. backing dictators. Issue (2), why can't the U.S. help support their depressed neighboring countries? Key word here is "neighbor", is everyone one here rude to your neighbors? My suggestion to help our neighbors is to encourge our manufactures to create factories in our southern neighboring countries thus creating jobs that will keep them in their own countiers. Why to have to buy our t-shirst and undwear from China? India? etc.

George Vreeland Hill wrote on May 6, 2006 7:58 PM:California is a part of the United States of America, and is in no way connected to Mexico. There is a border between the two, and it is meant to be crossed in a legal manner. If a person enters the United States with no legal right, then that person is committing a crime. Those who are committing these crimes, are the very people that California is putting up with. Better known as illegal aliens, they are the people who are making you wait for long periods of time in hospitals because they over-crowd waiting rooms with no means in which to pay for health care. They have no legal rights to work, housing, education, and welfare, and yet we give them part, most, or all of those things at your expense. Illegal means to break the law. These people are breaking the law by even being in California! Why are we paying their way? There is increasing crime in our schools, on the streets, and even on our properties because of illegal aliens who come here with little or no money, and who do not care. We now have teachers who speak the many languages of these illegal aliens because they do not speak english. WAKE UP PEOPLE!! This is America! We speak english!! If they can't speak our language, then what are they doing here? Every time they cross the street they break the law because they are illegals, and that means against the law! An elderly American woman was given a ticket in Los Angeles because she could not make it from one side of the street to the other on time, due to her age. Yet we allow every illegal to cross every street. This is insane. Where are our leaders? Why are our borders open while we are at war? Why are we putting up with this? While I write this, I must point out that many of my friends over the years have come from other countries. They are the Latinos and others who came here under legal means. They are hard working, good, honest people who are proud to call America their home. I am just as proud to call them my friends! They are angry at those who come here expecting a free pass. This should not be happening. We want answers from Sacramento, Washington, and our town and city leaders. This is an election year, and if we do not get answers from those in office about the questions of why there are illegals here, and why are we paying their way, then we will take it upon ourselves to clean things up, by sweeping those in office, out of office, and replace them with people who put the interests of California first! I am, George Vreeland Hill

Sabrina wrote on May 9, 2006 9:59 AM:believe they have a right to be here.this is god's land and not yours. ONE NATION UNDER GOD

CA Citizen wrote on May 16, 2006 10:11 AM:Every other country in the world protects its borders, or at least tries to. Every other country has laws and procedures about hiring "non-citizens". Why shouldn't the US have its own laws and procedures? Ever try to travel (as a tourist) in Mexico for longer than 72 hours, or go farther than 100 miles into the country? The Mexican government has all sorts of rules and laws about permits and procedures. How come it's OK for Mexico but not the US? Let the Mexican government fix their country. Mexico has vast natural resources and hard-working citizens. Make the Mexican government give their citizen a decent chance at a good life so they don't have to migrate and break up their families.

Peter UK Resident wrote on May 17, 2006 2:14 PM: Hi I feel that in both countries we are facing similar problems with illegal immigrants. Reading the comments on various websites there seems to be several underlying problems conerninig immigrant(peoples) 1/ Legal or illegal Society needs laws for guidance and safety - Illegal is Illegal That's it! No questions! How about the immigrants who took the trouble to learn the language and ways of our countries and blend in and live and work alongside us, I am sure the majority of us have no problem with them. 2/ Culture and Values This is the one we both have problems with. when immigrants try to force their culture and ways upon us us . (ie) in the UK Cristmas window displays depicting the nativity are outlawed in case they offend other religions!(who's country is it). 3/ Lawless and criminal Acts. Life is cheap in some cultures and sadly this has come to our shores. As you know we should be a firearm free country but this is not the case and when small children and women are shot for witnessing other killings this sends feelings shock of revulsion through our communities. You now have simmilar things happening and riots drugs killings etc. I am sure these issues on a daily basis annoy us both. Both our Governments seem to have messed up badly. Ours seem to have lost over 1000 dangerous criminals, and now plane hijackers will be suing the government for damages on human rights issues. Look forward to you comments Peter UK

unknown wrote on Jul 17, 2006 1:36 PM:LET ME GET DIS CLEAR 4 THOSES WHO HAVE A PROMBLEM W/ ILLGEAL IMMIGRANTS COMING 2 AMERICA!! I BELIEVE WE SHOULD HAVE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS!!n whoeva dis agrees w/ me has issues N raCes!! "AMERICA IS A NATION OF IMMIGRANTS "SO, WHY ARE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS NO LONGER WELCOME 2 AMERICA???? ITS OUR HUMAN RIGHTS 2 LIVE WHERE EVA WE WANT!! N DA GOVERNMENT IS VILATING OUR HUMAN RIGHTS 2 LIVE WHERE EVA WE WANT!! ILLGEAL IMMIGRANTS TAKE A HUGE RISK 2 MIGRATE ILLEGALLY!! THEY TAKE DA RISK CUZ THEY R WILLING 2 RISK THERE LIFE FOR A BETTA LIFE, BETTA JOBS,KIDS EDUCATION,FAMILY N MAINLY THERE FREEDOM!! THEY COME HERE KNOWING THEY CNT GET A GREEN CARD N A DRIVING LICENSE N CNT GET PROPER HOUSING,public health, no identification which means they cnt even get a proper job!! they give up everything just 2 come here n live when they know they cnt get all dis!! its not a game its life!! wat is all dis talk bout breaking da law!! citizens break da law every day every second as i speak!! double parking littering,crime,shoplifting,ect. so think again be 4 u say u hate illegal immigrants!!! i understand dat every 1 got their own opinion n c things diff. but dis is how i c it!!

Native American wrote on Aug 9, 2006 12:42 AM:I read with amazement some of the pro-illegal comments. I grew up working in the fields and at age nine, was violently shaken off a 36 ft. cherry ladder by illegals who stormed the orchard with clubs, 2 by 4s and knives. They outnumbered the crew that was picking and beat them away from the job. Cherries were one of the best paying farm jobs. My family suffered a lot at the hands of illegal aliens who wanted the best cotton, lettuce, peaches, onions, potatoes and you name it crops, while my family and others were forced to run. My family was also forced to live under bridges, trees, on the side of the road, etc, a lot of times because the illegals filled most of the government farm labor camps that were meant for the legal citizens. I was forced to go to small, rural schools where the kids spoke only Spanish, so I didn't learn much. The teachers said I could either learn Spanish or not come to school. That's o.k. I was needed in the fields anyway. After I grew up, I was forced to take other jobs that the illegals didn't want, but as one of the people here have questioned, I loved farm labor and wished I could be out there in the sun and wind and rain. I was paying my dues from the time I was able to walk, only to be told that some illegal had more rights than I did. Social Security is going broke, and my kids who are paying into that fund as I did may not ever reap any of the benifits they have paid for because some illegal gets it now. With that in mind, they must still pay a huge chunk of their paychecks as I did for those benifits that "W" says isn't going to be there. Why don't they list this tax as "illegal charity" which is closer to the truth than S.S. We are told that it's because of the baby boomers who will retire shortly, but those baby boomers have paid into that fund for all their working lives. Where is that money? If you go into any Social Security office and hang out for awhile, you will see who is draining S.S. My dad and his brothers were severely beaten when they were children for speaking their native language in public. Now, I have to listen to eardrum breaking radios and t.v.s blasting out foreign hate messages against this country and waving that ugly MECHA flag in my face. I love the stars and stripes. Many of my family have defended the sweet freedom of it with their lives in foreign battlefields. I will defend it as long as there is breath in my body. I will never serve a flag that boasts of a buzzard holding a machette and a stick of dynamite. Who are they aimed at? Guess! Lebanon allowed Hezbollah to take control of that country, now look what they have done to that country. They made a public statement that all they did was fire a few rockets, kill a few people and take one or two hostages, so why is Israel so mad? We are allowing La Raza to take control of this country. In the future, we can expect similar statements from the illegals. After all, who are all these unknowns? Are some of them Hezbollah, Al Qeada, or some other terrorist organization? There are drugs and weapons coming in. The Border Patrol can't stop all of them, as they are outnumbered and outarmed. Are they stockpiling and waiting for that opportune time just like Hezbollah did for six years? I don't have much education but I'm not stupid. At 72 yrs old, I was still working at the first of this year, until I was told that I had to do the job for $3.65 an hr. or someone else would. So much for "jobs Americans won't do". The governor has accused us of being prejudiced. Of course, he never had to live under a bridge. I never saw any illegals there.

pro oppurtunities wrote on Feb 28, 2007 5:46 PM:many of the illegal immigrants come to the U.S for better jobs and to pursue a future that they could never have in their own country. we shouldnt judge people just because their illegal we should treat them as individuals. i personally dont like doing the dirty work but some people do it not because they like it they do it because they arent conformist like other people

MarcoPolo wrote on Mar 5, 2007 9:49 AM:Illegal immigrants are not helping this country by working for low wages, its only hurting. Yes they work hard and do many jobs that Americans will not do, but thats only because they don't get paid enough. What about when these illegals have car wrecks and are uninsured, who pays then, we do.Why should I pay more for my medical or auto insurance because they dont have it.This country need serious help in this problem.

Screw It wrote on Mar 7, 2007 2:49 PM:They Take Our Jobs, Use our Money, Commit Crimes, and They Dont EVEN SPEAK OUR LANGUAGE

Karen wrote on Apr 4, 2007 8:34 AM:I am SO fed up with all this b.s.! Enlist EVERY illegal immigrant over the age of 17 in our armed forces! Let them FIGHT for OUR country they so want to be a part of ! Then, the money they DO make, WILL be documented AND taxed! Stop them from DRAINING us economically! They send what money they don't spend here in the U.S. back home. AND tax free to boot! WAKE THE HELL UP!!!!!!!!!!

white guy wrote on Apr 16, 2007 7:57 PM:Well why didnt you do the job for 3.65 hour? if someone really needs a job they will find it at any cost. Why do 700,000 undocumnetd immigrants come to this country each year and find jobs. Why cant a "citizen" go out and do the same? you know why? because they know the loop holes of our system. They know they can make a better living by being on welfare, taking food stamps, and living in low income housing, and thats not all we also have to take care of all their medical expenses.This is the real dilemma dont blame illegal immagrants. Look at the big picture.. if they were legal they would pay their taxexs gladly. We as Americans have categorized them as illegal, we have found them as our scape goats. lets be bigger then that lets not bicker and moan about this. I belive their is nothing wrong with individuals thAt want an oppurtunity to thrive and succeed. People that actually have a drive... Just remeber that we are all immigrants we all at one point had our ancestors brings us here. Lets not be the ones that close that door of hope for others because nobody closed it for you or your past family.

Todd wrote on Apr 16, 2007 11:21 PM:Yes, we're a nation of immigrants. However, the latest horde of immigrants seem to think it's no big deal to enter the U.S. illegally.

John wrote on Apr 17, 2007 5:37 AM:The good neighbor analogy can take you just so far. The welcome mat is eventually pulled out from under those who continually break into my home and take unfair advantage of my hospitality. And "Graciela". Your comments sound like a carbon copy of your previous post, replete with insulting words of "ingnorent", "shellfish" and "racist" directed at "white" Americans. Then you can't understand why illegal immigrants have worn out their welcome. I'm hardly "white" but I do oppose illegal immigration.

John wrote on Apr 17, 2007 6:41 AM:I'm not so certain whether a guest worker program in the Mainland U.S. can take root. The illegal immigration issue already seems out of control. Hawaii had a guest worker program whereby companies such as Dole, Libby and C&H contracted labor forces from the Philippines, Japan and the Caribbean to work in their pineapple and sugar cane plantations. Free transportation to the Islands as part of the immigrants' contract was provided as well as housing upon their arrival. Most were young, extremely hard-working bachelors. At the end of their contracts they had the option of either remaining an employee of their host company or repatriated to their country of origin. Some returned home while many opted to remain in Hawaii, became U.S. citizens, inter-married, raised families, and assimilated quite nicely. Hawaii is now multi-racial and have been called the "Melting Pot of the Pacific" for a good reason. There is some tension in Paradise due to the recent influx of people who are unwilling to accept Hawaii's diverse cultures. Legal immigration in ingrained in Hawaii's past. I'm a U.S. citizen and son of legal immigrants.

Kate wrote on Apr 21, 2007 8:38 PM:Several things really bother me. Fact 1.The word illegal - means criminal. criminals belong in jail. Fact 2.These federal laws only apply to those that are legal citizens?FEDERAL LAWS EXCUSE ILLEGALS???? Federal law takes presidence over state laws, that means break federsl law and you will serve federal time. Fact: The laws apply equally to each and every citizen, it is not a pick and chose who has the most money or thinks they have the most power as to who does not obey the law. Things are already out of control. If we can put a man on the moon do you not think we have enough gumption to send a few million back to their contry. We have allowed the unions and entitlements to price us out of the market - now we are paying the price, by selling out our country. Soon you will try to find a country that you can go to - NO ONE ELSE ALLOWS CRIMINALS INTO THIER COUNTRY INCLUDING MEXICO. CHECK OUT NUMBERSUSA.COM - THERE YOU WILL FIND THE FACTS, YOU WILL FIND THAT 94% OF DEMOCRATS ARE WILLING TO SELL US OUT. NOW THE REPUBLICANS ARE JOINING THEM. CALL YOUR REPS NOW AND DEMAND YOUR RIGHTS AS A LEGAL AMERICAN VOTING TAXPAYING CITIZEN.

bill z. wrote on May 6, 2007 12:56 PM:People are forgetting some of the facts here. Just because you want to see laws regarding our borders enforced does NOT make you a racist. That's lazy thinking by mental midgets. Secondly, if the employers faced legit. punishments for hiring illegals, then they would be forced to pay significantly more per hour, improve working conditions and perhaps even offer benefits, then and only then would Americans take such jobs. This would result in a short term price increase in food and arguably national inflation however this would be offset in less than a decade by much lower unemployment and an increased tax base. There've been many books and academic papers written on this matter, I suggest you guys read some of them.

Chris wrote on May 19, 2007 9:42 PM:BTW, I'm NOT an immigrant! I was born here of a LEGAL citizen who was born here of a LEGAL citizen who was born here by a LEGAL IMMIGRANT!!!! The key words here are LEGAL IMMIGRANT!

Chris wrote on May 19, 2007 9:44 PM:Even Native Americans are from ASIA!

Criminals wrote on Jun 17, 2007 12:17 AM:Not all illegal immigrants come to the US to work at legal jobs. Many are criminals who are smugglers. The fence has to be built like it was in San Diego. Land owners along the Mexican border are living in terror. Please take a moment to think how much it will cost this country in taxes, property taxes, social security pay outs just to name a few. We simply cannot support 30 million impoverished illegal immigrants. A Line in the Sand: Confronting the Threat at the Southwest Border HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY - Interim Report Illegal Alien Crimes Against U.S. Citizens Not all illegal aliens are crossing into the United States to find work. Law enforcement officials indicate that there are individuals coming across the border who are forced to leave their home countries because of their criminal activity. These dangerous criminals are fleeing the law in other countries and seeking refuge in the United States. For instance, it is known that many of the operatives of cartels in Mexico actually live in the United States. Information received by several law enforcement agencies indicates these criminals are living in our communities and that they come to the U.S. to escape the possibility of apprehension in Mexico. The Violent Crimes Institute conducted a 12 month in-depth study of illegal immigrants who committed sex crimes and murders for the time period of January 1999 through April 2006. This study makes it clear that the U.S. faces a dangerous threat from sexual predators that cross the U.S. borders illegally. The Institute analyzed 1,500 cases in depth, including serial rapes, serial murders, sexual homicides, and child molestation committed by illegal immigrants. Police reports, public records, interviews with police, and media accounts were all included. Offenders were located in thirty-six states, with the most of the offenders were located in States with the highest numbers of illegal immigrants. California was ranked first, followed by Texas, Arizona, New Jersey, New York, and Florida. Based on an estimated illegal immigrant population of 12,000,000 and the fact that young males make up more of this population than the general U.S. population, the Institute concluded that sex offenders in the illegal immigrant group make up a higher percentage. ICE reports and public records show sex offenders comprising 2% of illegals apprehended. Based on this 2% figure, which is conservative, the Institute estimates that there are approximately 240,000 illegal immigrant sex offenders in the United States. The study concluded, when applied to ongoing illegal immigration at the borders, these estimates translate to 93 sex offenders and twelve serial sexual offenders coming across U.S. borders illegally per day. The 1,500 offenders in this study had a total of 5,999 victims. Each sex offender averaged four victims. This puts the estimate for victimization numbers around 960,000 for the 88 months examined in this study.

Marilyn wrote on Jun 22, 2007 10:44 PM:When people talk about the fact that America, our Country, was built on immirgrants that's true it was, however, it was the legal immirgrants that built this Country not the illegals. Not one person is talking about the folks that come over here legally. I, along with many others are fed up with the special treatment they are getting,everything handed to them,they don't even need to learn our language because we have met their demands and have it all in theirs. when one is doing something illegal it means they are breaking the law. If they are separated from their families, they made the choice to break the law just like the inmates in our jails, they too, are away from their families again their choice to break the law. I can't believe the American people are going to just roll over and let this happen...give these law breakers a free ride, reward them for BREAKING THE LAW, MAKES NO SENSE WHATSOEVER! We all need to stand together and do what's right - If they want the chance to get ahead live the life, then come through the front door not the back! Learn OUR language, stop demanding special treatment. You all do realize there are no free handouts in the immirgration laws of Mexico, there are no special treatments, there are no other flags flown but their own, and if you don't speak spanish you can't go to their public schools, you go to a private school and pay for it... When you cross their border you go through five check points where their military have big guns and they have several sheltered stations along the highway (on both sides with) armed guards to be sure if you do something wrong you won't be able to get far, unlike the USA...what's up with us~we too should be guarding our borders. We too should not allow another countries flag be flown here except on a joint building such as an embassey. I, for one, am sick of being treated like a second class American when I was born and raised in this Country, my parents and their parents were all born and raised here WE are Americans this is our Country and we set the rules, we make the laws, now WE need to take our Country into our hands!

Kevin wrote on Aug 16, 2007 5:15 PM:If i know some people that are illegal, how can i report them? Who do i call?

alexander wrote on Sep 9, 2007 11:15 PM:here is the solution; send part of the bill to mex gov. the other part to those who employ them or do as the mex style you dont pay you dont go away till some relative or wherever pay for them.

edla67 wrote on Sep 13, 2007 12:41 AM:This is a huge cost, but this is something we do not feel. However what I see, and resent, is my city Los Angeles (as well as many other cities and states) turning into Mexico. LAUSD schools now look like Mexico or the 3rd world without any exagerations. We must stop this, we must return illegals (deny jobs and benefits, hire Americans and legals), we must restore the situation and the demographics we had 10-20 years ago. We can do it. France is finally cracking down because citizens got tired of the country turning into Islam and north Africa, and finally voted for a tougher candidate (Sarko). It's America's turn. I want to be offered the choice of going to Mexico if i want to, rather than Mexico installing itself in my city

Meaghan wrote on Oct 29, 2007 8:33 PM:I agree with and support the fact that immigrants want to come here to make a better life, but i agree with whoever said they should fight for our country, be here legal, love the country and so badly want to be in it and learn our language. Why should we have to learn theirs? and with all the jobs that dont hire you unless you speak spanish, thats your disrimination right there. Make it easier for them to become citizens sure, and then dont let the rest of the criminals and low-lifes that just want to use our tax money, into our country. I am not racist and i welcome people into this country that want to be here to have a better life, America is Gods land and they should be able to come if they want but be here legally and be loyal to our country! i have heard too many times ignorant people saying that we're automatically racist because we're white, (and like they dont descriminate against me as a white girl! ha!) and they love mexico, ok love it but love america, be here legally, dont screw over our people and economy with your crimes and laziness, or hey by all means, GO HOME!!

someone wrote on Nov 16, 2007 12:16 PM:i really got to say this. Some people here say raise the wage...but if they raise the wage...who's coming to pay for the price difference? Again, it comes back to the consumers..and who are the consumers? the people who just got riase on wages....so its a tug of war and its essencial to find the right amount to raise and lower...it's not just issue with illegals but also all citizens...Anywas. from my past experience, if you give something to the people, they want more. It's human INSTINCT to want more...so we can't blame ourselves or illegals for that...

someone wrote on Nov 16, 2007 12:19 PM:oh..and one more thing...i don't remember when was the last time English was official language of the country...it is mostly used language but i don't think it's official language...yeah....i might be wrong lol

Edward wrote on Nov 26, 2007 9:42 PM:Our Forefathers would turn over in their graves if they could see what is happening to our country...in little bits and pieces that could ultimately pave the way for a monumental shift in what it means to be an American citizen. I don't expect a free ride as a responsible tax-paying citizen, and is inconceivalbe to me to actually witness growing numbers of those who somehow feel "entitled", almost as if it is a joke. More alarming, though, is the pure fact that certain areas of our government make it quite alright to assume an element of entitlement by providing easy documentation...such as just enough information to gain a license to drive on our roads without insurance. The Big Picture begs the question: Hasn't 9-11 taught us anything at all?

Mike wrote on Nov 30, 2007 3:06 PM:I agree that many immigrants both legal and illegal contribute greately to our agriculture. But there is no need for 3 million immgrants for agriculture. Much of the money being made is being sent back to their real HOME to their families anyway. And concerning the U.S.-born children of immigrants, they should not be the reason for 'anchoring' their law-breaking parents here in the U.S. Coming into this country without taking the necessary procedures is illegal, and anyone who fails to follow these procedures are breaking a law and should not have the right to live in America and waste away hard earned tax dollars.

shutup you racists! wrote on Dec 7, 2007 11:50 PM:our forefathers would be turning over in their graves to see black people be free too. They came to "America" killed everyone and claimed it theirs, so don't be so proud to call them your "forefathers" From what I see you don't have a problem with "the law" you're just plain racist and you hide it and say that your problem is that they break the law. JESUS SAID HIMSELF "HE WHO IS WITHOUT SIN, THROW THE FIRST STONE" and you call yourselves Christians! i call you all HYPOCRITES!

Americano wrote on Dec 10, 2007 10:04 AM:For all you people (INCLUDING hispanics who feel sorry for illegal aliens JUST because most of them are hispanic). I suggest you learn what the word CRIMINAL means. Who cares if you can't feed your family, DON'T have one! ... Why...in your twisted minds do you think the US citizen is responsible for another nation's problems with poverty. A nation with some of the largest oil reserves in the world, a nation who is a member of OPEC. NOT one illegal alien has a right to be in this country. ... And for the dim with whining about her English illegal alien, what a joke. He's from one of the wealthiest nations on earth and we are suppose to feel sorry for him for breaking our laws...I DON'T THINK SO! He needs to GO BACK to England just like the Mexicans and immigrate here legally, or STAY HOME!

sam wrote on Dec 10, 2007 7:21 PM:as long as there are huge economical and social disparities between the US and the third world, there will be unstoppable illegal immigration from the third world to the US. it's a wealthy country's burden. yes, crossing the border is illegal. voluntary immigration without the destination country's permission is illegal. but when someone is faced with a dismal life with no hope of future prosperity, he would rather choose to break the law in seeking a new life as long as he doesn't commit cardinal crimes such as killing. a family stricken with poverty will not think about obeying American immigration laws when it's trying to get out of poverty. and yes, it's a shame that these countries cannot make their people live comfortably with all the resources they have. but the poor families living in these countries cannot think about this and satisfy their immediate needs. you may cuss them with one hundred well supported reasons, but they'll still come, for one good reason -- a hopeful new life.

american wrote on Dec 13, 2007 5:42 PM:I believe in legal immigration. All legal immigrants should be welcomed and helped. The illegal immigration problem is getting out of hand. I advise everyone who thinks it is not a problem to do research. I have done my research and I know how much it is costing our country and particularly the border states like California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. There are close to 12 million illegal immigrants in our country. Do your research on additional cost of education, health care, law enforcement, housing of criminals, housing, etc. and you will find out for yourself that it is really hurting our country much more than helping. Somehow we need to work with Mexico to help them develop a better economy and provide good jobs for their own citizens. If Mexicans had better living conditions and better jobs, they wouldn't want to come to the U.S., unless they already had family here. But then their families would probably want to return to Mexico too.

Sam wrote on Dec 30, 2007 7:19 PM:"Somehow we need to work with Mexico to help them develop a better economy and provide good jobs for their own citizens."

I wish this sounded with more certainty. Has ever a major 3rd-world country morphed into a first-class country, whether on its own foot or with others' help? For the ordinary people living on the bottom of these societies, legal immigration is no immigration.

Dennis in NJ wrote on Apr 24, 2008 7:02 AM:The illegal immigrants (II) are here because big business/federal government want them here. If they were bad for business they wouldn't be here. Americans think the jobs the IIs take are beneath them because they are lazy. IIs pay taxes throught the homes they rent/live in. They pay sales tax. They don't make enough to pay income tax. Americans cost tax payers money by being jailed to. Lets deport them. I'm sure the terrorists are working in Central and South America to recruit individuals by taking advantage of the anti-immigrant feelings here. Didn't Hitler blame all the problems of Germany on the Jews? I think this is what is really behind the Anti-Immigration mentality.

Dan wrote on Apr 30, 2008 2:24 PM:WHY CANT THEY JUST GO HOME!!!!

Trace wrote on May 29, 2008 10:12 PM:As logic would have it, one owes one borrows money with interest. Einstein expressed compounded interest in such terms that he emphasized the overwhelming impact that compounded interest can have. In effect, illegal immigrants who have children in this state, are borrowing from the American Government to an overwheling degree and the only solution for our future is to hold respective countries accountable for payments to the United States for each immigrant child born here illegally. Sounds bad to create such a policy, perhaps inhumane. Who said einstein was in it for humanity. He just gave you the bottom half of the equation, walked away and laughed to let the educational community figure out the rest. What a impact on this state!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

kim wrote on Aug 14, 2008 8:15 PM:I've had to move to an area "I can't afford" (because of the overwhelming demand on housing) so my son can get a somewhat better education at a different school where the English learner percent is 30% instead of 60%. The classes still have at the least 30 students to one teacher and they are overwhelmed or burnt out.
Our hospital emergency rooms have gone from good to a third world country nightmare because they are not allowed by law to ask about ability to pay or legal statues, so are used as a clinic from runny noses to a toothache. It won't matter if you have awesome insurance (I have great insurance) because you could die before getting through the mess.
Our elderly and legal population who rely on Medical are hurting because they cant get into a doctor or afford medication because of the stress on the welfare system and it's about to get worse as the state is making more cuts and doctors and pharmacies are threatening to stop taking Medical.
Jobs are being lost to the illegal population, a big one being in construction and factory work.
This is just the tip of the iceberg. I am sure you are aware of the billions of hard working American’s taxes being spent on supporting Mexican citizens just in California.
We are in big trouble! We are not able to improve our neighbor’s quality of live when we can't even maintain our own.
Below is a site that tell's how to get all kinds of free goodies from welfare to medical also all an illegal needs to get welfare is an Mexico ID and proof of residence.

http://www.slocounty.ca.gov/dss/California_Assistance_Program_for_Immigrants.htm

danealle wrote on Sep 26, 2008 8:23 AM:yah well i dont think its right for them not to pay taxes. I say if you live in the united states you should have to pay taxes

Tamra wrote on Oct 28, 2008 6:39 PM:Those of you in favor of illegal immigration have not a clue of what you speak and write. It is my guess you are uneducated, young and/ or Mexican.

TERESA wrote on Oct 31, 2008 1:23 PM:alot of you say its their land no its not, they decided to sell it to our forefathers and that is not our fault i was born here i am a us citizen, my fathers and grandfathers fought for our freedom, and continue to fight it was't the illegal aliens fighting for our freedom. And no one asked me if they could use my taxes to support illegal aliens, i didn't bring them they should support themselves. I have invested in this country not them, my investments belong to my kids, and their kids.they love america so much and they come and take from our medicaid and foodstamps and everything else, then why do they carry their flag if they love their country that much they should go back and ask them for medicaid and food stamps