pat wrote on Nov 12, 2006 6:44 AM:Finally, some balanced reporting.

Sandy K wrote on Nov 12, 2006 7:10 AM:I don't believe the Democrats will be foolish enough to address the illegal immigration issue in the near future. It doesn't matter if a politician is Republican or Democrat, both parties are self-serving and the new majority does not want to be thrown out on this issue. But until the "Comprehensive Immigration Reform" issue is dead and buried, I will continue to do my part by supporting the Federation for American Immigration Reform, Californians for Population Stablization, and Numbers USA. American citizens must keep up their financial support and contact with their Congressional representatives on this issue. Let the newly elected know that they will be voted out if they forget who they represent and put illegal aliens ahead of the citizens of this great country.

Rest assured, those of us opposed to ILLEGAL wrote on Nov 12, 2006 7:13 AM:immigration will not quit working to have ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS and their anchor babies DEPORTED. Many of the Democrats realize that to have a clean congress and senate they cannot reward FELONS.

The Idiot President wrote on Nov 12, 2006 7:17 AM:If Bush wants to forever be known as the idiot President, he will push through his amnesty plan into law.

Paul wrote on Nov 12, 2006 7:59 AM:It seems to me that the politicians stated that the last amnesty that occurred several years ago would never be repeated. Don't you love our lying, politicals in Washington! If it weren't so damaging to this country, it would be laughable.

Bush's Approval Hits All-Time Low wrote on Nov 12, 2006 8:11 AM:First he has the war. Then he destroys the Republican Party. And now he wants to force the Amnesty issue which is probably the most unpopular concept in America today. Yeah Right! Third world Immigrants are packing their bags right now. But not if the will of the American people is not to be ignored. I do not think the Democrats will take that chance before the 2008 elections.

Illegal Aliens 101 wrote on Nov 12, 2006 8:22 AM:Look for the buzzwords in the stories and policies. Comprehensive = Amnesty: Undocumented = Illegal: ethnically diverse = includes illegal aliens: "Undocumented persons" - removing "illegal" masks that the alien is a lawbreaker and sounds so much better! "Illegal immigrants" - an oxymoron. Immigrants obey US laws by applying for and receiving a visa to enter the US. How can someone who obeys the law be "illegal?" Just one more term to confuse voters. "Migrants" - irrelevant to the immigration debate. An immigrant isn't automatically a migrant. As well, a US citizen can be a migrant, totally removing them from the immigration issue. That they intentionally use terms that confuse rather than clarify is automatically suspicious. They'll stop at nothing to stop public discussion of immigration issues. Those who insist on using clear and accurate terms will be intimidated with accusations of "racist," "xenophobic," "hate-mongers," "anti immigrant," and "bigot" and the rest of their tired litany.

illegal is illegal wrote on Nov 12, 2006 8:28 AM:democrats might have won control of the united states in general but im not surprised that california dominated it by republicans because thats where illegals are hurting everything from health care, schooling, free benefits made for american citizens, massive crime increases due to illegal activity and more. even democrats are against illegal immigration which is why you will never see a amnesty bill passed for law breakers because it just encourages more criminal activity from south of the border so forget about it. we will see a huge increase in the cracking down of illegals and there hate towards the real americans who they say stole part of there country which is a joke. the facts are they broke in and now are being delt with and if there not scared or worried yet they will be once ice and other organizations start doing inner city sweeps and bus them out in groves. simply put when we cut jobs and housing for illegals plus benefits they will go back to mexico and if not we will escort them. the border patrol is training thousands upon thousands of agents for the next few months who will take the streets so be scared because americans arent looking the other way anymore.

Enrique wrote on Nov 12, 2006 9:01 AM: I guess a lot of republicans love the cheap labor that comes migrant workers but they are not willing to pay a fair wage because they illegal. The same people that are against amnesty are the same people that got us into Iraq, where we have spend $400 billions dollars, and they also called themselves Christians.

Skip wrote on Nov 12, 2006 9:14 AM:It was in the other SD newspaper yesterday that the Paradise Valley Hospital in "Americas' Self proclaimed Illegal Alien Sanctuary City" (National City) is about to loose all of their Federal Funding (nearly all of its income) because of alleged poor quality service to its patients. The hospitals reply: It is not our fault because we are forced to treat patients that are largely poor and ethnically diverse, and they are underinsured or uninsured. The hospital is loosing about 1 Million Dollars a Month."

IamaDem wrote on Nov 12, 2006 9:50 AM:Many Democrats do not support ILLEGAL aliens or amnesty. We must all pressure our elected officials all over the Country to work for the American people and not Mexico and illegals. The ACLU should stop working for illegals or take the "A" out of their title. American workers wages have been lowered, and some of our neighborhoods are full of old cars parked on lawns, graffitti, crime, overcrowded houses/apartments, and schools. Pressure Bush to reverse his stance on illegals as he has been a large part of the problem. I am happy that Democrats had such a big win. I am also happy that Marie Waldron won, she is at least trying to fix the problem.

Common Sense wrote on Nov 12, 2006 10:04 AM:Hi rest assured, the children are generally US Citizens and the parents are not felons. Understand the laws. The guest worker program is the only solution. There is high demand for labor. And Mexico and other countries have the supply. Naturally, the two will meet. Just as Buck Knives left El Cajon to Idaho for cheaper land and labor; Is Buck Knives un-American? If your plan is to have enforcement only, than you will be waiting so long that there will be 20 million undocumented immigrants. By the way, lets do a quick poll of the enforcement only people here? Are any of use prejudice against blacks, hispanics, or asians? Who are you married to, or who do you hang out with?

Colonial wrote on Nov 12, 2006 10:06 AM:To illegal, you said that "illegals" are hurting "everything from health care, schooling, free benefits made for American Citizens?" Do you have any data to back this up? By the way, unemployment is at a 5 year low and the exit polls people locally said immmigration not the economy was the most important issue. So people are satisfied with the economy.

Shawn wrote on Nov 12, 2006 10:53 AM:it is outrage that our Congress Democrat Party and President Bush tried pass Comprehensive Immigration Bill with guest worker(Amnesty) for all illegal people. No Republican or Democrat Party are nothing but crap and blame each for problems that our nation face. History show us that President Regan signed 1986 immigration with giving 3 million of illegal people Amnesty and who look happen From 3 million people to 12 million people or more. I amdire that House passed stronger immigration that does not give Amnesty to illegal people.

Jules wrote on Nov 12, 2006 11:03 AM:The immigration reform as it stands now is off the table with democratic leadership since they need to implement the changes that they were voted in for - Iraq war, higher min. wage, healthcare reform (including senior benefits), education reform (making it easier for college kids to get loans/grants) etc. Bush has been talking for about two years now about immigration reform and he has agreed with the McCain/Kennedy approach. Will Bush push this immigration reform before leaving office? I think so, since he is so beholden to Vincente Fox and the new president of Mexico (see Nafta). Will the democrats agree to go along with the McCain/Kennedy approach to immigration reform? It remains to be seen whether the proposed bill will look the same after reviewing it in congress again. One thing is for sure, there will be some type of guest worker program (that's fine ..we need the workers) as for the path to citizenship that needs to be disputed and revised making it stricter to achieve. Enforcement should really be the cornerstone of this bill.

Dan (Temecula) wrote on Nov 12, 2006 11:15 AM: It as simple as this. This is not about illegals getting there way. We will go to war if for some how our government betrays it's citizens. We do not want to support the millions that would instantly qualify for assistance. It is the American tax payer of all races that will foot the bill for people who broke our laws. When it comes time to pardon millions from many of crimes where does it stop.Illegals contribute to a high amount of are crime problems, and making them legal will only make it worse. I say go ahead, and develope a guest worker program, but regardless of how long you have been here illegally you must return to yuor native land, and sign up, and wait in line. Giving amnesty to millions is not the anwser, and I may be only one person, but I know for sure there are millions just like me, and we will find a way to make sure this does not happen. Even if we have to all(millions of this country's income) claim 9 on are taxes, and donate are part to a worthy cause,(like church, or other things you can write off for taxes) and that in it self would put a hardship on this country's economy. What I'm getting at is are government all the way to the white house better listen up because I am not, as well as millions of people are not willing to give are country away to a 3rd world country. You got another thing coming if you think we will sit back give are hard earned tax dollars away, and let this invasion of alot of scum, and alot of good ones be rewarded by letting there crimes go away, and give them a free loading life. They have already strained are economy, and that in it self is rude, and disrespectful!!!

anayeli wrote on Nov 12, 2006 12:09 PM:Sifuentes is correct, the Republicans blew it terms of illegal immigration. They allowed the greedy elites in the party,including Bush, to align with the poverty pimps on the left as though the GOP will ever be able to outbid the Democrats for the poor immigrant vote. Bush is likely going to be known for his multiple gaffs that undermined the Republicans in the '06 elections.

Eric wrote on Nov 12, 2006 1:54 PM:Bush wants his legacy to be immigration reform, what an idiot. He says he is looking forward to working with Pelosi on this. Boy, is our country in trouble.

Deme wrote on Nov 12, 2006 2:54 PM:I have read everyones statements,what I see is people that rely on the media statistics and unenformed Reps. and Dems. I understand and repsect how everyone feel about immigration, but please inform yourself. By this I mean go back in history and read FACTS, look at RELIABLE STATISTICS, and make an INFORMED decision before making statements.Mass deportation...who do you think will pay for that? Taxpayers.Crime rates can Americanz really blame it on undocumented immigrants? Free benefits... look at the amount of Americans that collect welfare instead of working the jobs that immigrants do. While everyone is being so critical on illegals think about when you walk into the grocery store and pick up veggies and fruits. How do you think they get there... Americans aren't picking onions,berries, or potatoes. Also, think about the hundreds of thousands of children that will go into foster care.What many people don't see that I see are people that hide in the shadows. They stay out of trouble so that immigration will stay off their back. They work hard and pay taxes.And they are happy to pay taxes, they see it as their way of contributed a little part of what this country provides for them. These people want to work like you and me and they don't complain like Americans! I guess what I am saying is...stop demonizing immigrants as these evil people.Americans commit crimes everyday, most of these undocumented immigrants only crime have been coming to the US illegally, they aren't criminals. Stop treating them like criminals. I don't know what they outcome of immigration will be, but I do know that something needs to be done and sooner than later. The problem is not going to away by not talking about it.

And wrote on Nov 12, 2006 3:01 PM:John McCain, Arnold and many neocons support amnesty (comprehensive plan). There are many Democrats and Republicans who do not want citizenship for Illegal alien lawbreakers. Bush wants illegals for his big corporat donors. He is wrong on this issue as he is on most issues. why would anyone want to follow this most ignorant president in our history.

another Grandma wrote on Nov 12, 2006 4:54 PM:I suppose Deme thinks he is the only informed person. I have read history all my life. I see what is going on around me and it sounds like I am more informed than you. We will deport some people, others will go home when the illegal employers stop hiring illegal aliens and slum landlords can no longer rent to ten or fifteen people in one small apartment. When the freebies are no longer available. No one is demonizing immigrants. An immigrant is someone who is here LEGALLY. We do need farm workers so the illegals that want work cards can sign up for those jobs. Why would children go into foster care. When I move my children go with me. Yes there are American criminals, we don't need more coming from foreign countries. We will spend less on deportation than on the crime, overcrowed schools, hospitals, graffitti and gangs. Perhaps the worst is the lowered wages for American workers.

Roberto wrote on Nov 12, 2006 6:51 PM:As a future Democrat and soon to be former republican all I can say ya-hoo!!!...at last common sense about immigration reform.

America DID NOT Vote for AMNESTY! wrote on Nov 12, 2006 7:25 PM:I believe that most of the Republican incumbents were voted out for the simple reason that voters are so mad at Bush's policies, that they may have felt that this was the closest thing to voting him out also. So, the idea that the outcome of the elections is a sign that America wants amnesty for illegals is totally ridiculous!

dyehard wrote on Nov 12, 2006 7:40 PM:Hillary gets it. Hillary Clinton says she's against illegal immigration. And she would fine employers who hire illegal aliens. Pundits say the Democratic senator from New York is using this hot-button issue to position herself for the 2008 presidential election. It's a way to hit Republicans from the right. Polls show huge majorities of both Republicans and Democrats oppose illegal immigration - and are frustrated that President Bush won't do a thing to stop it. Illegal immigration hurts most liberal causes. It depresses wages, crushes unions, and kills all hope for universal health coverage.

CC wrote on Nov 12, 2006 7:59 PM:The reason Democrats won this election is that they learned from the Busby/Brilbay primary and changed their tune. Most of the newly elected Democrats were elected on populist platforms that vowed to protect American workers. Job growth over the last five years did not keep up with immigration. We have 7 million fewer jobs than the growth in the population. There are 3 million fewer jobs in US manufacturing over the last five years. Information technology lost jobs also. This loss of jobs can be blamed on globalization (NAFTA). All job growth was in service jobs like serving food. Why should we allow huge numbers of new immigrants in to take these jobs? Paul Craig Roberts, Assistant Secretary of the Treasury in the Reagan administration, wrote a great article detailing how all the employment numbers shake out over the past five years. New US citizens are the people most vulnerable to competition from floods of immigrants. So, there shouldn't be any real electoral support for the Senate bill from immigrants that are now US citizens. The Senate legislation allows huge numbers of legal immigrants and H1B Visas. H1B visas allow in huge numbers of immigrants to compete with us for our best paying high-tech jobs. US voters are rising up and our politicians seemed to have caught the tune.

mra wrote on Nov 12, 2006 7:59 PM:No doubt, our borders have to be secured, build fences, more border patrol agents, tough employer sanctions etc. However the fact remains that there are an estimated 12 million illegal aliens in this country and how do we address that? Let's get the facts straight. Even if growers for example, paid Americans 2-3 times the wage paid to these illegal farm workers, really, how many American citizens would line up to take those jobs and then thereafter continue to do so on a long term basis?? What do you think then produce is going to cost? A lot of these folks who complain about illegal workers are totally oblivious to the fact that they are enjoying the fruits of illegal labor. Yes, illegal immigration has it's share of problems such as health care and crime. If people were to come out of the shadows they could be identified, documented and held accountable. Also under a well written comprehensive plan, criminal aliens would NOT be given an option to be legalized. It's very interesting to hear threats from people claiming that democrats should not pass a comprehensive immigration plan that provides a path to legalization, otherwise they would have to pay the price. Oh really???!!! So now the new democratic congress should now take advise from you guys who got a thumping and who did not vote for them in the first place and who will most likely never vote for them anyway!!! I am sure there are conservative democrats too who do not wish to resolve this issue in a humane, realistic manner. At the same time there are plenty of moderate republicans who DO wish to solve this. The fact of the matter is these 12 million aren't going anywhere and I am confident the new congress would not give into this unrealistic rhetoric and resolve this issue in a meaningful and pragmatic way, thereby fulfilling the wishes of the majority of the voters, as was apparent this election.

Justanamerican wrote on Nov 12, 2006 8:01 PM:I would find it hard to believe that the Democrats would throw this country away by voting for amnesty. But if they do, then there will be hell to pay. They work for us not the other way around. Our forefathers did not fight and die for this country so that people like bush-rove could just turn it into a third world cesspool. America and Americans first, Period!!

Dixie wrote on Nov 12, 2006 8:18 PM:Bush’s War gave Democrats Congress! This is pissing me off. The Democrats are trying to say, the turn over in Congress was due to the lack of comprehensive immigration reform, which is an out and out lie. What gave Congress to the Democrats was not based on their merits but on the flaws of the President and those that did not throw him to the mat for his misdeeds, against the Republican Party. I’m sick of the Democrats reveling in a victory when it was actually an election by default. This is a propaganda machine in the making. Comprehensive immigration reform is not what Americans want and that is not why the Democrats took Congress. Americans were upset at the Republicans about the war and other matters but they are not for guest worker programs aka immigration reform. It’s pretty clear to everyone but George Bush, the OBL and the Democrats that America does not want more illegal aliens, increased immigration or any thing less than protection of our borders and enforcement.

David wrote on Nov 12, 2006 8:40 PM:As a former Republican and a former Democrat all I can say is here we go again. All we have done is switch from one can of worms to another. What our country needs is a third and maybe a fourth party that recognizes that this the United States and works to achieve growth and prosperity for the United States. That means a guest worker program, a wall, a path for citizenship, no amnesty, protection of the rights and privileges of United citizens while providing for the human rights of the legal guest workers. Nothing will happen though in the next two years except more bickering and inaction.

David wrote on Nov 12, 2006 8:44 PM:Nothing will happen because we left too many incumbents from both parties in office. Between this election and 2008 we should of had a national goal made by the citizens to have am entirely new executive and legislative branch in place. Then in 2008 we could have started cleaning out the Judicial Branch. Then our kids and grandkids would of had a chance of living in the United States that we and our parents have squandered away.

dyehard wrote on Nov 13, 2006 7:59 AM:There may be a positive in amnesty after all. The only positive thing I see about giving amnesty to, maybe, 12 million plus Mexican illegals is that they will be able to bring their family members here from Mexico. The $40 billion Mexicans send back to them will no longer benefit Mexico’s economy and Mexico’s economy will collapse. What is left of Mexico’s cheap labor force will disappear into America. At this point, I believe Mr. Calderon will block families from leaving Mexico and he will build a fence and close the border himself. I say, Mr. Caleron, be careful you may just get what you wish for. I am not sure what that will mean for our economy with the added population or even more poor, even with the $40 billion that will stay in this country.$40 billion will not help our depleting natural resources as to water, food source, oil, etc.

To DEME wrote on Nov 13, 2006 11:30 AM:The ILLEGAL immigrant aliens march in our streets carrying MEXICAN flags. You obviously have NO clue how AMERICANS feel about this invasion. Most of us are willing to fight to save our country from the onslaught of ignorant ILLEGAL immigrants. These people ARE FELONS!

Arizona Notes; wrote on Nov 13, 2006 4:15 PM:Sen. John Kyl (R-AZ) was re-elected easily in the statewide race in which he clearly opposed McCain's amnesty and the (extremely well-funded) Democrat clearly supported McCain's amnesty. Kyl was particularly vulnerable because he has been a loyal supporter of Bush's war effort which Arizonans apparently hate. But voters there apparently gave him a pass on his Bush ties because of his other qualities, one of the most known of which is his law and order approach to immigration. In another statewide show of support for the immigration-reduction position, Arizona voters overwhelmingly approved ballot referenda that further toughen some already tough state laws against illegal aliens. The approved referenda will deny some state benefits to illegal immigrants, declare English the state's official language and bar illegal aliens from collecting punitive damages in civil lawsuits and from getting out of jail on bail if they commit serious crimes. Polling of likely voters in Arizona and other battleground states and congressional districts found that large majorities of not only Republicans but of Independents and Democrats in all of them share our desires for Attrition Through Enforcement on illegal immigration and reduced legal immigration.

Pancho Villa wrote on Nov 13, 2006 9:01 PM:I say something simple. Let's deport all your mothers, brothers, sisters, and fathers back to Europe, and put your butts to work in the fields White America! AND NO VISITATION RIGHTS, die old without your families!!!

disapointed wrote on Nov 13, 2006 9:41 PM:What bothers me is the fact that all the children suffer because of this!! You have people donating millions to the needy in africa and other countries, but completley forget about the "illegal" children who have been brought here by thier parents!! The longer we wait and fuss over immigration, there are thousands of kids graduation from high school, with excellent grades... who are forced to live an illegal life, and to go back to thier home is to go to whom? most of them don't even remeber thier home! theya re for all purpose americans, but they can never vote, work legally ... And we're gonna complain cause the general hospital gives emergency service to illegals?? Come on!! I agree we dont' need to reward everyone, especially not criminals!! But the issue is so complicated, then why don't we work on it step by step and actually start doing something for those who are forced to live in the shadows, and are developing a life of lies, when they could be an actuall asset to the country!!! and everyone is so focused about mexico, how about those from other countries? the way some people talk about illegals, its as though they really see them as aliens? I mean they are people after all, and its not fair to hate on everyone cause the few that have obvioully messed it up for the rest!!! ONCE AGAIN: what about the children? there are estimated 2 million plus minors who came with parents, and are stuck in the US and waiting for thier future to begin!!

Justanotheramerican wrote on Nov 14, 2006 6:22 AM:You said it all. I concurr. No spin; if you want spin, play child's games. Statue tag will only make you dizzy. I tremble to think that the future of this country will be subject to vertigo.

Patriot wrote on Nov 14, 2006 1:06 PM:Americans are mad at Bush for deploying our soldiers to die in a mismanaged war in Iraq while leaving our borders wide open to invasion. Democrats in Congress who ignore the homeland insecurity risk having their careers cut short.

David wrote on Nov 14, 2006 8:12 PM:You know what bothers me is how people always manage to think that if they say that “it’s for the children” or “we’re hurting the children” that everyone is going to automatically change their minds and say “well, it’s ok then.” Well, it is not going to happen. These kids are caught in the middle and that is too bad, but it doesn’t change a thing. Sure, we are forced to provide them with a free education at our expense. But you know, maybe…just maybe they may be able to do their country some good with that education and begin their futures there; all 2 million of them. If they want to be an asset to this country then they can do so by being an asset to their own country. Sure, they may have to live in the shadows…but then most criminals do. The fact is though if they and their parents are here illegally then it is the duty of the United States to force them out of the shadows and repatriate them with their country; plain and simple. And you know something…If they paid their own bills at the hospital then maybe a lot of was would not mind allowing them emergency care. Yes, the other countries are an issue, but when Mexico is the number one exporter of illegal immigrants to the United States and their government as well as their people take attitude they do with the United States then they will be the primary focus. This isn’t such a complicated issue. The first step two fold. First is to secure the border by building physical and electronic barriers, deployment of the National Guard in force, and increasing the Border Patrol followed by denial of all government funded social and welfare services. The second step is to develop a guest worker program that focus’s first on those illegal immigrants that are already here. Give them and their employers 90 days to be finger printed, receive medical examinations, and register with the federal government. After that any non U.S. citizen without appropriate authorization would win an automatic deportation and the suspension of the employers business licenses for 180 days (first offense). You are right mra, there are many jobs out there that the average U.S. citizen would probably not do. But in turn there are many jobs out there that the average citizen would do for a competitive salary and benefits. Starting a guest worker program that requires the employers to pay everyone a competitive wage and benefits would open up many of those U.S. citizens who can’t afford to take them now. The third step is two fold. First would be to repeal the 14th amendment and the second would be to establish a system in which employers request guest workers with specific skills through the federal government which in turn would establish registries at our embassies of authorized workers and their skills thereby matching the employer’s needs with the guest worker’s skills. The final step is an expansion of I.C.E. and OSHA and the roles they would play in ensuring a legal and safe guest worker program. But, nothing is going to happen in the next two years except more in action from all sides of the government.

Gary in Murrieta wrote on Nov 14, 2006 8:59 PM:Illegal immigration should be on the ballot for the American people to vote on as any other issue affecting Americans. Since American citizens are the ones who will foot the bill for amnesty, social services, guest worker’s program, etc. We can complain and protest illegal immigration until we are blue in the face and yet the people in power are the ones who will make the decision for us, but it’s really to benefit them. The very people who are for illegal immigration are the ones we just voted into power.

All Over America wrote on Nov 16, 2006 4:39 AM:PAHRUMP, Nev. -- A town board in southern Nevada has adopted an ordinance declaring English the official language, restricting the display of foreign flags and denying town benefits to illegal immigrants. http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2006/11/16/news/state/18_58_4411_15_06.txt

MattNJ wrote on Nov 17, 2006 4:56 AM:One huge problem if we won't have at least guest-worker programm is our factories (or what' left of them) moved to Mexico.costs of transporting materials there and final products here are joke if you compare them to cost of labor and insurance here in US What happens than?Afterwards will be to late to turn it around...