Al wrote on Mar 4, 2007 10:41 PM:Close the borders today. End this stupid debate once and for all. Bush can go live with his buddy Vicent Fox when he is out of office which won't be soon enough for me.

no friken way wrote on Mar 4, 2007 10:50 PM:come the legal way not the river way

Reardon wrote on Mar 4, 2007 11:02 PM:As one who helped bring two amigos through the 1986 Reagan Amnesty with the promise that it was a one-time activity, that those who got amnesty would be required to learn English, study civics, pay back taxes, and that the border would be immediately sealed -- none of which happened, incidentally, why should we believe the government again? I feel like Charlie Brown being asked to kick a football being held by Lucy right after she jerked it away the last time. Fooled me once...

To Tina Jillings wrote on Mar 4, 2007 11:44 PM:You don't speek for me and you surely don't speek for legal citizens of the United States. You encurage lawlessness in the City of Vista by the Mexican population and then put the blame on law enforcement for using exactly that, enforcement! We in Vista would love to see you leave and take "your people" with you.

Ray wrote on Mar 5, 2007 12:44 AM:You know why Claudia Spencer was not availible for comment, she's smart and does not do interviews with Sifuentes anymore. I am sure if she wants her message known, she will contact an unbiased reporter and newspaper. By instruction, we all ignore Sifuentes when asked for an interview, I do.

Hick wrote on Mar 5, 2007 1:02 AM:I think its ironic that Mrs. Spencer will tell people to wait in line to become a citizen after she her self opted to "marry in" to the country.

Roscoe wrote on Mar 5, 2007 2:18 AM:We granted amnesty to 3 million illegals in this country back when Reagan was in office. Now we want to grant it to 12 million more? Why have any borders at all?

Randy wrote on Mar 5, 2007 3:05 AM:"Last week, some Republicans complained that they were being left out of the bill-writing process. Sens. John McCain, R-Ariz., and Ted Kennedy, D-Mass., are expected to unveil a comprehensive immigration bill this week." Do you recall McCain complaining during the last 6 years when Democrats were left out of the bill-writing process?

Randy wrote on Mar 5, 2007 4:31 AM:The proposed Vista charter city measure elliminates prevailing wage requirements for city construction projects. Who can afford to work for less than the prevailing wage? Illegal immigrants! Vote yes on the proposed Vista charter city measure to help ensure jobs for illegal immigrants!

What ? wrote on Mar 5, 2007 5:14 AM:If Tina Jillings is Hispanic than I'm from Iran.

John wrote on Mar 5, 2007 5:15 AM:Gear up? hope they gear up and head back south were they belong.Mexican Nationals and illeagal Aliens should be treated the same way foreigners in Mexico are treated. With absolutely no rights.Oh ya they have the right to remain silent.

Planned changes at a rapid rate: wrote on Mar 5, 2007 5:50 AM: I believe there is a plan in effect concerning our boarders. The plan is to off set the lack of tax payers to support the baby boomers social security, Medicare, etc. in their old age. The baby boomers have been killing off their future tax payers through abortion for 34 years. The plan to replace those tax payers is running in phases. The 12 million illegal aliens currently here represent many more future tax payers through their off springs. it appears that the current phase is a "weeding out" period. A weeding out of criminals and those that would be the worst of citizens. The next phase will be amnesty, to wit, instant tax payers and happy baby boomers. The illegals bring with them a work ethic that has long been gone in the urban and suburban USA and their off springs will be the baby boomer's children's bosses and leaders. Has our government raised the "baby boomer dilemma" issue lately?

Pluto wrote on Mar 5, 2007 6:21 AM:The ad starts off with a lie, repeated in the 3rd paragraph of this article. It's a typical straw man trick, where they attribute some ridiculous position to their opposition, then burn it. The truth is that "illegal aliens and their supporters" DO NOT claim that "all American Hispanics want open borders and unrestricted immigration". Critical thinkers should ask themselves why Claudia's ad starts by putting words in somebody else's mouth - somebody she disagrees with. The ad was a cheap shot, and an insult to intelligence. Too bad the NCTimes decided to give them more bang for their advertising buck by reprinting this sleazy lie on the front page - for free.

Randy wrote on Mar 5, 2007 6:52 AM:Vote NO on Vista's charter city proposal on the June ballot. This measure is the full employment act for illegal immigrants! The measures eliminates the prevailing wage requirement for city jobs. Who can afford to work for less than the prevailing wage? Illegal immigrants!

To What ? wrote on Mar 5, 2007 6:59 AM:What? Is the last name confusing you. She is a Latina and I might ask the same question of Claudia Spencer. The difference between the two is that Jillings is a natural born American Citizen and Spencer from what I have read in the North County Times and her own admission got her naturalization by advertising as a mail order bride. I guess it worked for her to recruit a husband so why not try it to recruit Latinos to that hate group.

No Bill wrote on Mar 5, 2007 7:02 AM:No Bill, NO Amnesty, No comprehensive reform. Enough is Enough!.. If Illegals from this country protested in Mexico like they do here they would be imprisoned! When someone has a loyalty to another country when they are on American soil, they need to get a boot in the butt and sent back to their country.

CS wrote on Mar 5, 2007 7:04 AM:Claudia Spencer speaks for me. I am here legally. I do not take America for granted. I am Happy to be here! I speak English, wave my American flag. I sacrificed much to come here. God Bless America! My home!

Danny wrote on Mar 5, 2007 7:04 AM:tell Mr Bilbray that if he wants to be include in the bill , he should be on capitol Hill , not in special interes groups sponsored vacations.

Good for Tina wrote on Mar 5, 2007 7:06 AM:There's a lot of us working behind you, don't let ignorant people stop you Tina; you're amazing. God bless you!

Ron wrote on Mar 5, 2007 7:08 AM:Last time we gave amnesty to 3 million, it took the government more than 15 years to process each applicant. How long do you think it will take to process the estimated 11-20 million? 50 years? And that's not all... In the last go-round, McCain-Kennedy included a process known as "Reunification." Reunification would allow each applicant to also apply for an expedited application for their family members. According to Robert Rector of the Heritage Foundation this act alone would increase the total number of immigrants from 66-100 million.

dave from oceanside wrote on Mar 5, 2007 7:17 AM:Plan A Bush wants us to cut the amount of gas we use. The best way to stop using so much gas is to deport 11 million illegal immigrants! That would be 11 million less people using our gas. The price of gas would come down. If you think this is a good solution to both the problems, forward it to your friends. Plan B Bring our National Guard troops home from Iraq to guard the border. When they catch an illegal immigrant crossing the border, hand him a canteen, rifle and some ammo and ship him to Iraq. Tell him if he wants to come to America then he must serve a tour in the military. Give him a soldier's pay while he's there and tax him on it. After his tour, he will be allowed to become a citizen since he defended this country. He will also be registered to be taxed and be a legal patriot. This option will probably deter illegal immigration and provide a solution for the troops in Iraq and the aliens trying to make a better life for themselves.

jason wrote on Mar 5, 2007 7:31 AM:So what is the point you are trying to convey Randy? What side are you on? Just blur it out will yah!!

To Stupid Gringos wrote on Mar 5, 2007 7:39 AM:I say we give amnesty to all the illegals that have not scammed or taken any money from welfare, free prenatal, WIC, food stamps, free lunches and have not gotten involved in some scheme to defraud the taxpayers. UPS WHERE DID EVERYBODY GO???? About the only illegals that have truly contributed and not taken any money are the strawberry, tomato, and avocado etc. pickers that live in the camps. The rest are involved in some scheme, this is why the radicals were opposed to amnesty for the CONTRIBUTING illegals.

We're latino's wrote on Mar 5, 2007 7:47 AM:We have many latinos and our family and we are all for enforcing immigration laws and securing the border. Legal immigration in controlled numbers is what keeps this country great. Can you imagine what would happen to this country if the borders were open?? Millions are waiting to come here legally and illegal immigrants should not have an advantage over them. NO AMNESTY. NO COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION. Take a look at Congressman Duncan Hunter's website.

Extremist Vigilantes wrote on Mar 5, 2007 8:01 AM:can never seem to discuss the immigration issue without completely distorting the views of anyone who disagrees with their racist hate-mongering. Claudia Spencer's ad is a good case in point: "Illegal aliens and their supporters would have you believe that all American Hispanics want open borders, unrestricted immigration and amnesty for law-breakers." NO ONE, that's right, NO ONE fits that false characterization. NO ONE "supports" illegal *immigrants* (they're *not* "aliens" from outer space). NO ONE wants "open borders". NO ONE wants "unrestricted immigration", and NO ONE "wants amnesty for law breakers". Hate mongers and racists are incapable of seeing anything other than their own phony black-and-white paradigms. Immigration is a complex problem with all shades of grey and it is not restricted to Mexicans.

Federal Violation of Law wrote on Mar 5, 2007 8:21 AM:In 1996, Congress passed a welfare reform bill that made illegal aliens ineligible for Federal public benefits and mandated that the States verify the eligibility of Federal benefit recipients. The requirement on the States did not kick in until two years after regulations were set up on how the States are to verify eligibility. 8 U.S.C. § 1642 mandates, “Not later than 18 months after August 22, 1996, the Attorney General of the United States, after consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, shall promulgate regulations requiring verification that a person applying for a Federal public benefit . . . is a qualified alien and is eligible to receive such benefit." Can anyone find such regulations. The only thing I can find is a proposed rule published at 63 Federal Register 41662 on August 4, 1998. A proposed rule has no force. It appears that the actual regulations were never issued by the Federal government. Can the Federal government ever be trusted to enforce immigration laws?!

Hispanic, Latino, Native Indian Label Confusion wrote on Mar 5, 2007 8:44 AM:Hispanic means of the language or culture of Spain or Spanish-speaking Latin America. Latino means a native or resident of Latin America (Latin America designates the Western Hemisphere nations south of the United States that have Spanish, Portuguese, or French as their official language). Native indian means pre-columbian indian. Brazilians are latinos, but not hispanic or native indians. Brazilian indians are native inidans but not hispanic or latinos. I am 1/8 American indian, but I am not at all hispanic or latino. In this debate, the only valid measure is those for illegal immigration, and those against illegal immigration. A subset is those for deportation, and those for ignoring the presence of illegal immigrants.

Progressive wrote on Mar 5, 2007 8:58 AM:Anyone who asks "Why don't they get in line and come here legally?" doesn't understand that for most there is no line. Our immigration laws are a disgrace and should be reformed now. We should allow much larger numbers of immigrants. We should stop discriminating based on national origin and treat potential immigrants as individuals.

Concerned-1 wrote on Mar 5, 2007 9:24 AM:"Planned Changes" has a valid point. Last night's 60 Minutes had a story on the Boomers bankrupting Social Security, and the country. It's not that we Boomers stunted a generation through abortion; a lot of us chose to have fewer children! Anyway, there's a major economic issue ahead and the World Economy is going to be in play. Check out the plans for a major West Coast container port in Baja (Cape Colonet). It's going to be larger than San Pedro and Long Beach combined. All set for all the goods coming in from overseas. There is a plan afoot that will open the borders and establish Mexico, the United States, and Canada in an economic allience...for the good of us all. I'm afraid the future does not look good for those of us enjoying our freedom and lifestyle. The Third World is upon us, and McCain and Kennedy and Jillings and the rest of them are all part of the plan.

Check out Ray wrote on Mar 5, 2007 9:26 AM:Ray says "By instruction, we all ignore Sifuentes when asked for an interview, I do." I'm not surprised that the Minutemen do what their told. That's always the safest thing to do when you don't know how to think for yourself.

To Ray wrote on Mar 5, 2007 9:31 AM:Aren't you the one who said he was going to cancel his subscription to the North County Times? Didn't you say you were done with this blog? What are you doing I thought perhaps we got rid of you and your ilk. Your problem is the same as always you just hate on anyone who does not agree with your position. That attitude is childish and immature so stop with all the comments about Edward SiFuentes. We all have freedom of speech so why not respect others, Oh I know that is way over your understanding.

dave wrote on Mar 5, 2007 9:46 AM:simple solution to the illegal immigration issue: eliminate the incentive for people to come here - support foreign economies, forego education and zero-out investment risk!

American woman wrote on Mar 5, 2007 10:10 AM:You folks need to pry yourselves away from such pinpoint focus on backyard issues. For one thing, Tina Jillings isn't worth the time you have given her here (thanks for all you do, Ed, ...). Even more important than that, is the fact that our attention is being diverted purposely by not only the media but the Federal Government! Over and over, I have pleaded with readers to educate themselves regarding the North American Union. While we bicker and fret over local issues, our government is preparing to unveil the covertly created North American Union. Small bits and pieces are currently being trickled-down to THE PEOPLE, but you can take it to the bank (probably NOT a good idea) that when the announcement of the existence and implementation of the NAU is formally announced, it will be far too late to stop it. Then, you will be referred-to as North Americanists! No borders, no sovereignty, no Constitution or Rule of Law as we recognize it. You can then wave bye-bye to the good ol' USA, Old Glory and all! People! Don't be fooled. Google NAU. Go to www.spp.gov. Those 100 Mexican trucking companies now cleared to travel our highways? It's only the beginning, folks. DON'T YOU GET IT???

Nancy wrote on Mar 5, 2007 10:36 AM:How this newspaper continues to allow Sifuentes to portray himself as an unbiased writer is mind-boggling. Let him give his opinions as a columnist if you must. Then he can really promote his Reconquista causes. We are sick of Sifuentes.

MIKE IN LSM wrote on Mar 5, 2007 10:51 AM:I NOTICED THAT REP. BILBRAY IS REFERRED TO IN THE ARTICLE AS R- SOLANA BEACH. DURING THE ELECTION, I RECALL HE CLAIMED RESIDENCE IN CARLSBAD. I WONDER WHEN HE MOVED.

DW wrote on Mar 5, 2007 10:52 AM:Good luck Claudia Spencer. You are definitely more intelligent than your opponent and you are arguing what is right for America.

Voice of Reason wrote on Mar 5, 2007 11:05 AM:This article continues a long line of media 'stirring the pot', attempting to hype an already volatile situation to simply maintain their own self interest (selling themselves on the street corner) without EVER offering a real solution. The recent turbulence among the minutemen groups, ranging from domestic violence in the San Diego group, to embezzlement of funds in the founding group, to complete theft from the spin off chapter in Arizona shows that the media is not the only culpable party in this problem. We the people have allowed powerful and wealthy smuggling organizations to compromise our security and sovereignty through mediation between two corrupt entities, the US and Mexican governments. The myriad of nonprofit groups that have formed on both sides of this issue are simply cash funnels for the mostly unemployed people who started them. Perhaps the only people in this whole saga who do actually earn money and produce something worthwhile are the few hard working illegal aliens who quietly labor in a form of modern day watered down slavery. Securing the border would leave corrupt politicians free to seek out other malicious pursuits, force the minutemen and illegal alien apologist groups to gain employment, cease funding more Starbuck's coffee for the "journalists", and likely bring about a positive change for the very illegal aliens who leave their families to come and pick our produce. The debate over securing the border is about as senseless as arguing with children about brushing their teeth, cleaning their rooms, or doing their homework. Enough already. Build the fence, patrol and maintain it. Secure the border.

Jeff 2 wrote on Mar 5, 2007 11:22 AM:It was reported that the majority of Latinos voted for Prop 200 in Arizona. Whatever the distribution of viewpoints that exist among Latino voters throughout the country, it is far more diverse than the media portrays. It the media where the monopoly viewpoint prevails and they try to enforce their agenda through censorship. Why should citizens have to buy their way into the NCT to participate in the debate over immigration policy? What kind of democracy can we have without that? Newspapers have become the enemy of the kind of open debate essential to having democracy that represents the people of this country.

Big Money in illegal workers wrote on Mar 5, 2007 11:26 AM:In case you didn't know that there is big money in illegal immigration. The owner of a construction company was convicted of harboring illegal workers. In addition to 1 year in prison and 3 years "supervised release", he was fined $25,000 and $12 million in assets were siezed by the feds. Of course they were doing work that lazy worthless Americans won't do.

Tony wrote on Mar 5, 2007 11:26 AM:I just KNOW that CIS would ask if the person polled was a citizen or had legal status. Therefore their numbers stand for the only people that have a voice on how our government conducts business, its CITIZENS and its LEGAL RESIDENTS. The advocates of broken borders, globalization, massive illegal migrations, cheap labor, massive pandering to a "would be" voting block mainly to the Dumocrat Party, Social do-gooder profiteers like the Catholic Church of pedophiacs and homosexuals, no-border international capitalists, and the rest of the mangie running dogs that threaten our sovereignty DO NOT DISTINGUISH between LEGAL IMMIGRANTS and ILLEGAL ALIENS when they poll and therefore their numbers are FALSE and MISLEADING. My message to the profiteers and the illegal alien invaders is this. You profiteers better get use to the idea of paying fair wages to AMERICANS and you ILLEGAL INVADERS, start packing because we will not let go until you find it impossible to live among us while violating our borders and breaking our laws.

Must speak Spanish wrote on Mar 5, 2007 11:27 AM:Just a few snips from the want ads. Receptionist-Must speak Spanish. Contracting Careers-- All Applicants must speak Spanish and understand English. Welding Instructor - Must speak Spanish [Desired Expertise:, QA\QC Inspection, Welder/Fitter, Welding Superintendent] Retails Sales Consultant/Store Manager- Must speak Spanish.

Proud US citizen by choice wrote on Mar 5, 2007 11:28 AM:Heritage and ancestry are good things until we let them consume us. We are all first and foremost American citizens and then we are proud of our heritage and foreign ancestry, whatever it may be.

PH wrote on Mar 5, 2007 11:30 AM:I came to this country legally to escape a Banana Republic environment. If I wanted to live with poverty, ignorance, disease and crime, I would have stayed in my native country where I would not have to pay taxes to support illegal alien labor for corporations.

Protectionist wrote on Mar 5, 2007 11:50 AM:Close the California borders today!!! No, not the southern border, the eastern borders. Latino immigrants offer more to the state than the cracker out-of-state transplants that have diluted the California Dream!

Roger P. wrote on Mar 5, 2007 12:24 PM:I'm with Nancy on this issue. If Sifuentes is simply a journalist he should change jobs and become a lobbyist. The North County Times should try to again be a newspaper and not a open proponent of law breakers.

steven wrote on Mar 5, 2007 12:27 PM:i belive we need to pass some sort of immigration reform if not then there are lots of consquences. such as our economy will be effected. also, our construction and fast food, labor jobs will be needed. if immigrants dont peform this jobs then who will? will you go work in Burger king? will you go work in FARM? i dont think so people dont realize that america is great country and immigrations are needed to run this country. and i think congress should do what ever it takes to complete this immigration reform bill. god bless america

To Proud US Citizen by choice wrote on Mar 5, 2007 12:40 PM:Absolutely I agree with you so let me ask why the uproar when one wishes to hold on to their culture, and traditions of their heritage. Why do some call it Anti-American? Why do some accuse one of being a traitor if they wish to continue in the traditions of one culture? I am an American and I am also Mexican. It used to be okay to refer to myself as a Mexican American now I suppose I would be called a traitor and shipped to Mexico. If that were to happen I would be lost since I do not know anyone there. I think Tina Jillings is very intelligent and brave to face the likes of Claudia Spencer her husband and their ilk. I have seen and read much on these people and they do not impress me. S

ME wrote on Mar 5, 2007 12:43 PM:DID YOU ALL FORGOT ABOUT WHAT USA STANDS FOR? FREEDOM....MOST PEOPLE ONLY LOOK AT THE ETHNICITY SIDE BUT THEY NEVER LOOK BACK IN HISTORY AND SEE HOW LUCKY THEY WERE WHEN THEY ARRIVED TO THIS SIDE OF THE WORLD...I THINK WE ARE OVER REACTING ABOUT A LAND THAT DIDN'T BELONG TO US...

Ron wrote on Mar 5, 2007 12:55 PM:Voice of Reason is on to something here. When in doubt... follow the money trail! Giving illegals amnesty gives almost life time work to open borders advocates, and the two tier society they claim to lamnet will be ensured. Thus, giving them more work! No one I know has a problem with immigration, legal immigrantion that is. This paper, Tina Jillings, and others would like to blur the lines, making it near impossible to see actual differences. The blurring has been done by terminology, instead of calling illegals, illegals. They have instead have tried to change the terms used, i.e. undocumented, migrants, etc.

Jeff 2 wrote on Mar 5, 2007 1:13 PM:Progressive wrote that ":"Anyone who asks "Why don't they get in line and come here legally?" doesn't understand that for most there is no line." So how come your amnesty- giving friends in Congress are saying that illegal immigrants will have to go to the end of the line? While there may not be a line for most, apparently there is one that you get into by virtue of breaking the law. It's not our immigration laws that are a disgrace. It's that we have a government that chooses to ignore its sworn duty to uphold the laws of the country. You may want mass immigration but they American electorate has not agreed. Don't people like you have any sense that a democracy that is supposed to be nation of laws requires people who disagree with the law to convince the nation in open debate to change those laws rather than wantonly disregarding them?

YOU ALL ARE IMMIGRANTS wrote on Mar 5, 2007 1:20 PM:GOOO TINA!!!!! We support you for your human kind heart!! and for all the racist, patriots, Americas ( Americans are all humans who live in the American continent)don't forget you all are decedents of IMMIGRANTS!! YES TO REFORM!!! :D

Concerned-1 wrote on Mar 5, 2007 1:28 PM:I'm all for a solution. One that does not include turning more neighborhoods into barrios. I'm third generation Californian and I grew up with plenty of Mexicans. I've embraced the Mexican culture. I've had many Mexican friends. All that said, my attitude changed on May 1, 2006, when the mobs stormed the streets in Mexican flags and demanded reform. The people organizing such rallies need to wake up. This La Raza movement and all the demand for rights has spawned a huge backlash that is not good for the Mexican community. Sad, but true.

We are all LEGAL immigrants wrote on Mar 5, 2007 1:52 PM:BIG difference. Illegal ALIENS go home! Tina Jillings is nothing but trouble. AMERICAN WOMAN you are so right. George Bush has sold American down the river with the North American Trade Agreements etc. People need to educate themselves.

Bill wrote on Mar 5, 2007 1:55 PM:I am one of those crakers from the east, what do you mean we delute the dream....we created the dream, with out us why you would have......TJ

davo1 wrote on Mar 5, 2007 1:57 PM:Let start with removing the Mexicans and the finish off with the White Man then we can return the land to the Native Americans. Because they have more right to be here then anybody.

JIGSAW wrote on Mar 5, 2007 2:14 PM:To Progressive. This country is not open to all. Any person who wants to come here legally must have certain qualifications. It is true that some poor do not qualify to come here legaly. So what? Every country does this because they, like us, do not want a bunch of people leaching of the wellfare system. If you have something to contribute to this country, you are welcomed. If not, stay home.

kc wrote on Mar 5, 2007 2:42 PM:Please, just respect our laws. Please follow the rules. Laws followed are what made this country great. Laws broken are whats turning it to crap.

I want my country back. wrote on Mar 5, 2007 2:53 PM:I'm tired of people who do not even BELONG in this country thinking they DESERVE everything for free..They do not fight for OUR freedom, they do not even like us! I agree with Dave from oceanside! send them to iraq, bring our deserving home! Let them prove they want to be in our country. Better yet.all you activist who want them here saying its good for our economy..first of all ARE YOU KIDDING ME????.here is a solution for you...for EVERY single ILLEGAL here.....replace that criminal (yes a person who breaks the law IS a criminal) with a immigrant waiting to come here LEAGALLLLLLLLYYYYYY! AND TO :YOU ALL ARE IMMIGRANTS duh! LEGAL! What is going on? Where is your pride in our country? The country we struggle in, live in, and fight for? Our brothers and sisters are dying over there for us. And all these activist are wanting to hand over our country to people that hate us. I hear "oh what about the child waiting for there parent to come pick them up after school. They wont be there because they were deported." I'm sorry, but they shouldn't be there anyways! What about the child whos cracked out mom isn't going to pick them up after school because she was arrested for drugs? Oh lets just let them go so the child is not waiting for a parent that will never come. Give me a break! I'm immigrant! A legal immigrant. My family faught hand and tooth to make it in this country I LOVE!

Not legal is illegal wrote on Mar 5, 2007 2:59 PM:So we are ignorant because we don't agree with Jillings? I am sorry, I am far from ignorant and I don't agree with Jillings! Yes they are "aliens", look it up, what does the dictionary say? If Claudia is an American by marriage so be it. What is the big deal? We have had Japanese, Philippinos and Vietnamese marrying American men and I don't see that mentioned. Tina will be surprised at the number of Legal Latinos that are against illegal immigration. The majority I talk to have been in this country for many generations. They worked hard for where they are now and have acclimated to the American way. Yes you can have your Mexican culture but in your heart you are 100% American. If I am not pro-illegal then I am a racist and belong to a hate group. I just don't agree that people should come to the US illegally. There are laws that were made for the protection of the US. We have young men and women dying in the military for the US. Whether the war is right or wrong, these young men and women defend our country and rights. As to the person who stated "stupid gringos" you lose credibility by your remark. Name calling is childish.

Illegals for GWBush wrote on Mar 5, 2007 3:42 PM:Tina and Claudia will be be in good company. George Bush is in their corner and I do not know why they are even bothering to lobby. George is the most powerful advocate of illegal immigration 'til 2009. He is going to poke a lot of holes in the already broken border fence.

Prisoners wrote on Mar 5, 2007 3:56 PM:Idea: Why not have the non-violent prisoners work the fields for their 60 cents per day (like in prison); this would: help the farmers and cut off the employment for tons of illegals. Come-on farmers, let's get this idea going. Write officials.

To I want my Country back!!! wrote on Mar 5, 2007 4:03 PM:Your comment is so ridiculous. How are the servicemen and women fighting the war in Iraq defending OUR Country? This is a horrible war and we should get out NOW, but of course you feel we should send the more expendible over there and in your opinion the "illegals" are the ones who should be over there....see what I mean you are ridiculous. One more thing are you actually saying that "illegals" are cracked out...once again ridiculous. Please do not post any more of this stupid stuff. The only ones who can really say "They want their country back are the American Indians we stole it from.

Jeff 2 wrote on Mar 5, 2007 4:12 PM:---Jigsaw--- I may disagree with Progressive over what our immigration policy should be but it is not what you describe when you wrote, " If you have something to contribute to this country, you are welcomed." That just isn't true. The majority of people who are admitted legally come on family reunification grounds. They may or may not contribute to the country. Some are definitely a burden. While there have been attempts to mandate financial responsibility for sponsors, those efforts haven't been very successful. Many other first world countries have developed criteria that aims to bring in those who have the most to offer to the their countries. We on the other hand, both directly with family immigration and indirectly through non-enforcement of our laws bring large numbers of uneducated people. And our school system has done a poor job of educating their children. Read the article in yesterday's San Diego Union Tribune about the middle class leaving the state and being replaced with poor, uneducated immigrants.

march 30 miles south wrote on Mar 5, 2007 4:15 PM:immigration reform should stand for deporting illegals one and for all. if your caught after you have been deported once, prison for 1 year, and increase the sentences every time there caught again, simple. we should stop fighting in iraq and bring the military here to california and do mass sweeps from city to city and round up every illegal you see,after a few years of cleaning out the filth, our country will look better,be safer,and be cleaner like it was before we were swarmed by criminals and illegals from south of the border. we need a president who says enough of this madness, im calling for a mass deportation right away and im not asking for the dems and reps to argue over it, it happining now. america is turning into a third world country but the poloticians who live in the gated upper class communities dont seem to see whats happening, try driving through national city, escondido, oceanside, it looks like mexico and thats not a complimant beleive me.

to the nc times wrote on Mar 5, 2007 5:27 PM:when I've written something negative regarding illegal aliens you have not posted it. But on here I see that someone put their name as "to stupid gringos" and you let that through???

I will try again wrote on Mar 5, 2007 6:10 PM:I posted this earlier and this was not posted. Why? So we are ignorant because we don't agree with Jillings? I am sorry, I am far from ignorant and I don't agree with Jillings! Yes they are "aliens", look it up, what does the dictionary say? If Claudia is an American by marriage so be it. What is the big deal? We have had Japanese, Philippinos and Vietnamese marrying American men and I don't see that mentioned. Tina will be surprised at the number of Legal Latinos that are against illegal immigration. The majority I talk to have been in this country for many generations. They worked hard for where they are now and have acclimated to the American way. Yes you can have your Mexican culture but in your heart you are 100% American. If I am not pro-illegal then I am a racist and belong to a hate group. I just don't agree that people should come to the US illegally. There are laws that were made for the protection of the US. We have young men and women dying in the military for the US. Whether the war is right or wrong, these young men and women defend our country and rights. As to the person who stated "stupid gringos" you lose credibility by your remark. Name calling is childish.

hey Hick wrote on Mar 5, 2007 6:12 PM:It is LEGAL to get married and come here. Do it the LEGAL way.

Schwarzenegger wrote on Mar 5, 2007 6:34 PM:George Bush has sold American down the river.... So has our governor.

get real! wrote on Mar 5, 2007 6:42 PM:regarding the silly statements that California is part of Mexico. Would CA then be part of Tijuana? If that were true, where then would illegal aliens break the law and sneak across the border? Would it be, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, Kentucky, Montana, New York? Help!

Hick wrote on Mar 5, 2007 7:00 PM:Yea, but don't miss my very obvious point. You, and others criticize illegals for coming here unlawfully yet you cheer a woman who advertised herself as a mail order bride in exchange for citizenship. I did not know citizenship meant so little to you.

To I will try again!!! wrote on Mar 5, 2007 7:17 PM:I agree with Tina Jillings does that make me ignorant? I'll bet you will say yes. I'll bet that the commentor who used "stupid gringos" as his post name is a "stupid gringo" just trying to stir people up. It seems to be working. You are not a racist if you are not pro-illegal, you are only racist if you make racists comments and name calling as Claudia, her husband and their ilk do. You are not a racist if you are not pro-illegal, you are only racist and a hate monger if you participate and support the violent acts the minutemen have perpetrated against Latinos. I do not think it is racist to be against anything but if you feel some people are here illegally and you don't like then why do you agree with, support, and defend those who you do agree with breaking the law and participating in illegal activities.

The Most Racist People wrote on Mar 5, 2007 7:41 PM:It is not surprising that there is racial tension between latinos and African Americans. I think that part of the solution is to limit the very high level of legal and illegal immigration into the United States. There are many American citizens who are struggling to support themselves and their families. Approximately 47 million Americans do not have health insurance. The U.S. government should do much greater enforcement of immigration laws. That includes employer sanctions and border enforcement. It is not enough to say that we should get along, when there are so many people are entering the country. Some say that we need the high level of immigration into this country. I think that the United States was doing pretty well before the 1965 immigration law greatly increased the legal immigration.

Recovering Republican wrote on Mar 5, 2007 8:11 PM:Does anyone realize that the 12yo Republican majority in Congress was deliberately torpedoed in '06 by Arbusto Inc's intentionally incompetent conduct of the war? Republicans can't pass McCain-Kennedy backdoor amnesty without being strung up by their constituents when they return home. But Democrats can and Bush deliberately sacrificed the Repug majority for enough Democrats to get his pet project through both the Senate and the House. Not that the Republicans wouldn't like to pass some legislation that would drag down wages, shift a bigger tax burden onto the middle class and destroy Social Security along with any decent social service programs still left. But passing an amnesty bill would be politcal suicide for most GOP office-holders and their career would be washed up for good. Clearly Bush needed a slim Dem majority to get Guest Worker passed before the end of his last term but first he had to sacrifice a few Republicans to get it. That's why he waited until after the election to can Rummy, increase combat troop strength, etc. And do any of you realize that Bush isn't really a "Conservative"? He only pays lip service to social conservatives and even throws them a bone every now and then (or at least he makes them think he did) but in reality he's probably more liberal on economic issues than Slick Willy (but not nearly as fiscally responsible). If there are still any real conservatives left in the Republican party they should be calling for Bush's impeachment. The Dems won't do it. They're too spineless and too stupid. The longer principled Republicans let the halfwit-in-chief run amok, the more he will hurt your party and and the longer it will be before you win another presidency or win back a majority in either house.

Jake wrote on Mar 5, 2007 8:27 PM:Ray it sure sounds like a CULT you say, “By instruction, we all ignore Sifuentes when asked for an interview, I do." How strange. I think for myself and I don’t agree with Tina’s group or yours.

hey Hick wrote on Mar 5, 2007 9:59 PM:Where can I find the post where anyone is cheering Claudia. The point is, come here legally. Many women have come here after marrying a military man.

suzette wrote on Mar 5, 2007 10:04 PM: yes!they are called illegal immigrants,but don't you think they deserve to have a legal path to citizenship?,when some people are taking advantage of them?,living in a modern way of slavery?,off course they come here illegally.do you think its easy?being away from their families just to make sure they will have a good future,sending their kids to a good school.actually, these people are the victims,they came here to escape from poverty, please stop accusing them as criminals.

Hick wrote on Mar 6, 2007 1:14 AM:Can I be any more clear? Mrs. Spencer should not be the type of "legal" immigrant the U.S. desires. I, like most folks on here, welcome hard working immigrants, but mail-order brides? Give me a break. Also, your response, in which you seemingly compare a mail-order bride with the many women who have become U.S. citizens by marrying military men devalues military wives. I would bet they would not feel complemented by your comparison.

Nobody's Fool wrote on Mar 6, 2007 3:49 AM:My father was an American in the Army in Germany at the end of WW2. He met and married a German girl. Her family thought they would stay in Germany. My parents came back to the U.S. I could have been a German girl with an American father but my parents made their decision and I am an American with a German mother. None of us have regretted the decision and my mother is one very American, American. Ihe moral of the story is that those of us with values will be faced with hard decisions. We will make them and we will live by them. This is probably the most important lesson that my non-college-educated parents ever taught me!

LatinoPride wrote on Mar 6, 2007 3:54 AM:American Hispanics who support Latino illegal immigrants are only hurting themselves. Don't they realize by advocating for illegal Latinos, they are jeapordizing their Latino kid's future? For example, the more illegals, the less jobs, education and good housing, medical and dental care for you? And the more illegals, the longer the waits for everyone, especially as illegals swarm to where American Latinos are now living. And you want a buisness loan? Fine, support illegals getting amnesty and now you have 12 million more people to wait behind in a line.

To To I will try again!!! wrote on Mar 6, 2007 7:54 AM:You didn't read an earlier post. Someone "Good for Tina" called the people that did not agree with Tina Ignorant.

The NCT and Sifuentes wrote on Mar 6, 2007 8:03 AM:should hang their head in shame. They DON'T print posts that disagree with their liberal, let all the illegals in to American attitude.

To Hick wrote on Mar 6, 2007 8:21 AM:You are so right!!!! Why appauld a woman who didn't exactly get her citizenship LEGALLY or perhaps MORALLY. I do however feel very sorry for Claudia Spencer. What horrible conditions was she escaping from by advertising in herself as a bride for sale. Although payment was not monetary as far as we know but she did receive payment. These are the acts of desperate person. I wonder if she has ever stopped to think that the same desperation plagues those who take the dangerous trek to cross the border? Can she not understand why some would take such desperate measures for a change at the American Dream? Why does she begrudge those who would do anything to get to the United States. I do not cheer or appauld Mrs. Spencer rather I pity her lack of compassion and empathy she has for others!

To Suzette wrote on Mar 6, 2007 8:25 AM:I love you woman. You are so full of love and understanding. It is unfortunate that others can not understand the real issues as you do. Thank you. I wonder what they would do if faced with the poverty these people are faced with? This whole thing makes me sick because of the name calling and hatred. Thank you bringing some compassion into this dialogue.

KenBone wrote on Mar 6, 2007 8:44 AM:Does anyone really think that open borders are not a huge problem? Just ask the native Indians if open borders were not a problem for their ancestors. DUH!

esteban wrote on Mar 6, 2007 9:02 AM:That's now two of my anti-Jillings posts that were not printed by communist NCT. Does Jillings even realize what would happen if all the illegals were suddenly "nationalized"? Who does she think would pay for all of them?

hey suzette wrote on Mar 6, 2007 9:46 AM:No, illegal aliens do NOT deserve a path to citizenship unless they go home and apply from their country of origin just like everyone else who follows the rules. To give them a path to citizenship w/o making them go home, is allowing them to cut in line and rewarding them w/special privileges not extended to those who play by the rules. Everything they want, they should be demanding from their own countries. They have no right to demand it from the U.S. period.

To Suzette wrote on Mar 6, 2007 9:49 AM:They are criminals, they came here illegally. I want more for my child can I go to your house and take what I want?

bababoowee wrote on Mar 6, 2007 10:56 AM:Terrorist can come here because they have money to get visa or greencard, thus, they came here LEGALLY. These so-called "illegal aliens" came here to WORK ! So, would you rather have a LEGAL TERRORIST than an ILLEGAL WORKER.. Think about it..

esteban wrote on Mar 6, 2007 12:01 PM:When NCT prints more pro Jillings posts, it gives the false illusion that the pro illegals are the majority, when that is definately not the case. NCT is censoring the opposing viewpoint

Tim wrote on Mar 6, 2007 12:16 PM:And I thought anyone who opposed open borders was "racist"...hmm...glad to see the focus on "legal" vs "illegal" Never hear anyone speak up for the legal immigrants who respect our laws and our process. The whole point of immigration law is not to "serve the needs" of the downtrodden, but to protect the average citizen from the downtrodden coming here and becoming a burden on taxpayers. Funny how those making all the "gold" from exploiting the downtrodden, are making damn sure the "rules" are not enforced.

Greg in Oceanside wrote on Mar 6, 2007 12:21 PM:If what Jillings wants, immigration reform, as in giving amnesty, what does she think this is going to achieve? In case she needs to be educated, it will send a clear signal to all the Mexicans trying to get into the US and we'll have Mexicans racing to the border at break-neck speed to come across. And, the signal we'll be sending to the immigrants who waited their turn and did things the right way, that they wasted their time. Has anyone every waited in a long line and seen someone who jumps to the front of the line? Do you remember how you felt? Well, that's exactly what they'd be feeling. Aside from all that, as a taxpayer, I don't want the flood of applicants at the welfare offices, healthcare clinics, etc., by people who haven't paid into the system and contributed their fair share. And what about all the illegal aliens who have committed crimes? They most definitely don't belong here.

Tmd wrote on Mar 6, 2007 12:29 PM:Legal terrorist. No question about it. We already have illegal terrorists known as gang members who cause more death and destruction than any "terrorists" ever will. There is no need to be afraid of the bogeyman you don't know who may never come; there are devils in our community that we ignore. Deport the illegal gang bangers first; then work out what to do with the remaining 11 million.

Bobby wrote on Mar 6, 2007 12:52 PM:I read all of the posts. Americans, nothing, nothing at all, will change in this country of ours if we continue to elect establishment politicians. Is it not clear by now that they are in La Raza and big businesses pockets? Obama v. Hillary, Hillary vs.Romney, McCain vs.Giuliani,Obama vs.Romney, Giuliani vs.Romney, please, please, get real. ALL OF THEM ARE TOXIC TO AMERICAN CITIZENS. Insourcing, outsourcing,illegal immigration--they won't speak out against any of it. Do you really think they will do something when their in office?? Vote for Tom Tancredo,President-2008- who the establishment politicians hate and who HAS spoken out openly against illegal immigration, and all of the crap ruining this country. Or you can, once again, vote for the best choice of two evils. But that is chosing evil, and is immoral as well. Isn't it?

Ms Taletha wrote on Mar 6, 2007 1:08 PM:I wonder why Mexicans are proud of their heritage and culture yet they call themselves Latinos and Hispanics. I don't think many people over 5 years of age are fooled with this smokescreen. To the question of would I rather have a terrorist or an illegal alien I would rather have NEITHER ONE. Both exert a lawless and destructive effect on America that leaves a revulsion in the pit of one's stomach. BLECCCH!

Bren wrote on Mar 6, 2007 3:14 PM:Tina Jillings go home!!! NO AMNESTY....NO guest-worker program....NO comprehensive immigration reform--or anything else that you want to call amnesty. Illegals go home!!! Go back to your own countries and march/protest and DEMAND rights/benefits. You are NOT entitled to anything here!! You have the right to be treated fairly and humanely until you are deported, that's it!!! ICE, PLEASE increase the roundups, arrests, and deportations NOW!!!! Enforce our immigration laws!! Send these people back to where they belong!!

Al wrote on Mar 6, 2007 3:29 PM:It doesn't matter where people come from, or what their race is. We need to know who is in the country, just like we need to know who is our home. People must come here legally, and have background checks. Please write your Representative, and demand that the policy that gives citizenship to a child born to any none citizen be stopped. We do not need the child of a terrorist, MS13 gang member, or similar undesirable to be an anchor baby. Stop supporting the ACLU, the catholic church and any other organization that aids illegals. Aiding a criminal, is a crime. I am a Christian, and stopped supporting churches many years ago because they are political.

Jon wrote on Mar 6, 2007 3:48 PM:I can tell that there will be another bloody civil war in this country if 10's of millions of illegal aliens are granted amnesty.This nation only belongs to its citizens and no one else in the world.We won't give up our national sovereignty without a immense revolutionary fight. If we have to we will retake this country back by force and millions of traitors will pay by the hangman's noose. Don't vote for any illegal alien supporting traitor politicians.

To Ms. Taletha wrote on Mar 6, 2007 4:06 PM:We do not call ourselves Latinos or Hispanics by choice we are labeled that. Every form that requires an ethnic code does not have Mexican as an option the options are Latino or Hispanic. Believe me whenever I complete a form I a new box and write Mexican next to it. I agree with you I will never call myself a Latino or Hispanic I am Mexican and proud of it. The rest of your comment is so ridiculous that a response is unnecessary. I think we had a terrorist attack last month right here in Vista. You know what I am talking about when a terrorist used a airplane to drop hateful propaganda onto the City of Vista. That is illegal but I guess it is okay because you agree with their position! To Esteban what is the actual purpose of your comment. Who really cares how many pro-Jillings coments are posted or not posted? This woman must really be getting to you if you are irrate because all your foul derogatory posts are not being posted. I am sure if you follow the criteria for posts your comments will be posted, I have read your past comments and I didn't understand why some of those were posted. Try some respect for the readers of these comments and perhaps your posts will make to print.

Bobby wrote on Mar 6, 2007 4:55 PM:American women,March 5,10:10am. I agree with you completely on the SPP. Others are aware of it also. Question: will they vote for Congressman Tancredo, for President,-2008- who has also spoken of the dangers involving the SPP, unlike the establishment candidates, from whom there is only silence? If he is not voted for, thereby signaling a rejection of the status quo by Americans, than we are only shooting ourselves in the foot and might as well bow down to the elitists and traitors now.

To Bren wrote on Mar 6, 2007 5:04 PM:From what I understand Tina Jillings is an American Citizen so technically she is home. Your comment is the epitome of ignorant. This is the biggest and worst problem resulting in this immigration issue, hatred and rude treatment of others. So for the record Tina Jillings is home. I just want to say that I do not agree with her position nor do I agree with Claudia Spencers' group either but I would never say the hateful cruel and vicious things about either one of them. It just blows my mind that any of you think this is acceptable behavior. I do have one thing to say about Jillings is that she has tenacity and sticks to her guns and I admire that.

Me wrote on Mar 6, 2007 6:09 PM:What if you come here ligally, went to school got a job..then VISA expired and you realized that you can actually live a decent life here as opposed to your country. Everyone wants better life for themself and kids. I am for the reform with both hands! I am against legalizing criminals, people who sit on welfare, people who don't even have social security, who don't pay taxes, don't speak the language. Look at this country, compare Chicago, NY, and San Fransico to other truly American cities, look and see the difference. States with high immigrant populatuion are growing and developing. I think it is a good sign, and don't tell me immigrants have nothing to give this country. Afterall, we all are a child or grandchild, etc of an immigrant.

CaliGal wrote on Mar 6, 2007 7:38 PM:Illegal aliens are people who came here willingly -- and willingly violated our laws. Theirs is not an involuntary condition. Illegal aliens chose to put themselves in the illegal condition. They cannot claim to be victims when their condition is self-induced. The United States is a society based on laws, and people should not have the right to pick and choose the laws they are willing to obey. They took the risk of coming here illegally and now they should be ready to receive the consequences for their actions (arrest & deportation).

WellDuh wrote on Mar 6, 2007 7:59 PM:Solve illegal immigrantion problems by (1) immediately making US employers pay full backwages with applicable overtime at the higher of federal minimum wage or regional industry standard for the job (2) automatically registering employed aliens for mandatory citizenship programs (3) Immediately return families of illegal aliens with no wage earners with recent 30+ hour/week US employment. Appeals can be heard at the consulate or embassy. The Constitution only addresses the rights of US citizens - but this will be equivalent for those not claiming aslum.

mike wrote on Mar 7, 2007 4:31 AM:i don't even know where to begin. being the descendent of immigrants or having "married in" citizenship doesn't hinder ones right to speak about immigration. can i not be pro-choice, even if i was born, and obviously not aborted? of course i can! if leftists expect to make an impact by pushing for legalization of 12-20 million illegal immigrants, it really won't do much, as far as poverty goes. all they'll be doing is making the work of business interests that much easier, because it is them, more than anyone else, who persuade government on how to shift immigration policy. there are over a billion poor people in the world, and most of them will never be able to immigrate, legally or illegally, to a "first world" country. why? because of the numbers. the whole issue of immigration is both simple and complex. so what do i believe? i believe that legalizing (again) the illegal population here will only continue to draw more here in the future, will expand the underclass of cheap & exploitable labor, and will do little if anything to solve the problems that make people come here in the first place, all at the expense of our quality of life. there simply couldn't be enough remittances to the home country to create the type of life we have here, without numerous political, cultural, and economic changes neccessary to the equation.

Sorry Well Duh wrote on Mar 7, 2007 7:10 AM:The Constitution under the 14th Amendment certainly does address the rights of ANY PERSON. I know that is why the anti-immigrants groups try so hard to dehumanize them, it just makes the hateful things they do and say a little easier for the dignified folks to digest. As one commenter so eloquently stated "it makes my stomach turn."

TinaHyprocite wrote on Mar 7, 2007 7:50 AM:For Tina Jillings to take such a pro-illegal stance is funny...she's married to a "gringo..." and finished last in her run for City Council in Vista. What a loser and hypocrite.

Ken R wrote on Mar 7, 2007 8:38 AM:In my small city in Northern California, Ukiah, hundreds of mostly illegal immigrants of Mexican background marched, with police escort, last May 1, flying Mexican flags and with many carrying signs saying this area was really part of Mexico and they had every right to be here. I thought this was classified as "Treason" but I gues