Viva La Raza wrote on Apr 7, 2007 10:28 PM:All of these plans are stupid. You lazy Americans can't survive without the citizenship-challenged immigrants to pick your food, clean your homes, cut your grass and wash your dishes. You should just give all immigrants in this country automatic citizenship, and allow us to bring in our families. Most of us like to work hard and those that don't, well, they aren't much lazier than you citizens.

Knightwatch wrote on Apr 7, 2007 10:38 PM:"La Raza" means "The Race" in English. Nuff said.

To viva la Raza wrote on Apr 7, 2007 11:06 PM:all of us know that you are trying to milead others and that you are not in favor of immigrants ,so stop it!

Enforcement Promise Is A Lie! wrote on Apr 7, 2007 11:07 PM:An politician who claims that they will more strictly enforce immigration laws in the future is lying! This is exactly what the lying politicians said before the Reagan amnesty law passed. Stricter enforcement lasted about 6 years. Since then, we have had 15 years of an open border. Also, La Raza advocates cry racism and crap like that whenever enforcement actions take place.

FLIP-FLOP wrote on Apr 7, 2007 11:09 PM:AT THE END BILBRAY AND ISSA WILL DO AS THEIR BOSSES(THE CORPORATIONS) TELL THEM TO DO, THEY DEPEND ON THEIR MONEY TO SURVIVE AND TO HAVE FANCY VACATIONS. THEY ARE ONLY PUPPETS OF ANYBODY WITH MONEY AND ALL THEIR FOLLOWERS WILL HAVE A HARD AWAKENING. "GET READY FOR THE SHIFT OF POWER,IS COMMING TO A COMMUNITY NEAR YOU"

Mexican Xenophobia wrote on Apr 7, 2007 11:34 PM:Since 1917, the Mexican Constitution prohibits direct ownership of real estate by foreigners in what has come to be known as the "restricted zone" (article 27). The restricted zone encompasses all land located within 100 kilometers (about 62 miles) of any Mexican border, and 50 kilometers (about 31 miles) of any Mexican coastline. Originally the "restricted zone" was created to protect Mexico from foreign invasion. A fideicomiso (Mexican bank land trust) is not anywhere near ownership. It is more like a 50 year lease (extendable once for 50 years). An immigration amnesty bill must exclude citizens from any country that treats Americans so poorly. In other words, until Mexico amends its constitution to allow open Mexican land ownership by Americans, no Mexican illegal aliens should be granted amnesty, residency, or the like. Mexico must learn that its xenophobic policies are corrosive, stupid, and will no longer be tolerated.

Otto wrote on Apr 8, 2007 12:43 AM:well, we'd like to give all the illegal aliens amnesty, but we're going to run out of water soon, so the answer is "no", sorry!

pablo wrote on Apr 8, 2007 1:18 AM:QUE?

Stealth Blogger wrote on Apr 8, 2007 4:23 AM:Do we need another 100+ posts of heat without light? Couldn't we have a truce on Easter Sunday? "He is risen!" "He is risen indeed!"

No Amnesty wrote on Apr 8, 2007 4:24 AM:If you want to deal with illegal immigration then put your money where your mouth is and donate to either Congressman Tom Tancredo's or Duncan Hunters Presidential Campaign. The Flake-Gutierrez Bill is just another amnesty bill. A guestworker should not be given a pathway to citizenship. They are a guest and should go home after the work is done. We first need to secure our borders. Then make our immigration laws enforceable. Heck we can't even track overstayed visa's now, let alone guestworkers. We are flooded with illegals. Next they bring their whole families if they haven't already. Now how many are there. This country is already overly generous with the number of legal immigrants that come here. I understand we get 2 million legal immigrants in this country each and every year. It time to get control of this whole mess. Wake up people and google North American Union with Canada and Mexico. It's not some fantasy but is really happening.

Citizen voter wrote on Apr 8, 2007 4:54 AM:Let us defne exactly what we intend as 'immigration reform.'Let us not blurr the lines between reform and amnesty. Let us not deny that there is a vigilant anti-amnesty segment in our region that is one of the most impacted by everyday reality. Bilbray needs to pay close attention to those of us who gave him his job; he owes us his job. Either he performs or he will be replaced. You can't run or hide; this is it. North San Diego IS WATCHING!!!!

No to Amnesty, guest worker programs wrote on Apr 8, 2007 6:11 AM:Enforcement of our laws will work. It will just take time. ICE can get this done if there is no interference by growers, employers, businesses and Congressmen. All, not some illegal aliens must leave and enter lawfully. Once you broke to the law to come here you cannot be trusted that you won't break our laws again. Living your lie will only be compounded by you staying here illegally. To Viva la Raza I say America is in need of those with math, English and Science skills, not dishwashers, housecleaners and gardeners. Got enough of those.

BJane wrote on Apr 8, 2007 7:01 AM:to Flip-Flop. Sorry to say, I think you're right. Why aren't they talking about enforcement? Why is the first thing, new provisions for labor? They aren't incensed (sp?) enough to suit me.

Ken wrote on Apr 8, 2007 7:43 AM:If the illegal aliens want to work so hard, they should return to their homeland and make their country a better place for them! No Special privileges or rights for illegal aliens. No welfare, no free medical, no free schooling. NO AMNESTY! Return to your homeland and if you want to come to America, then do it LEGALLY!

U know who wrote on Apr 8, 2007 7:58 AM:Viva La Raza has a point, because the American general public has become extremely lazy. On the other hand, Viva La Raza's cousins have invaded our country and taken advantage of our laziness. I won't stand for that. The debate over illegal immigration is purely academic at this point; the USA has been compromised and there's no way to get it back....

B wrote on Apr 8, 2007 8:04 AM:Let me interpret this article for you:"Guest worker" = poor uneducated illegal immigrant. "Visa program" = Bank Of America's attempt at making more money by offering credit cards to ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, thereby encouraging them to continue raping the USA. "The public wants solutions to illegal immigration" = American citizens, whose children are increasingly being raped, mauled and murdered by illegal immigrants, are finally starting to realize the problem is MUCH BIGGER THAN WE WANT TO ADMIT. Unfortunately, it's too late.

Enough wrote on Apr 8, 2007 8:07 AM:Send every illegal packing. Seal the borders now!

Warner says: wrote on Apr 8, 2007 8:18 AM: Our politicians are afraid to say what really needs to be done. Remember Pete Wilson? It seems that he had the right idea, but politicians do not have the guts to say it. His plan, among other things, did three things that to me sound right: The employer would be held responsible for a great deal. I do not remember them all, but the three are: First - the employer would be responsible for picking them up at the border and making sure that they are properly documented, and when the season is over assuring that they get back across the border. Second - The employer would be responsible for adequate housing while they are here. This alone could generate new business in the form of portable homes and johns such as those FEMA has available. Third - the employer would be responsible for providing proper medical care for the guest worker as long as they are in this country legally and doing his work. The question is, would medical care equal to that they get in their home country adequate? The AG community ruined Pete as soon as he opened his mouth. For sure, a loaf of bread would increase in price, but our spiraling economy would be able to absorb the additional cost within a few years. It all boils down to doing what is right for the people of the United States and the guest worker. You don't get anything for nothing in this life - you pay for it in the long run.

JL wrote on Apr 8, 2007 8:20 AM:Issa and Bilbray are hypocrites. Amnesty will help the working American by adding a potential 12 million workers to the LABOR MOVEMENT

jorge wrote on Apr 8, 2007 8:24 AM:thanks for all the free stuff!

Robert24 wrote on Apr 8, 2007 8:25 AM:Stealth Blogger wrote on April 08, 2007 4:23 AM:"Do we need another 100+ posts of heat without light? Couldn't we have a truce on Easter Sunday? "He is risen!" "He is risen indeed!"" "He is risen indeed", and He also had rules that we are to follow. Thou shalt not steal is the one that comes to mind, and that is exactly what the illegal aliens are doing, stealing from the legal citizens of the United States. If all of these illegal folks had followed the rules, we would not be having this discussion. Happy Easter!

SandDiegoRaoul wrote on Apr 8, 2007 8:30 AM:Mexican Xenophobia restates the myth that Americans can't own land in Mexico. Wrong, restrictions on ownership are limited to 50 kilometers of the border or the coastline. In that area, Americans can "own" land and homes for up to 100 years. On the other hand, Mexicans and other foreigners cannot own more than 5% of any broadcast station or company in the United States, nor can a foreigner non-citizen serve on any board of directors of a broadcast company or station in the USA. So, there, Mexican Xenophobia, lift the restrictions on foreigners here in the USA and maybe you'll be able to "own" a condo on the beach in Baja.

JL wrote on Apr 8, 2007 8:30 AM:Get it in your heads white racists: Immigrants are not the enemy of America, and never have been. Immigrants are the salt of America, and always have been. American corporations want the free flow of money (the same money they save thanks to Bush's tax breaks for the rich-only) across borders, but not the free flow of people. WHY? American corporations favor the continued CRIMINALIZATION of immigrants because it creates an easily exploitable underclass that can be PITTED against other working Americans, like Blacks, and multi-generational Chicanos. We Are Being PLAYED. Minutement, and politicians, are Pied Pipers! To ease immigration, demand from your politicians to REFORM NAFTA--the protectionist trade agreement that is bleeding the Mexican economy dry. And one more thing. What is more illegal? Landing in Plymouth to go on to kill Native Americans, and steal their land; or crossing the dangerous US/Mexico border to feed your family back home? Once again, my point. Immigrants are not the enemy. Corporate greed, and political collusion IS the enemy to American Democratic Ideals.

Ray wrote on Apr 8, 2007 8:38 AM:Mexican xenophobia I'll urge you to understand the Mexican realstate law before you make your assumptions, just take a look at the nice American inhabited towns througout Mexico, that is your ptoblem, your own Mexican xenophobia.

To BJane wrote on Apr 8, 2007 8:41 AM:....simply because we need them....

Ray wrote on Apr 8, 2007 8:43 AM:Viva La Raza, we all know that you are a Minuteman making false comments!

Workers yes wrote on Apr 8, 2007 8:44 AM:Amnesty no- i'm a liberal person and just don't get the offer of amnesty. Look what we have now...millions coming here perhaps knowing that they will be offered amnesty and having thusands of their children here who become instant citizens. Let's get rid of the instant citizenship right, issue work permits, and let the chips fall where they may on the illegals that are here now. Unless of couse the right wing conspirators want these people here to pay taxes and prop up our failing social security/medicare system?

El Guero wrote on Apr 8, 2007 8:54 AM:Something called Tamar Jacoby from something called the Manhattan Institute says 'The mood out there among voters is very pragmatic [on immigration reform].I think the mood, the anger that we saw last year, seems to have dried up.' Dried up? As pablo would say, 'Que?'

El Guero wrote on Apr 8, 2007 8:55 AM:The answer to Stealth Blogger's questions are: 1) no; and 2) no.

pablo wrote on Apr 8, 2007 8:58 AM:The truest line in the article is Bilbray calling the president's support for amnesty "felony stupid." Since I agree with that I question George W Bush's motivation and given the opportunity would ask President Bush, "Why are you acting as the lapdog of unscrupulous employers, illegal immigrants, non-resident non-citizen future slave wage workers and not American citizens and legal immigrants? Are you simply following the wishes of employers of cheap laborers? Or, are you President Bush attempting to stack the deck, setting the stage for your half Mexican nephew George P. Bush to be elected the third Bush POTUS. Either as a Republican or if need be a Democrat it doesn’t matter. Screw America, screw the Republican Party. History is what matters, the first three president family in American history. Viva Bush.

Dennis wrote on Apr 8, 2007 9:00 AM:To all Illegals: Do immigration legally or do not enter US. And to add insult you illegals burn the US flag in protest. How stupid can illegals get. When in Rome do as the Romans.

fedup wrote on Apr 8, 2007 9:01 AM:the only "fair" thing to do is punish the lawbreakers, the ILLEGALS, by deporting them. Perhaps we could be nice and tell them that if they are not caught, they will not have to pay the $10,000.00 fine. They would have zero problem paying the fine, as they sent home millions of dollars every year. This should encourage the bulk of them to leave on their own. Take away all of the give away social programs so they won't have that to use either! Welcome a low number of LEGAL immigrants. Come on, elected leaders, show some backbone!Look out for our country, not your and your lobby interest buddies pockets.

Rchosen wrote on Apr 8, 2007 9:22 AM:I agree with Xenophobia If Americans were aloud to own property in Mexico it would help there ecomony. Also I seen on TV this morning the protests in LA it sure if funny how they (Mexicans) are waving the American flag this time.

USA OR NOT wrote on Apr 8, 2007 9:23 AM:I noticed signs (MECHA) being carried identifying a group that want to take Ca., NV, & NM and make them part of Mexico, thats correct, no longer a part of the USA. Now if these same people were Chinese, Iraqi, or Russian we would say we are being military invaded, now just because they don't remember to wear a uniform doesn't mean they won't fight and aren't an organized militia. Gee, didn't we have a little thing like that up in the New England are some 230 yrs ago, worked then and its working now. WAKE UP AMERICA !!!

Adam wrote on Apr 8, 2007 9:26 AM:Under the euphuism 'Hispanic Homeland' and 'Nation of Aztlan,' activists from numerous organizations including Mexican American Legal Defense and La Raza (The Race) activists are attempting to annex large portions of SW United States to Mexico. "Republica del Norte," the Republic of the North, which would include the present U.S. states of California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, plus southern Colorado, along with several current Mexican states, is "an inevitability". The new "Hispanic Homeland" will be brought into being "by any means necessary.

Skip wrote on Apr 8, 2007 9:33 AM:Secure the border. Let the Illegals already here earn a chance to stay, but never let them become citizens if they entered illegally. Abolish the Anchor Babies loophole under the constitution. AND ABOVE ALL ELSE, ENFORCE AMERICAS IMMIGRATION LAWS. No special privileges for illegal Aliens, such as looking the other way when they drive without driver's licenses. Any felony committed would be a swift and automatic deportation.

El Jeffe wrote on Apr 8, 2007 9:34 AM:I get it! Illegals come here because they feel sorry for us lazy Americans & because they worry we might starve to death. Wow!

HA HA HA HA wrote on Apr 8, 2007 9:35 AM:Hey Senors. New idea. I think mabe it pass OK. Yeah. Driver license for us who aint go no papers yet OK. Plus, plus senors we vote too. We pay taxes too senors. Oh yeah. I think OK it will pass. We gonna be legal soon anyway senors, so we gonna vote too. si si ITS THE LAW ANYWAYS SENORS. HAHAHAHAHAHA" "Records show 98 percent of illegal border-crossers are never prosecuted "By: ALICIA A. CALDWELL - Associated Press EL PASO, Texas -- For all the tough talk out of Washington on immigration, illegal immigrants caught along the Mexican border have almost no reason to fear they will be prosecuted." I love theees one senors. Mui bueno senors. Yeah, senors, Pablo he choke on his menudo laffing when i read it to him in espanol. He dont know no english senors. HAHAHAHAHA

Senor Enchilada wrote on Apr 8, 2007 9:43 AM:Hey, OK. Now they are waking up and the first step is FINALLY being taken. Legal status for all immigrants whether they have papers or not. We're talking about millions of people in the USA without papers. The ONLY way to deal with it is to legalize them. Besides, we need them to keep our economy running. HOORAY. The next logical step is to open up the border. Tall fences and more and more border patrol will never work. That's just talk to molify the masses and keep them satisfied. Hey, how about Mexico as the 51st State??

The only thing wrote on Apr 8, 2007 10:03 AM:that needs reformed is the list to become a US citizen, it's time for them all to go back and sign up and wait their turn. Do it legally and you will have the support. Call me lazy and see what support you get. Nada.

DJ wrote on Apr 8, 2007 10:05 AM:Watch your politicians, including Brian Bilbray. If any were really thinking of Joe Citizen, there would be no reform discussions; it's all about getting "deals" for big business while keeping their positions of power.

Veteran wrote on Apr 8, 2007 10:20 AM:Viva Ken! Well said, and to the politicos, Ken probably represents the feelings of many more Americans than any of you.

Again wrote on Apr 8, 2007 10:29 AM:They broke the law coming here. Thats the bottom line. They had the choice to come here legally but did not. Now why should they get amnesty. A wrong dont make a right.

ex-condidan wrote on Apr 8, 2007 10:37 AM:I am a citizen and have washed dishes, done landscaping, waited tables, picked weeds, cleaned houses. Nothing is beneath me or millions of Americans. Illegals wash dishes, and all the above, but don't say Americans won't do these jobs. I work over 40 hrs a week, and still do my own landscaping, clean my house, work on my car. NO AMNESTY. Do not reward lawbreakers.Deport all illegals, Don't back down Issa, Bilbray.

Floyd wrote on Apr 8, 2007 10:43 AM:Maybe they can't be an effective force for change in Mexico, making their only option illegal entry into the US. To help them out, we should use the military to seize Baja California from Mexico and turn it into a "possession" like Guam or American Samoa. Then we can deport all the illegal aliens to an area that benefits from a strong US presence while they go through the citizenship process to become legal. Will the Mexican government object to this invasion? Sure they will, but we can point out that it was caused by the Mexican invasion of the US.

America is fighting back, finally wrote on Apr 8, 2007 11:06 AM:Illegal aliean + criminal = deportation, Simple solution. Go wave your Mexican flags in Mexico, no one here cares for it.

Deport them wrote on Apr 8, 2007 11:31 AM:and the people who hire them. Then both of the criminals involved here will understand that we can only be taken advantage of for so long. The employers who hire them could then pay the illegal immigrants to help them get a job in their third world country. Maybe then they'd understand the damage that has been caused. People don't understand, we are relying on a third world countries southern border security to keep Iranian, al-qaeda and Venezuelan terrorists out. Sad and Scary.

To La Raza (the "race") wrote on Apr 8, 2007 11:46 AM:The illegal immigrants, in my experience, are the lazy ones. They want to come here and mooch off the system. They want to be hired at or more than legal citizens and do a poorer job. That's lazy. Ask anyone from the generation where our teenagers and youngsters worked at the fast food windows, mowed lawns and delivered papers....who did a better job? The teens of course but now they have been displaced!!!! Prices won't rise if we ship the whole lot back but I know that quality would improve. Go back home and wave your flag there!!!

Illegalisnotarace wrote on Apr 8, 2007 12:21 PM:Illegal aliens kill 25 Americans a day. Go home and take your kids with you.

American woman wrote on Apr 8, 2007 1:07 PM:Ms. Jacoby is so left-leaning she can't stand up any more. I wouldn't believe her if my life depended on it! Issa, my so-called "representative," is prone to spinning the truth of his intentions. Darrell Issa is a FREE-TRADE FREAK, a NAFTA-CAFTA kind of guy. That makes him a globalist who is also a millionaire. Get my drift? Bilbray has taken a step back...especially as described in this article, but since we will probably have to deal with some concessions, I can live with a re-implementation of the old Bracero program, with some modifications. I can't make a blanket statement about the laziness of illegal aliens, but I must make this observation: They sure aren't willing to fight for their own countries! I find that hard to swallow because I am fighting hard to preserve what we have here in the U.S. Our sovereignty means everything to me. Our recognition and enforcement of the Rule of Law needs to be refreshed. There are some long-overdue changes in order regarding the U.S. Constitution, namely, the provision of the Fourteenth Amendment which rewards BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP to those born on U.S. soil...EVEN ILLEGAL ALIENS' OFFSPRING! This is just plain WRONG. This "glitch" in the system is one of our major tripping points when dealing with those who breach our borders to unlawfully enter the country by the millions, every year. JL: Where have YOU been? Of course immigrants are the fabric of the America we all so love...It's the illegal alien immigrants that are ruining our way of life! Hello? In closing, I'd like to commend all of you who have investigated the North American Union (NAU)! It has been covertly created over the last two years, at the behest of the leaders of Canada, Mexico and our country! It comes to us via the SPP (Security and Prosperity Partnership), an agreement contrived among Fox, Martin and good ol' GWB in March of 2005 in Waco, TX. Why don't you ever tell the people the "juicy" part, Mr. Sifuentes?

Skip wrote on Apr 8, 2007 1:34 PM:It appears that famous Director Bob Clark and his son have joined the list of thousands of Americans killed each year by the criminal acts of illegal aliens.

Skip wrote on Apr 8, 2007 1:36 PM:Some newspapers are trying to say that ALL HISPANICS drink and drive more than Americans because of cultural differences and their sadness at being separated from their families by our evil Immigration laws. The more obvious answer is that it is not Hispanics, it is illegal aliens causing the problem. Illegal aliens have demonstrated a pattern of lawless behavior and disrespect for American laws combined with a taxpayer system that shows them again and again that they can break our laws without fear of enforcement. Why should anyone be surprised they are partying hard and ignoring our DWI laws as well? They have shown no respect for our laws and the system says that is OK by those in power.

sam wrote on Apr 8, 2007 2:07 PM:i think is time for american to,stope calling people illegal aliens, and always acuse illegal immigrans of crimes, americans to comit crimes. and any one who comit crime legal or illegal should be punish,and i dont think someone has to be illegal before commiting a crime,at list let be human and help all those that prove good to leave in this country.and have family, americans to leave in other countries,and dont pay any resident permit,b/c those countries dont have tronger laws to crack them down.

Climb Aboard Our Sinking Ship wrote on Apr 8, 2007 3:19 PM:We can't afford social security for our citizens who paid into the system for decades. We cannot afford proper equipment for our military in Iraq and Afghanistan. We cannot afford health care for all of our citizens. We cannot afford to repair our infrastructure as evidenced by Katrina. Our prisions are overflowing and we have no funds to build new ones. Our schools are failing to educate our children for jobs in the highly competitive, technological global marketplace. We are importing high tech workers from other counties to fill jobs that Americans aren't prepared or educated enough to do. We have staggering drop out rates from high schools and even lower numbers who can afford a college education. Those of us lucky to have employer based health care don't know how much longer we can afford it as wages stagnate and premiums escalate. How can we afford to absorb 12-20 million, uneducated, unskilled workers who we have to spend millions just to teach them English? Financially, our boat is sinking and it won't be too much longer until we're all treading water in a sea of economic disaster.

To Sam wrote on Apr 8, 2007 3:25 PM:So, it was the sixth grade that was the last of your formal education? Turn and look South, then start walking. Good bye! Don't let the South gate hit you in the rear.

To Viva La Raza wrote on Apr 8, 2007 3:31 PM:Stop it! You bad boy! You can't fool me, I know who you are. Say, where is my welfare check? I need to cash it on Mother's day at the Banko of Atzlan here in Vista.

OPEN BORDERS NOW wrote on Apr 8, 2007 3:57 PM:Since we are going to LEGALIZE those immigrants who don't happen to have some little stupid piece of paper, let's go ALL THE WAY and open up the borders. Free flow both ways coming in from Mexico to the USA and vice versa. Then you can go to TJ or wherever ~ Tecate etc ~ without all the hassle and come back same way. Mexicans now make up about 40% of Calif population anyway and more are on the way. Senor Enchilada makes more sense than any other blogger in the blogosphere!!

ANTI-NAZI wrote on Apr 8, 2007 4:13 PM:Hey people. Hey. I am strictly anti-kkk and anti-nazi. Look at what the nazis did during WW2. Well, the same kind of people are all up in arms now about people different from themselves. Just like the Nazis were about Jews and Poles. The only thing driving this hatred of hispanics is hatred. Nobody says anything about white people that are here illegally! Why? It's all racist and fear of people with brown skins is all. Wise up, grow up and treat your neighbors to the south with respect and toleration. Definitely Jesus would have said the same thing and this is Easter after all.

Get rid of amnesty wrote on Apr 8, 2007 4:15 PM:This is something the country cannot undertake right now. Better yet, get rid of the automatic citizenship rule- that way the worker's families may stay home and produce work and children in their own homeland to make it a better place. I'm very liberal but don't understand anyone who hasn't seen what amnesty did in the last go around- more babies, more illegals. Aha..maybe cheaper food prices, cheaper construction and labor costs, and more money being paid into social security and medicare...maybe it's jus a right wing conspiracy all along- Tempt them, give them citizenship, give their kids citzenship...but make them wait long enough to build up our economy.

Fix the 14th wrote on Apr 8, 2007 5:01 PM:The 14th amendment was never intended to reward people who sneak into our country illegally and have their kids here. I do NOT feel guilty when/if the illegal parents are deported and must decide whether to keep their family together by taking their kids with them, or leave their kids here. I resent being accused of hatred, racism or lack of compassion for separating their families. They are the ones who made the decision to put their families at risk, and it is them who need to take responsibility for their actions. The fact they were willing to place their children at risk makes me question their family values. Actually I feel sorry for the kids as they were caught up in this through no fault of their own, but the loophole in the 14th needs to be plugged and the border sealed. Only then do we have a chance to save our country and way of life.

Question wrote on Apr 8, 2007 5:08 PM:...Does anyone know who paid for the worker's emergency medical bills under the Bracero program? That was just before my time. :)

to Anti-Nazi wrote on Apr 8, 2007 5:10 PM:You are so missing the point, bro!

CONSTITUTION IS FOREVER wrote on Apr 8, 2007 5:55 PM:NO WAY is the 14th amendment going to be amended or repealed!! It would take 2/3 of both houses of congress PLUS ratification by at least 38 state legislatures (75%). Won't happen. The founding fathers made amendment difficult to prevent harebrained suggestions from eating away at the constituiton. It won't happen my friend. We've had many, many attempts but only 17 have succeeded,in addition to the bill of rights,since our nation was founded 230 years ago!

Ron of Knightwatch wrote on Apr 8, 2007 6:15 PM:Mexico for Mexicans!!

Vet, an American vet wrote on Apr 8, 2007 6:51 PM:illegal immigrants six-year visas, is passing a bill for illigals really best for tax paying citizens or corporations and buisneses. Sounds good for votes and campaign funds. I come from an immigrant family, I fought in a war (vietnam combat infantryman, father WWII), I paid taxes for for the last 30 years and my family never asked for handouts (medical or other). Can I have somethig too? if they deported ever ((alien)) the california ecomony had a major downturn, I would be a proud America, my forefathers who had to stand in line to get into the USA will be smiling. Yes a very proud American. Let them get in, slap my and my family's face.

Mexican Xenophobia wrote on Apr 8, 2007 6:59 PM:To SanDiegoRaul, I notice your quotes around "own" land for 100 years. If you read my comments, I stated that a fideicomiso (Mexican bank land trust) is not anywhere near ownership. It is more like a 50 year lease (extendable once for 50 years), with of opportunity to pay hefty annual fees. Personally, I do not want to own land in Mexico. My complaint is with so-called dual citizens. Mexicans who gained US citizenship in the last amnesty went back and reclaimed their Mexican citizenship. Why? The only reason I ever hear is because they can own land on the beach in Baja. I believe that desiring dual citizenship is incompatible with protesting for American citizenship. Mexicans should not get US citizenship unless they are willing to leave Mexico behind. The Mexican government uses landownership to keep its hooks in this class of people. If the US is going to give amnesty, Mexico should quit its Xenophobic land rules.

MEChA Pride wrote on Apr 8, 2007 9:04 PM:When will the lazy Americans realize this is our land and we will have it back? We've already won. Americans are too lazy to stop us. Learn Spanish!!

Bob wrote on Apr 8, 2007 9:39 PM:Contrary to myth...you can own land in Mexico. will the real phobies please stand up!

To MEChA Pride: wrote on Apr 8, 2007 9:47 PM:What is it you have already "won?" Are you a legal citizen? If not, my American citizenship will trump your illegal status on every count there is. I get to vote, I get to drive legally, I can't be deported.....and I pay over $25,000.00 in federal & state taxes every flippin' year. I've worked since 1974, have NEVER had a handout, have never hired an illegal, have always done our own yardwork, and wouldn't have even CONSIDERED having someone who couldn't communicate in English watch my precious kids. Your ignorance, disrespect, and arrogance will ultimately be your downfall because we Americans are hardly "lazy." You have NO idea of our perserverance. Game on.

getTheFacts wrote on Apr 8, 2007 9:47 PM:Dearest Mecha, you're post at 9:04pm is completely off base and shows how uninformed you truly are. There was no such thing as "Mexico" before Spain conquered and subjugated the city states that the native inhabitants had created centuries before. Why would Americans need or want to learn spanish? Do you speak Spanish? Wait, Spanish, do you mean the language of the country that conquered all of present day Mexico, Central and South America? True Mexicans speak Classical Nahuatl. Do you?

Think4yourself wrote on Apr 8, 2007 10:07 PM:To Mecha Pride: Just a little history to clarify some things because you may be confused: Mexico has a long history of systemic corruption and incompetence dating back to the first Spanish explorers and continuing to this day. Your leaders, particularly Santa Anna, showed the true character of your historical Mexican leadership by selling lands to the United States to pay his personal debts. This tradition of corruption has continued to this day and the Mexican citizens are the ones left with very little to show. Without us "lazy Americans" you would have nowhere to go. If I was Mexican I would be disillusioned, too; but place the blame correctly and squarely on the corruption of your own people and leaders, not on the United States. Your own people have screwed you and now you blame us for not tolerating your desire to ignore our laws. You have learned this pathetic lack of ethics from your leaders and now you want us to suffer the same fate? Look around Mexico and see the truth. Racism is not the reason most people oppose illegal immigrants. That is flat wrong. We just don't want to become a Third World nation. Mexico has been raped and held back from progress by its own leaders and their greed. Wake up and face the facts and stop blaming us for what we have worked hard to create. If it's so bad here, why do we need a fence to keep people out?

John wrote on Apr 8, 2007 10:10 PM:Dear "mecha": Americans have worked hard and fought some pretty powerful nations to maintain their way of life. What makes you think a handful of peasants from south of the border will be able to impose their shabby lifestyle on us? You need to think twice before you label all Americans as "lazy". You're not endearing very many "Gringos" to your lost cause.

Whitecrow wrote on Apr 8, 2007 10:15 PM:The best way to solve this dispute is for all immigrants and offspring of immigrants to go back to their original countries and return these lands to Native Americans who are the true Legal owners. Not much sense in sympathising with the first robber defending himself from the second robber.

Sam wrote on Apr 8, 2007 10:43 PM:As a Canadian I am amazed at the bias towards Mexicans they fill a specific need in your Country farm work and other jobs etc that don't pay enough for Americans to do,and they don't go around flying planes into buildings.The major problem you will face in the future is the so called legal imigration of Muslims thay already have a foot hold with hundreds of mosques in the U.S.teaching their flock that Allah is great and our religion sucks. Sam

american wrote on Apr 8, 2007 10:45 PM:I am mexican american third generation my grandpa came over a long time ago 50's. He hates all the spanish speaking and lableing on stuff. He says if he had to learn english so should all the mexicaian. He is also a successfully sales rep for a big company that does not target mexicans.

mecha is a joke wrote on Apr 8, 2007 11:18 PM:but still. do you speak any native-AMERICAN language? if not then you anrt a REAL american.

SanDiegoRaoul wrote on Apr 8, 2007 11:23 PM:Mexican Xenophobia does it again. Since when is leasing land for 50 plus 50 years much short of owning fee simple? It is not. You did not complain about dual citizens, you just complained and misled the readers by suggesting Americans can't own land in Mexico. You are wrong. Americans can own land, homes and condos anywhere in Mexico -- fee simple -- outside the 50 kilometers from the border and coastline, period, end of discussion. As for dual citizenship, the United States Supreme Court has ruled that such is legal and can't be disturbed by the U.S. Government(Afroyem v. Rusk, 1967). What part of legal don't you understand? It is my privelage to be a citizen of both the USA and Mexico. I served in the U.S. Marines, not the Mexican Marines and yet I am given full credit by Mexico for military service. Why, because of a recipricol draft agreement between Mexico and the USA in 1940. You see, Mexican Xenophobia, our two governments don't have a problem recognizing the exigencies of two neighboting countries that have fought side by side in war against the Japanese and Germans, so why can't you figure it out?

Lisa wrote on Apr 8, 2007 11:46 PM:We ought to get all our troops out of Iraq and station them along our southern border. Enough of our armed forces dying and getting hurt trying to protect people in other countries. How about some help over here on our own soil? We need to fight for and protect our own people and our own sovereignty. Charity begins at home, what a novel idea.

To Climb Aboard - - - 3:19 PM wrote on Apr 9, 2007 12:21 AM:Your posted comment is filled with TRUTH and REASON. There is no light at the end of the tunnel. Each new day Global News bears truth to the End Times prophesies recorded some two thousand years ago by Matthew. Lack of Justice for All with an over abundance of Hatred permeates our current Global System.

Good Grief wrote on Apr 9, 2007 1:18 AM:All of you, right now, go back and read KEN'S Post. He makes sense, says it all, yet the rest of you go off in tantrums and miss the point completely. The ship is sinking fast; can't you see that? Learn Spanish? Isn't English the official language of AMERICA? Does Mexico teach OUR kids to speak English? Our schools can't handle the lazy students and their parents who won't even learn the language of the country they say was their country first? Strange. LEGAL immigrants learn English, pay taxes, don't rob banks, live in the fields and start fires. Our wimpy politicians only care about winning elections and raking in hefty paychecks and pensions; no way they're going to chance losing the gravy they enjoy. Where can WE go to get away from here? California is a junk yard of uneducated, lazy illegals. Why are Asians coming here when they have the best education in the world? They are the ones pulling up test scores, even way higher than upscale Americans. Have you noticed store signs now are in Spanish FIRST and then English below? The schools here don't teach Spanish to AMERICANS until they are in high school. Too late. Unless congress deports all illegals, the ship will continue sinking Or maybe an earthquake will do the job and open up the borders for low wage workers to build it?

V.W. Calhoun wrote on Apr 9, 2007 2:36 AM:As an American citizen and a miltary vet, I cannot is hard to believe there has been no significant defense of our nation against the foreign invasion of illegal immigration! My elected officials seem paralyzed to act and get control! I fervently hope my government whom I've faithfully served, act now to protect us. I am totally against amnesty. Send illegals home! I am sorry it causes hardship, but they broke the law. We spend billions defending Iraq, and won't even free ourselves of invasion. This is total insanity! Get control of our borders now and deport illegal residents now!

alnorte wrote on Apr 9, 2007 2:59 AM:Easter Sunday Gringos! That did it. I'm leaving. Adios.

Immigrants or Invaders? wrote on Apr 9, 2007 3:16 AM:Immigrants assimilate into their new culture, adopting the language and traditions of their new home country. Invaders insist on forcing their language and tradtions upon the people whose land they invade. The first European settlers were invaders of the new world. Most American citizens, however, are descended from immigrants who came to this country many years after the original European invaders arrived here. The "immigrants" of today have much more in common with those first European invaders than with the immigrants who came later.

Kimosabi wrote on Apr 9, 2007 3:32 AM:I say we all return to the land our ancestors’ came from because the lot of us are illegal when you get to the basics. We should then all pay $10,000 and request from the natives of the Americas the privilege of returning to what we now call home. How much sense does this make? Not until we come to accept the fact that we are not untarnished and pure will we ever solve this. Deport those illegals with criminal records, kids and all. Keep those that have been contributors to this country as legal immigrants but do not allow them citizenship as punishment for entering illegally in the first place. Crack down on businesses that hire illegals with huge fines; say $1 million per illegal employees. Hire more Border Patrol and build a Berlin Wall like border with Mexico and Canada. Will this solve the problem? No. This is not an immigration problem, this is a cultural problem. We will find someone else to blame for our problems and elect some official that echoes our sentiment and we are all at it again.

Desco wrote on Apr 9, 2007 4:01 AM:require all residents (except Native Americans) to provide proof of legal immigration by all of their ancestors who were not born here. Since we could not exile them all, make them pay a fine per year of illegal residence and go though the normal immigration policy.

Greg in Oceanside wrote on Apr 9, 2007 4:31 AM:Most Americans shouldn't be offended by the obsurd insults from the people in this discussion, and supporter of MEChA, La Raza, et.al. Obviously, they're trying to get a 'rise' out of us. You want to talk about lazy? I think we all know the answer to that. While some illegal immigrants and migrant workers here to work the menial jobs, many are here for the 'freebes' and the hand-outs. Illegal aliens from Mexico want Americans to support their needs, whether it's welfare or healthcare, all at taxpayer expense. And when that doesn't happen, many resort to crime. ... As far as amnesty, it won't happen. Why? Because our legislators know that if this kind of legislation is passed, Mexicans will be heading for the border at break-neck speed. And "NO" this country will never "belong" to Mexicans, or Mexico, nor will it turn into Mexico. My question to Mexicans; why are you here? We obviously have our act together here, the greatest country on the planet.

dave from oceanside wrote on Apr 9, 2007 5:40 AM:An economic study just published on the cost of people with less then a high school education is very enlightening. It stated that high school dropouts cost the US over and above the taxes paid by the dropout $22,000.00 a year in welfare. I would bet that almost all of the current 12 million illegal’s do not have a doctorate, engineering, technical, or even a high school education. Most would not even pass the 8 grade level. These 12 million cost the US taxpayer $264,000,000,000.00 a year. Now with the above plans presented on illegal immigrants allowing relatives to be included in the amnesty, another 3,000,000 will enter the country. That’s another $66,000,000,000.00, or now a grand total of $330,000,000,000.00 a year!!!!!!!!!!! Unless we stop this we are all going to donate to the cause!

El Guero wrote on Apr 9, 2007 7:48 AM:All this talk about owning or living on land in Mexico begs the question: Why would you want to? Remember those poor American retirees who lost their homes in Punta Banda a few years ago? Mexico is possibly the most lawless nation in the hemisphere. You really have to be nuts to want to live there.

doncabo wrote on Apr 9, 2007 8:01 AM:As to Real Estate in Mexico and the "restricted zone" which IS 64 miles from the boarder and 32 miles from the coast line. The title document is called a Fideicomiso and it IS renewable every 50 years, FOREVER. It is NOT a lease; it is a TRUST and you are the beneficiary. You have complete control of the real estate and the same rights of use, and to sell, as a mexican citizen. The yearly cost of the Trust (bank fee) is $400 to $500. Your property taxes yearly are about $500 for a $400,000 house. Additionally, USA Title Insurence can be issued on your purchase through Stewart, First American etc. In the Interior Zone, you hold title in the same document as a Mexican. It is called an Escritura.

Cyril Charles wrote on Apr 9, 2007 8:24 AM:By allowing illegals to get work visas and subsequently green card, would eventually benefit both the american economy as they revenues in form of taxes, plus workforce.

Native American wrote on Apr 9, 2007 8:27 AM:To: Native American, i couldnt said it any better,we are the orginals!!!

andy wrote on Apr 9, 2007 8:28 AM:want to cick out them????? I am Gas Station owner. Need workers. 75% gas stations in nj hired illegal immigrants and demand is still arrising.Why? We can't pay $10 to $15 per hour and 5 days work for 5 hours a day. we need workers to stand in killin cold and snow for 12 hours and 7 days. coz gas profit is 5 to 7 cents per gallons. Big investment. Tried to hire us citizen. They couldn't work more than two days and left. There are lot of other tough jobs that citizen guys can't work. So u want to shut down all of these bussiness and kill US economy. Don,t be stupid. We need more labour. if they are hard worker. they have right to c their family. How long can a Citizen be apart from their kids, father, mother, sis, bro. I know lot of illegals have not saw their families for 3 to 20 years. IS THIS A REWARD FOR HARD WORKNG AND STRONG US ECONOMY

Mexican American Girl wrote on Apr 9, 2007 8:49 AM:As a 1st generation Mexican American I'm torn by both sides. On one side I see the Mexican side where most Mexicans soley come to work for there families, as my father crossed the border as part of the bracero program and my mother crossed illegally in the 60's, so to go against mexicans is to go against my parents. However, as I have grown up and been in the workforce I do see the other side. I work at an elementary school in Escondido, and when I see mexicans driving SUV's that cost more than what I make in a year and still receive free or reduce lunch makes me angry. While I have to pay full price from my 2 children and drive a modest car and for these things I work 40hrs a week. It is those mexicans that make other "illegal" Mexicans look bad and unfortunately their number is growing. Both my parents worked hard all their lives. My Mother became a U.S. citzen when she was 18 and she had to go to classes and learn english as well as my Father who became a U.S. citzen when he was 20. There are Mexicans whose sole purpose on coming here is to work for their families, but I feel they like every other person should pay taxes, should contribute to paying their healthcare and should be given the opportunity to fend for themselves. That is the problem we take away the need for a person to work hard to provide for their families that is what needs to be reformed. And finally, To those of you who will call me a traitor of Mexicans look around the ones who are betraying Mexicans are it's own people.

esteban wrote on Apr 9, 2007 8:56 AM:Most of the pro illegals seem to think that the anti illegals are racist against hispanics...but they forget that we live next to Mexico, so most of illegals that they deal with, and talk about are....MEXICAN!!!!! Waddya know!!!!!!!

Ken wrote on Apr 9, 2007 9:50 AM:It did not work in 1986, so why does anyone think that it will work in 2007? The law of the land should be followed and no other way should be accepted. NO AMNESTY period. Help our own people first and protect our country from the invasion from the south.

Mexican Xenophobia wrote on Apr 9, 2007 9:55 AM:To SanDiegoRaul. The trust bank owns the property, not the American! Paying an annual hefty bank fee is not the same as owning property fee simple. Let's look at California'a constitution: ARTICLE 1 DECLARATION OF RIGHTS, SEC. 20. 'Noncitizens have the same property rights as citizens.' Which is better. Which indicates xenophobia? Answer: Mexico's Constitution! As for Dual Citizenship, the US State Department's web site states: 'a person who is automatically granted another citizenship does not risk losing U.S. citizenship. However, a person who acquires a foreign citizenship by applying for it may lose U.S. citizenship. In order to lose U.S. citizenship, the law requires that the person must apply for the foreign citizenship voluntarily, by free choice, and with the intention to give up U.S. citizenship. Intent can be shown by the person's statements or conduct. The U.S. Government recognizes that dual nationality exists but does not encourage it as a matter of policy because of the problems it may cause. Claims of other countries on dual national U.S. citizens may conflict with U.S. law, and dual nationality may limit U.S. Government efforts to assist citizens abroad.' California has too many dual citizens whose allegiances are split. What is the character of a person born in America who runs to Mexico requesting citizenship, and then returns the US claiming to also be a US citizen, and avocating for illegal immigration and against immigration enforcement. To me, that person is playing Americans for fools.

I'm not an illegal wrote on Apr 9, 2007 10:01 AM:In understand the grief and anguish that is being portrayed by the majority of the Anglo Saxon community on this post, but please understand that not every person with dark hair and brown skin is an illegal alien. I myself am a second generation American that was born to Mexican parents that went through the proper channels and red tape in order to obtain their current legal resident status. Yet there have been times that I’m seeing as an illegal resident due to my physical appearance. As a proud American (as well as proud of my culture and heritage) I ask our Escondido residents not to label and judge people on their personal appearance, I for one have done as much for our community as any blond hair blue eyed person yet I feel that the appreciation that I have received has not being the same. I served on the arm forces during the envision of the Persian Gulf War in November of 1990, and I would do it again for the respect of MY country which is the USA, therefore I politely ask you to stop looking at me and any other person with a Latino appearance as an illegal.

To I am not Illegal wrote on Apr 9, 2007 10:21 AM:I too was born of "legal" Mexican Grandparents and am brown. You have to learn not to take illegal immigration personally. Hold your head up and be proud of your American heritage. I find the majority of "white" Americans are not so quick to judge. Don't let a few ruin your day or have that power. There is ignorance in all races. I enjoy dressing very casual but I do get a kick when I see people, white and brown assume I am Spanish speaking. It makes both sides open their eyes as I don't speak Spanish fluently and prefer to speak English. Never judge a book by it's cover. By the way I heard there will be another boycott May 1, they just don't learn. Why do they make it sound as though it is immigration and when it comes down to it, it is about illegal. What is so hard to understand???

Mexican Xenophobia wrote on Apr 9, 2007 10:23 AM:To El Guero. Here is the land connection to this article. In the 1986 amnesty, Mexican illegal immigrants could become permanent residents, and then US citizens. Some friends of mine only became permanent residents, but not US citizens. The only reason given to me was that Mexicans could own beachfront property, but American could not. (My friends did not own property in Mexico, they just dreamed of it once they got the money and time.) In the late 1990's, Mexico was losing many of its citizens to the US. So they changed their laws allowing dual citizenship, and allowing recent US citizens (from the 1986 amnesty) a time to reclaim their Mexican citizenship. Unlike 1986, where amnesty recipients had to be completely committed to become a US citizens, illegal immigrants from Mexico can now straddle the line, voting on both sides of the border and shifting their allegiances at will. I feel that giving amnesty and then citizenship to a person who will not commit their full allegiance to the US is unwise. This needs more attention in the immigration debate. The land issue just highlights Mexico's xenophobia against Americans. It is official government policy. It should be removed. I mention it here because the 1986 amnesty recipients were so torn by it before Mexico allowed dual citizenship a few years ago. Also, as you can see, most dual citizen's are so dedicated to their 'special' land privilege, they cannot see admit to the xenophobia of their other country of allegiance -- MEXICO!

To Ken FYI wrote on Apr 9, 2007 10:25 AM:It did not work in 1986 because at the time if you recall Reagan ordered Congress to reform immigration policies and they DID NOT DO IT. I think with immigration reform being fair, and practical we can legalize rather than criminalize. I say Amnesty for all those that are here in this Country then we will know exactly who they are and where they are. I say we deport those who have real criminal backgrounds, and move on. My goodness I don't think this takes a rocket scientist to figure this out. Congress needs to get moving before someone gets hurt.

El Guero wrote on Apr 9, 2007 10:40 AM:I think Raoul probably peeled potatoes in the Marines. We know he didn't have a high school education. Who else but an illiterate would claim that the U.S. and Mexico 'fought side by side in war against the Japanese and Germans'?

To Mexican Xenophobia wrote on Apr 9, 2007 11:01 AM:Americans cannot own property in the US either. Pay off your house, then stop paying the property taxes and see if you don't lose it.

El Guero wrote on Apr 9, 2007 11:15 AM:To Mexican Xenophobia: I couldn't agree more. 'Allegiance' will always be a problem with amnestied immigrants from Mexico who proudly profess their allegiance to the land of their birth and are reminded at every turn by 'their' government to 'think Mexico first.' Nothing better demonstrates this than the comments of SanDiegoRaoul himself, a native-born U.S. citizen who always 'thinks Mexico first.'

Way back in time wrote on Apr 9, 2007 11:19 AM:I had an American Uncle that did a lot of work on the beachfront, which I thought he owned, anyways the Mexican government came in after he was done and said he could not have it. He had to turn over the property to a Mexican National son-in-law. I wouldn't own land down there, as you never know when the governement will take it.

American woman wrote on Apr 9, 2007 11:53 AM:Who are you people??? You know what I mean, right? Why can't you write? Why can't you express yourselves in English? What happened to grammar and spelling? This is frightening! To 'Constitution is forever...' Ok smarty-pants, tell us all what purpose the BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP provision serves, now that all the slaves have been freed and their families afforded well-earned American citizenship? Just ONE reason...one good reason to allow the babies of illegal aliens the privilege of U.S. citizenship...please share your intelligence with us.

Jorge wrote on Apr 9, 2007 12:02 PM:Anti-Nazi, Ok, now FOCUS on what I am about to tell you. Clear your mind. Did you ever stop to think that the reason that Mexicans seem to be targeted in the illegal alien/open borders debate is that they enter this nation by the millions every year? Let's see...how many Irish folks blasted across the border last year? Or South Africans? Or maybe Russians? Do your homework. It's a waste of time to blog if you are poorly informed. Happy Resurrection.

RWS wrote on Apr 9, 2007 12:29 PM:I think that we should plug the leak at the border before we start talking about legalizing illegals. Yes I said illegals because that is what they are. If we keep allowing the steady stream of illegals to cross the border the United States might as well take over Mexico and let them all in.

ruby wrote on Apr 9, 2007 12:56 PM:No amnesty for any illegal's.......Make your demands to your great country. All American's should call ICE when they see your groups protesting on our streets. We have laws....... Tired of your gangs, sex offender's, drug offender's,crooks. Time to remove them from our towns by force...........No more welfare either or free medical.

I think wrote on Apr 9, 2007 1:30 PM:I believe most immigrants have strong ties to their mother country at first, but I believe that once most become educated and self-supporting without government aid, their hearts change. My grandparents came to the US legally and my family has no family ties to Mexico. Don't get me wrong, we enjoy Mariachi's, Mexican food and remembering stories, but you won't find a Mexican flag in our homes. My grandparents decided this is the country they wanted to belong to. The worked hard in the fields to provide without government help and never did I hear how great Mexico was for them. They taught us to take pride in ourselves as people and if you work hard you can achieve your goals. They taught us values and Respect. I am proud of who my Grandparents were, not where they were from.

oregon girl wrote on Apr 9, 2007 1:53 PM:To mexican american girl... I agree with your comments, and I am torn as well. I respect the efforts of your parents to become citizens through the proper channels. I work in labor and delivery and serve a large number of mexican patients, most of whom do not know english, and have recently crossed the border. I live in a predominately low-income, caucasion, meth-infested county. Half of the patients who deliver on our unit are on welfare. I, too, am disgusted by the 'SUVs' and other toys that these people apparently come by despite their 'elibility' for welfare. The inconsistencies in our country are something else! As far as work ethic goes, however, and speaking of my county alone, since that is where my experience is--I'd rather give a handout to a mexican family than a caucasion family. The mexican families in our communities are intact, and they work VERY hard. At least they are CONTRIBUTING something in labor. Many americans have squandered their inheritance, IMO. I was dismayed recently, though, when my brother-in-law, (one county over), told me of a very large multi-site meth lab bust in his area. They were mexican :-(. The whole problem is one huge complex web of a mess. I agree with your statement "That is the problem--we take away the need for a person to work hard to provide for their families--that is what needs to be reformed." This really is the crux of the matter, and it has been, and is, crippling our nation. It knows no gender, age, or race.

Silly conservatives wrote on Apr 9, 2007 2:38 PM:Just another example of conservatives "eating their own". They clamour for conservative candidates to take office, and then those they elect take a more moderate approach, leaving the rest of us to wonder, which are the bigger fools, those voting, or those voted, into office.

go home wrote on Apr 9, 2007 2:49 PM:Reading some of the comments posted, I see a civil war in the near future if this invasion of the USA isn't stopped and illegals arent deported. When are the poloticians gonna start listening to the American people and fight to get rid of these law breakers. I know there will be a no tolerance for amnesty because its been tried and killed every time, but there might be a path to citizenship for illegals, its called going to your own country and getting in line behind the immigrents already waiting. This is the way you become a legal citizen, its been done like this for ever, so illegals already here are no exception. Go home apply and pay the 4k or don't come here , simply. This bill will pass and illegals that decide not to go home and stay here illegally will be deported and our country will prosper.

Ron of Knightwatch wrote on Apr 9, 2007 3:26 PM:Ever seen a Mexican advocating for an American? Neither have I.

jeffreytg wrote on Apr 9, 2007 3:32 PM:I do appreciate the history lessons re the Mexican War. But, lets be honest here- if there was not a Mexican war and what we now call California, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and even Texas were at this moment part of Mexico and not the US, there would be millions of illegal immigrants from those areas sneaking into Oregon, Colorado, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and the other border states from mexico. The issue is not the Land- the issue is the culture of Mexico. Had the Mexican war never been fought- do the la Raza folks honestly belive that Intel would be located in Santa Clara and Qualcomm in San Diego today? No way, they would not be located in Mexico- they would be in the US.

Republican Minority wrote on Apr 9, 2007 4:26 PM:This is really funny, hilarious: A republican congressmen explaining to democrats what they should do to defend Democrat's majority. Is this bilbray person interested on keeping the democrat's majority? Yeah, right: Democrats, vote against this law to keep your majority, said the REPUBLICAN. hahaha Independently of what you think about the immigration issue, let's agree, this is hilarious.

David wrote on Apr 9, 2007 4:33 PM:"Hello. This is a recording. Press '1' for English. Press '2' for deportation". Thank you for calling.

To David 4:33 PM wrote on Apr 9, 2007 5:55 PM:Here's another one: "Hello, this is America. If you speek English, we'll be with you in a moment. If you don't, hang up and call back when you can."

Come on!!!! wrote on Apr 9, 2007 6:54 PM:Face the facts Mexico is a great, wonderful Country. It has oil, beautiful beaches, and is a great tourist spot. So, what are you illegal aliens doing breaking into our Country? Please take your Mexican flags and your protests back home to the Country you love.

And wrote on Apr 9, 2007 7:03 PM:All of our Politicians both Republican and Democrats need to listen to the PEOPLE, (American Citizens.) We want the borders closed. Illegals deported, illegal employers fined, slum landlords fined. No more free money for illegals or their children. No more free medical care. No more illegal crime and graffiti. Once the jobs, housing, free food and medical care stop they will go home If they do not then they should be deported. Go home and get in line like the good immigrants do.

also to David wrote on Apr 9, 2007 7:07 PM:If you are illegal press "1" for no jobs. If you are illegal press "2" for no freebies.

John to ALLLLL wrote on Apr 9, 2007 7:50 PM:All of you blame the immigrants for everything that's bad over here .They take your job ,they don't speak english ,they don't have education...Well i'm not sure if thats always the case ...None of you knows what an immigrant has to do if he wants to come here LEGALY ...Well let me tell you IT'S ALMOUST IMPOSIBLE... of course only for them .If you as americans try to go somme other place that's no problem .You can go .Just buy the plane ticket and have a nice trip... If even the irish people are here illegal think about it ....The curent immigration law is not working ...

Robert24 wrote on Apr 9, 2007 8:43 PM:I think wrote on April 09, 2007 1:30 PM:"I believe most immigrants have strong ties to their mother country at first, but I believe that once most become educated and self-supporting without government aid, their hearts change. My grandparents came to the US legally and my family has no family ties to Mexico. Don't get me wrong, we enjoy Mariachi's, Mexican food and remembering stories, but you won't find a Mexican flag in our homes. My grandparents decided this is the country they wanted to belong to. The worked hard in the fields to provide without government help and never did I hear how great Mexico was for them. They taught us to take pride in ourselves as people and if you work hard you can achieve your goals. They taught us values and Respect. I am proud of who my Grandparents were, not where they were from. " This post is excellent! They get it!! Why can't everybody else understand that?! Thank you, "I think", for being here, and for your family for doing it right!

Real Debate wrote on Apr 9, 2007 8:46 PM:Do illegal immigrants get counted in apportionment of representative districts after the 2010 census? Who gets to vote for the illegal immigrants? In other words, are hispanic illegal immigrants gerrymandered into hispanic districts so that hispanic representatives are guaranteed for the district?

To John wrote on Apr 9, 2007 10:07 PM:So if it's hard to come here legally then it's OK to break into our Country? Don't you see how illogical that is? There are many immigrants who wait in line to come here legally instead of breaking the law.. They are the good honest immigrants that we want. Our laws could work if Bush and the pro-illegals would let law enforcement do their job. And let's not forget Ramos and Compean, pressure Bush to pardon those two good Border Patrol Agents.

Greg in Oceanside wrote on Apr 9, 2007 10:58 PM:I ask Ed Sifuentes, why do you slant a vast majority of your articles towards illegal aliens and amnesty? The message is clear, Americans are opposed to any form of amnesty. The reasons are too numerous to list in this forum, but we all know the bottom line; amnesty would only encourage Mexicans and Hispanics from Central and South America to come here in droves, further diminishing our quality of life. If you need proof, just go to the FBI's Most Wanted Violent Crime - Murders ... We know the truth, it cannot be ignored any longer.

Lisa wrote on Apr 9, 2007 11:33 PM:When my grandparents came to this country in the early 1900s, they waited their turn and came LEGALLY, they became US citizens, they assimilated. They NEVER demanded anything be in their native language, they studied and learned ENGLISH. Today we cater to Hispanics and other groups by having signs, ads, ballots, etc., in their native language. I also speak Spanish, learned it by studying it and by total immersion in the language while living in Mexico. A very effective method. Look at the Russian ice skaters. Most come to the U.S. and can't speak a word of English. Within a year they are speaking it rather well because, in my opinion, they have not become dependent upon everything being translated into Russian for them. With controlled immigration, the U.S. has, in the past, been able to absorb many different cultures and they in turn have been able to assimilate. But our balance has been destoyed by the huge influx of Mexican illegals. And from what I see, they don't want to assimilate or learn our language. Everywhere I go, signs are in English and Spanish, Spanish is spoken by the employees, be they union workers at the grocery store, roofers, store clerks, hospital staff. I am beginning to feel like a foreigner in my own country. What about people from other nations who would like to come here and would contribute to our rich diversity but cannot because they are being displaced by Hispanics? Our "melting pot" had suddenly become all one flavor. My friend in Vegas had to sell her home that she had for 25 years because of the now Hipanic neighborhood made her feel like she didn't belong. They did not like it that she objected to their Ranchera music blasting all weekend. They hated that she has 2 dogs. They parked their junk cars on her grass. They didn't keep up their properties, kids ran wild, formed gangs, threatened people and damaged property. She is one of the most reasonable and responsible persons I have ever known, and when they repeatedly just refused to try to compromise, she sold her house. If our country keeps going the way it is going, there is going to be another Mexican-American war. Why aren't the Americans out there protesting, marching and demanding? Mexico is a great country, her people need to take action down there and solve some problems instead of coming to the U.S and trying to turn us into the kind of place you just ran from. Clean it up, then go back home.

sandiegoraoul wrote on Apr 10, 2007 12:35 PM:Poor Little El Guero and exican Xenophobia--They think I'm nuts for stating that Mexicans fought side by side with Americans in WWII. Mexico declared war on Germany and Japan in 1942. Let's see--two Mexican citizens were awarded the Medal of Honor while fighting in France. Mexican pilots from the Aguila Squadron, a Mexican Air Force unit, fought in the Philippines under General Douglas McCarthur. They trained at San Antonio and their planes had Mexican green, white and red markings. One of the pilots earned ace status. Only one was lost in combat, Two more squadrons were training when the war ended. At the request of the United States, Mexico rounded up Italian, Japanese and German citizens and turned them over to the United States who placed them in concentration camps in crystal City, Texas. As for Mexican xenophobia's complaint about "dual-citizenship," he makes an ignorant mistake. Mexico made "dual nationality" legal for sons, daughters and grandchildren of Mexican citizens, not dual "citizenship. These people he complains about cannot vote in Mexican elections. He's so biased against Mexicans he as to make up things that simply don't exist. And, how does he explain that American title insurance companies write title policies on beachfront condos and residences in Mexico bought by Americans. Me thinks he doesn't know much about real estate. I hope that my English is acceptable to thsoe who think all Mexicans can't or won't speak or write in English.

john wrote on Apr 11, 2007 2:21 AM:Oh boy, now were debateing the undebatebale,To that MECha pride rocket scientist, Si. we won the place in a war,Remember?besides, this area belonged to Spain not Mexico.And NO ya cant have it back without a fight, which you will loose.we of all colors promise that.

Mexican Xenophobia wrote on Apr 11, 2007 8:56 AM:To sandiegoraul, did you vote in Mexico's presidential election last year? Did you vote in America's elections last November? If not, could you have?

Aztec Peace Mission wrote on Apr 11, 2007 10:00 AM:San Diego Raoul minces words. Mexico needs to soften its attitudes toward Americans. Its constitution is for another time. Americans need to accept a global market. More nations will benefit from its efforts.

Reform Right!! wrote on Apr 12, 2007 11:52 AM:Why do we need them (ILLEGALS)? I have the perfect solution for it all!! First off we don't need them don't need them to work the fields. cALIFORNIA IS A RIGHT TO WORK STATE! Use the Prison system to benefit the U.S. If a convict goes to prison and sy's he wants to work in prison, and they have no job for him/her they stil get one(1) day off for of thier sentence for each day served. Let them work the fields, and have the farmers pay the State for the labor, and let the State pay the prisnors. This would be a Win Win sitution for all, and we could finally get rid of those Wet backs, and stop the need of them being here. Also if they truly want tobe here and want Amniesty, why doesn't congress put them in the Marine/Army so that they can show their TRUE PATRIOTISM AND DIE FOR THIS COUNTRY LIKE SO MANY CITIZENS???? tHAT'S WHAT IT MEANS TO BE AND AMERICAN!!!!!

GOOD NEWS wrote on Apr 14, 2007 7:48 AM:It has been reported in the NCT that a new poll in California says that most Californians want Illegal Aliens to have a path to Citizenship. We Californians want Amnesty, and we embrace all Illegals who learn English, pay their taxes, and stay out of trouble. Yeah Right! http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2007/04/11/news/top_stories/1_33_114_10_07.txt

27 VEHICLES IMPOUNDED IN JUST 2 1/2 HOURS wrote on Apr 14, 2007 2:09 PM:THAT IS JUST INCREDIBLE! This story should be front page news. Doesn't anyone here see a problem when 27 cars can be impounded in less than 3 hours? How many people are driving in Escondido without Insurance and licenses? That would be enough for me to move my family out of town. What happened to rights and safety for American Citizens? It is time to stop looking the other way in Escondido. ESCONDIDO HAS A VERY REAL AND SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH ILLEGAL ALIENS. http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2007/04/12/news/inland/escondido/16_27_104_11_07.txt