Wow wrote on May 24, 2007 1:46 PM:I couldn't have said it better myself. This Congress, Democrats and Republicans are as do nothing as the old one.

Rob wrote on May 24, 2007 2:03 PM:The federal government has never tried to truly secure the border. Securing the border would be a cake walk for the nation that successfully implemented the Manhattan Project then successfully conducted a manned round-trip journey to the Moon. The federal government must secure the border before any immigration reform occurs. Border (homeland) security should never be tied to broader reform and used as leverage to obtain same. Half-hearted attempts and photo ops of GW Bush in a dune buggy in Yuma do not rise to the level of truly trying to secure the border. Now is the time for the federal government to restore credibility by enforcing laws that are on the books, starting with the completion of the border fence extension mandated by Congress last year. How can the American People trust that the enforcement and security provisions of the Senate's "Grand Bargain" will actually be enforced. The federal government must regain the trust and confidence of We The People.

Reardon wrote on May 24, 2007 9:13 PM:Been there, done that! It was called the Simpson-Mazzoli bill of 1986 -- and, with the single exception of the Guest Worker Program, this is the same bill, redux. The feds have not sealed the border, as they promised in the S-M Bill 20 years ago, although the Bill is still on the books and could have been done on any of the 7,200 days since the Bill became law! The employer sanctions were part of the existing S-M Bill -- enforce it! The increased Border security -- that has been on the books for the same 7,200 days! I'm sorry, but the lack of enforcement on items that are already law -- and have been law for 7,200 days, and have been ignored for 7,200 days through Democrat and Republican administrations and Congresses, does not leave me with warm and fuzzy feelings about the seriousness of THIS bill. Tell me why it should?

dale wrote on May 25, 2007 4:09 AM:It appears to me that no politician is interested in what we the people want. You may see different fiscal policies from each party, but thats all. Stopping illegal immigration would be terribly simple if that was the desired result. Politicians say what they believe will get them elected. apparently its our job to figure what they mean.

El Jefe wrote on May 25, 2007 8:54 AM:It really is sad that we get so enthused about supporting & voting for candidates that we feel will best represent us & who claim to have our best interest at heart only to see them vote in their own best interest for political & economic gain. Now there is even talk about not completing the border fence. Has anyone noticed that Israel has not had a single suicide bomber incident since completing their fence?

Madam Patriot wrote on May 25, 2007 9:16 AM:Well said Rob. I agree with you.

Simple Answer wrote on May 25, 2007 9:35 AM:I am so sick and tired of hearing only two choices on this issue. Amnesty or deportation. There is a third choice, but sadly that doesn't serve the needs of La Raza, big business. the Democratic party or Bush's plans for a North American Union. That choice is attrition through enforcement. We don't need new laws, just enforce those that we currently have. We have employer sanctions that were part of the 86' amnesty bill. If those were enforced and non citizens could not get employment, they would self deport over the next 5-10 years. Of course we need a guest worker program for crops but do we really need them to take our contruction, retail, meat processing jobs etc and eventually take over the trucking industry also. When ICE raided a meat processing plant and rounded up 1000 illegals the residents of that town cheered and were lined up the next day to apply for those jobs. What this is all about is driving down wages in the US to level the playing field so that when the borders with Mexico and Canada are opened the consequences won't be quite as devastating. The later is Bush's motivation. Democrats see an eventual lock on the Presidency the Senate and Congress when these immigrants become legal and vote for them. Sadly, the losers are the US citizens and taxpayers (an estimated 2.2 trillion to inact this legislation) and the state of California. Any idea who the next Governor will be? Most probably the Hispanic Mayor of Los Angeles.

New Law?! wrote on May 25, 2007 10:35 AM:As a previous poster said, the laws to enforce are ALREADY on the books. Use THOSE LAWS to enforce illegal immigration. If you go after the employers as the law requires there would be no jobs for Illegals to get! Build the fence and close the border down to illegal immigration on all of our borders, then let's talk about a guest worker program. Why don't we get a deportaion bill in congress? The only thing this bill does is invite more illegals across our borders, and invites the employers of these poeple to be taken advantage of further. Our Congress should be ashamed of themselves, they are perpetuating the abuse of these people who will work for substandard wages by allowing them to come here illegally. Unfortunately as soon as you give amnesty to these millions of illegals, what you have is a huge population of unskilled labor that will have the right organize (can you say UNION), as well as those across the border that will come and work for substandard wages. Congratulations Congress, you just doubled our trouble!

I second that wrote on May 25, 2007 10:41 AM:To Simple Answer: You are right on target!!! I keep wondering how the word Illegal got changed to "un-documented", let's call a spade a spade and enforce our laws. USA has wonderful program for immigrants to become citizens, follow the rules and we would love to have you NO MATER what your race is… don’t follow the rules… we will send you home!

No Pitty!!!! wrote on May 25, 2007 10:58 AM:I have absolutely no pitty for any Senator, Congressman or President that puts the interests of big business and foriegn nationals before the interests of the US citizens that elected them. They were put into office to enforce our laws.

Simple wrote on May 25, 2007 12:13 PM:All our politicians are phoney. When they take an oath of office they have sworn to uphold our laws. Ha, what a laugh! Secure our borders, deport the gang and drug smugglers, and then we will figure out what to do with all the other illegals here.

Dave wrote on May 25, 2007 4:43 PM:We are here in this situation right where the government wanted us to be: going through another attempt to give amnesty to illegal aliens. The policy of the government, especially the Republicans,seems to be "we give up". What the American people want is enforcement and attrition back to Mexico, not another amnesty.

Bill wrote on May 25, 2007 5:17 PM: FATHER KNOWS BEST So, why is it that we have an employment pool vacuum which results in the USA gov't turning a blind eye to undocumented/illegal workers? Why are the forces in the Senate trying to hijack the rights of American workers? Here's one place we could have legally filled the employment rosters with US citizens... Our celebration of a women's "right" to terminate pregnancies has resulted in an annualized abortion rate of 1 million each year (USA). I find it tragically ironic that now we must turn a blind eye to illegal immigration as our work force is aging. We need more able and willing employees to do manual labor. It is estimated that we have over 15 million illegal immigrants in the USA and get this; we estimate successful illegal border crossings a rate of 1 million per year (where did I see that 1 million number before?). Perhaps, back when Roe v. Wade was decided, had we not opted to unleash the unmitigated abortion genie, maybe we would have enough young workers today. If these workers were American Citizens as opposed to the less politically empowered illegal aliens, we may have entry-level wages that don't subjugate an entire class of people to impoverishment. The consequence of the current dynamic is the largest rift between the "haves" from the "have not's" since the roaring twenties...and we know how that movie ended (The Great Depression). Oh, by the way, don't look now but that Social Security Check that you are counting on in about 2022, may not be there. The work force v. retiree ratio has been turned upside down by rising average ages and lower birth rates reduced further by abortion on demand. God does have a sense of humor; he just delivers the punch line on a different timetable. The sins of the father are visited upon the son...or so it seems!

Reply to Bill wrote on May 25, 2007 8:02 PM:While abortion has had an effect on our population, so has the fact that to make ends meet generally, both parents need to work. It is difficult for working parents to raise large families and pay child care expenses so they opt for one or two children. Interestly, Germany has the same problem but their solution was smart and cost efficient. They offered working women $2,000 per month for 18 months to stay home and have a child. They also pay for day until school age. It's working and they won't have a permanent poor unclass to support.

TRANSPLANT wrote on May 26, 2007 6:36 AM:WHAT PART OF I-L-L-E-G-A-L ALIEN DOES THE GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS NOT UNDERSTAND ???

Reardon wrote on May 26, 2007 6:20 PM:To Simple Answer: Concur. Enforcement of existing laws is the middle ground between deportation and Amnesty...and it is a slow and humane answer. Unfortunately, we have police chiefs who are selective -- they help enforce federal bank robbery laws but refuse to enforce immigration laws -- and we have cities who declare themselves as "Sanctuary Cities." If the remainder of the country would enforce existing laws, those "Sanctuary Cities" would soon fill to overflowing with all of the attendant problems, and one-by-one they would either join the Rule of Law, or fall into ruin. November 6, 1986 was the date the laws were put on the books – and neither Democrats nor Republicans, in the White House or Congress, has enforced the law.

Nick wrote on May 27, 2007 10:07 AM:Ron Paul in 2008!

Sylvia S. wrote on May 28, 2007 6:38 PM:Why is the government of Mexico is directing American immigration policy? Could it be because of their oil? Perhaps the Mexican President told the Bush administration that unless we allow unrestricted immigration from Mexico they will raise oil drilling royalties on Big Oil, a la Hugo Chavez. And you see what a fuss our Government is making over that. Sometime it sounds like they're ready to attack Venezuela. Why else would our government allow the leader of a foreign country to direct our policy? Our leaders are frightened, sniveling cowards. They are too afraid to pass any immigration bills, they might offend someone.

Rob wrote on May 29, 2007 11:24 AM:As a follow up to my comment above, it is quite clear that the federal government is not serious about securing the border. Just today, President Bush proclaimed, that the proposed immigration legislation, "makes it more likely we can enforce our border — and at the same time uphold the great immigrant tradition of the United States of America." "MAKES IT MORE LIKELY," is pretty weak language seriously lacking committment. And politicians wonder why the American People have lost confidence in them. How about some real leadership for a change? Why not offer assurances such as, "I, as President of the United States, promise the American People that the borders of our great nation will be secured before any other provisions of the proposed legislation are implemented."? The answer is: because George W. Bush has no desire to actually secure the border. Please call your Senators and congressional representatives to demand border security first. This is not a joke, we are at war and we cannot continue to ostensibly outsource border security to the Mexican government due to our own failure to act.

Reardon wrote on May 29, 2007 12:42 PM:Today is the 7,490th day since the Simpson-mazzoli Bill directed the security of the Border, and the enforcement of employer sanctions against hiring illegal aliens. 7,490...and counting. But, today, we have a new promise from President Bush to enforce border security -- and he wouldn't lie, would he?

kobtr wrote on May 29, 2007 1:42 PM:go kobe!

Charles S wrote on May 29, 2007 6:20 PM:I think we should keep the illegal aliens and deport all the politicians.

Sylvia wrote on May 29, 2007 6:33 PM:I think I'd like to go to Mexico using a false ID, buy up land, rent it out, and not pay taxes on the profit.

John wrote on May 30, 2007 2:21 AM:Silvia ,if ya did that in Mexico you would be hunted down and deported. Its Mexican imigration law. The answer to this is easier than our so called Reps. are makeing this. First close the border, Than go after the employers who hire theese people.Put them out of business. JAIL THE BUSINESS OWNERS , TAKE THER ASSETS.Problem solved.The whole problem with out political system is most if our so called reps are Lawyers. Ya want to mess something up... get a Lawyer involved.

June wrote on May 30, 2007 9:36 AM:We are facing the worst attack since 9/11. When these oily politicians get everyone in Mexico over here, we will no longer have the country our forefathers intended. Just as Europe has become, we will be a balkanized nation of vaious languages, traditions and cultures. I cannot think what has become more important to the authors of this insane proposal to make them forget their honor, patriotism and loyalty to their country and their own people.

Uh, Rob? wrote on May 30, 2007 4:38 PM:You asked:..."How about some real leadership for a change? Why not offer assurances such as, "I, as President of the United States......"---Well, El Presidente Bush DID show some leadership....back in March....in MEXICO....when he said, "My pledge to you and your government, but more important to the people of Mexico, is I’ll work as hard as I possibly can to pass comprehensive immigration reform," Mr. Bush said during an arrival ceremony that opened two days of meetings with Mexican President Felipe Calderon in this Yucatan Peninsula.----See? He shows leadership---just not to America.

Russ wrote on May 30, 2007 8:05 PM:Mexico just had a presidential election, and the oligarchy's candidate a bland status-quo buraeucrat just barely won. Maybe if the millions of Mexicans living here had stayed at home, they could have voted in TRUE CHANGE in their miserably corrupt country, so they'd finally get an equitable society where familes DO NOT NEED to head to "el Norte" to usurp jobs from OUR people; they'd have their own!

to Sylvia wrote on May 30, 2007 9:35 PM:You're awesome...sign me up for your team. You are right on the money...honey.

Tom wrote on May 31, 2007 7:49 AM: don't you think its time the 'elected" started representing the American citizen? I vote and I'm voting NO AMNESTY.

el mexicano wrote on May 31, 2007 8:28 AM:I was born in Mexico, have lived in the US since 1964 and I am proud of my Mexican heritage but I am an American first. Having said that, I am ashamed of Mexico and of my compatriots who refuse to learn english, break the laws of the US and see it only as an extension of Mexico. They demand rights they don't have in Mexico, fly the Mexican flag and spit in the eye of the dumb Gringo while enjoying the benefits some citizens don't have.

Lindy wrote on Jun 1, 2007 9:29 AM:I believe it is a very sad state of affairs when 'we the people' feel that for many of us vanishing into a bi-culture that for those of us natives and that have lived here for over 50 years was not anything that we bargained for when we were born here and at that time a one language nation. That is what kept us united despite our own ancestors coming from many parts of the world to come to America. THEY ALL LEARNED ENGLISH! Neither my husband or myself claim to be Irish American, German American, Finish American or Scotch American ( we are a mix of all 4) and neither one of us WANT to fly our heritage flags. WE ARE AMERICANS AND ARE PROUD OF IT! WE FLY THE AMERICAN FLAG AND SPEAK THE LANGUAGE OF ENGLISH! I recently discovered some shocking information that I think most people are not even aware of. Many who use illegals for their own landscaping needs, house cleaning, etc. are not even aware of the liability that they are putting themselves into. In addition, for those that hire contractors who are either licensed or not and verbally indicate to you upon your agreement to do the work at you home that they are 'insured', are actually not. Not for you anyway. Their general insurance usually covers damage to your property ONLY! Workman's Compensation covers injury, loss of life, loss of wages. But here is the real kicker. It is against the law to provide Workman's Comp to any illegal. And if found out, it is considered insurance fraud and they can be prosecuted and go to jail! In addtion, if any illegal worker is arrested on your property, YOU can be fined up to $3000.00 per individual and YOU can spend up to 1 year in jail plus property seized in some cases! Workman's Compensation covers NO ONE unless they are legal. So that means that if you hire an illegal for any kind of work including hiring a contractor who EMPLOYS illegals YOU are responsible for their injury, death or loss of wages while doing work on your own property. And here is another kicker...most of our home owners insurance policies do not cover any illegals either! They are considered to be in the act of a crime (here illegally) and insurance companies are not bound to honor those injuries, etc! How about that as another eye opener! I don't think most people are aware of this and sadly, in our community there are 3 licensed landscape contractors and all of them admit they use illegals for all of their work and that leaves all of us who are older to do the work ourselves. My husband and I would gladly pay anyone just about anything to do the yardwork as we are both older, but unfortunately cannot find anyone that is legal, has Workman's Comp and that is licensed. So we will continue to do the yardwork ourselves and our proud of that fact. I agree with those that wrote in about the meat processing plants when ICE came in and 1000 were arrested. And the next day, many of the citizens of that community were lined up for their jobs. AMEN to that one and I believe the same would happen across this great country of ours. Our local landscape people say they need to charge $30.00 per hour 'to break even' knowing now, that they don't even provide Workman's Compensation when they say they do. Bold face liars and cheats! WE NEED TO TAKE OUR JOBS BACK FROM ILLEGALS ONCE AND FOR ALL. Those that come to the USA legally are welcome to become legal through the legal processes and learn our language of English, fly our American flag and assimilate and acculturate into our country. They should not attempt to bring their country into ours or bring USA dollars into Mexico without paying their fair share of taxes here first! But do they? I think not. I am sure we are all sick to death of paying taxes and paying for those who do not pay their fair share. Remember the boiling frog science class lesson? The water was warm and gradually became hotter and hotter. When the frog had a chance to jump out he didn't? And then as the water became hotter and hotter he became more and more lethargic and died? Well look around you and look in the mirror folks! It is boiling time.

Bill wrote on Jun 1, 2007 3:51 PM:Impeach El Presidente High Crimes and Misdemeanors The chess pieces on the political landscape seem to be aligned against John Q and Jane Q Public. A political perfect storm of “rhinos”, “demos”, “big business” and “non-citizen radicals” have found a common ground on “immigration deform”. Fear not there still is hope for the now disenfranchised 75% of U.S. Citizens who have been left nearly voiceless and worst called unenlightened bigots by this administration. Here is the 4 tier strategy to pull America out of the Alice in Wonderland rabbit hole. 1) Be Legal Obstructionists, for the next 83 weeks of the Bush Presidency leverage the few sane legislators left to block any attempt by this Perfect Storm crowd to turn chaos into anarchy. Buy us time through stubborn blocking of any comprehensive legislation that requires that we trust an untrustable President on the issue of border security and interior enforcement until we can place a candidate in the White House who will get the job done. We may not be able to get the borders sealed, but we can turn back some of the tide by keeping President Bush from his last gasp at a "legacy of invasion". 2) Back Duncan Hunter, Tom Tancredo, or Fred Thompson the only reason the pundits are saying these candidates don’t have a chance is that we buy off on the need to pick an odds on favorite. All these guys need is a little momentum and the ISSUE rises to the top even if the candidate doesn’t. 3) Write your Senators and ask to Impeach President Bush for failing to fulfill his role as the chief law enforcement officier. His obstruction of law enforcement namely; the Border Patrol intimidation tactics and anemic interior enforcement is a crime. No, Boxer and Feinstein aren’t going to do a thing but help Bush (amazing Irony) but it will keep the thought ever present in their minds. 4) In any future election cycle, make this a front and center issue. A litmus test and flush anyone who won’t sign up as being on the “protect and defend” side of this issue. (Meaning protect American workers from sub-standard wages and defend the nation from unmitigated illegal border crossings).

To Bill, wrote on Jun 2, 2007 12:23 PM:I agree with much of what you say. I want a candidate who will work to stop illegal aliens from invading our Country and who will stop free money, jobs and schools for illegals. Who will not follow Bush blindly into the hell that is Iraq. The candidate must be well rounded on issues not an ideologue who wants to take away a woman's right to choose or not give equal rights to homosexuals. In other words, not like Bush.

Des111 wrote on Jun 2, 2007 12:45 PM:I agree the existing laws are not enforced. The politicians on both sides of the aisle are selling out the legal citizens of the United States. My family moved here in 1968. It was and is an honor and a privilege to be legal citizens of this country. We obeyed the laws and followed the rules. To allow criminals to walk into our country use our education and health care and social services without paying for them and at the expense of our society, and then to grant them legal status is deplorable. Existing laws have to be enforced!!

Greg in Oceanside wrote on Jun 3, 2007 1:42 AM:I have a real problem with people who are here illegally and they apply for citizenship. What income taxes have these people paid? How much of a drain on our country have they been and what are they doing to 'contribute' rather than take from our resources? Well, I got news for everyone; this isn't a good deal for any of us who have worked hard and paid taxes and "paid our dues" to be where we're at. Illegal aliens who are applying for citizenship are criminals first, and now we're supposed to wave a wand and grant them citizenship? Not in my book.

Stephan wrote on Jun 4, 2007 7:51 AM:The people are finally learning what politicians have known for years.... do nothing and you get re-elected. Whenever you DO something while in office, someone gets hurt or angry. Even if 95 percent of your constituents are happy with what you did, there are still that 5 percent that will be angry about your actions. Most efforts do not satisfy 95 percent of the people, so you can quickly see that the less you do, the less people you tick off. That is why after a politician is elected, the most effective re-election strategy there is, is to do NOTHING AT ALL. You anger the least amount of people and are assured of election. THINK ABOUT IT....

Greg in Oceanside wrote on Jun 4, 2007 12:46 PM:It's high-time people look at the current group of politicians who are taking a stand AGAINST ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION, and vote for them. Then, we need to hold their 'feet to the fire' to ensure they live up to their campaign promises.

Fred wrote on Jun 4, 2007 10:21 PM:Simple solution. Enforce a $10,000 fine, per person, for employing an illegal, and $50,000 per person for employing more than ten. JUST enforce this. Virtually ALL problems would be solved. Make possession of fake ID a 'mandatory' felony, 1st offense two years in prison and deportation, 2nd offense, five years 'mandatory' sentence, just like drugs. Would solve a lot of identity theft problems. No politician has the [nerve] to do this, until the revolution comes ... and don't kid yourself, it IS coming. God help us all then.

I agree, wrote on Jun 6, 2007 9:14 AM:With Fred, you are right on. I would add to that list -- fines or forfeiture for slum landlords who rent to illegals and let three or four families live in one apartment. No jobs, no housing, no schools, no free money, no free medical care, no drivers licenses, no free anything, Presto NO illegals. Please don't split up families, let them all go back together. Give each person five hundred dollars for transportation and food. In the end that will save billions of taxpayers money.

Kristie wrote on Jun 6, 2007 11:04 AM:Go to [Web site] and see how all of the elected officals have voted on illegal immigration. Issa, Bilbray and Hunter all have A grades while Boxer and Feinstein have a C- and Filner has a F Take a look at who you want in office to secure your borders and enforce immigration. I'll take the "A" leaders and get rid of the rest.

John to Bill wrote on Jun 6, 2007 3:41 PM:Abolish abortion and have a million more births? Gee, in no time we could generate a poverty-stricken population just like Mexico's.

Stewart in Oceanside wrote on Jun 6, 2007 11:53 PM: The solution is simple. Pass a law that requires the State (who won't enforce immigration or border law) to be libel through law suit for those Americans injured either through assault, fraud, or car accident by those illegally in the country. Next pass a law that employers may be sued by employees and prospective empoyees for employing illegals which drives down their wages and takes jobs rightly for Americans. Then tax the HELL out of money transfers to Mexico and latin America by their ex-patriots. This might pay a fraction of the expenses to house, feed and educate the poor of South America. Now is the time to write your Congress person and Senators Feinstein and Boxer and let them know that your voting against them come next election. Also you whiners out there. Get off your ... and march in the streets just like the illegals do and let those multi-millionaire representatives of your districts know that you are the boss and not those big corporate sponsers. Thats also why they are shoving this immigration bill through so fast. They know your pissed and that if they do not hurry they will be out on their butts next election cycle. Once it's done it's law. Wake up and smell the third world because it's 15 million today. Once they are legal their 10 direct relatives will be here looking for their Welfare and Social Security checks. You better start working over time more to support them. Also remember that we will be making Muslim illegals, legal and that their Christian hating relatives eligable to immigrate to the USA. Just look at France and England and the problems they have, we're not far behind. It's liberal suicide for the USA. God bless America

Fair is Fair wrote on Jun 7, 2007 11:46 PM:No Amesty. Sign Up. Get in Line. Wait your Turn. No Rewards. Simple.

To John to Bill, wrote on Jun 8, 2007 9:21 AM:If you add to that the Catholic Church telling people not to use birth control we could have billions of more people on earth. More people to fight in Bush's war. More illegal aliens to invade our Country.

Betty wrote on Jun 8, 2007 10:48 AM:We already have the laws on the books to stop this invasion of illegal aliens no matter were they come from. It is already illegal to hire illegal aliens. If the existing hiring laws were enforced the illegal aliens would go home for lack of a job. Build a fence secure our borders our young men and women are dieing in Iraq to secure their country and borders. How insane are our leaders? But this is common sence and our elected representatives and president could care less about the average citizen. They are working on their own agenda and have been for years. It know longer matters if you vote republican or democrat it is the same party bought and paid for.It was Clinton who gave us nafta and it was sold as helping the mexican worker so they can make a good living in mexico and will not come here. Of course it did nothing but export good paying jobs (china took most jobs). Bush wants to finish us off with the invasion of mexicans for his NORTH AMERICAN UNION ... so we can dissolve our borders and be one big happy family with mexico and canada this is treason! Bush and any congress person who votes yes on this amnesty bill are guilty of treason. The chamber of commerce national and local associations are also part of the cabal to encourage the invasion. The main stream media have promoted this invasion for years. IT IS TIME FOR AMERICAN CITIZENS TO WAKE UP TO THE FACTS OUR COUNTRY IS IN REAL TROUBLE. Start doing your own research on line (the only place left were you can find the truth) google north american union, spp.gov, info wars, jones report and make up your own mind. P.S. talk radio left and right are no longer reliable truth tellers.

Bill ... wrote on Jun 8, 2007 10:57 AM:The jobs americas don't want... aging population... I keep hearing this and it drives me nuts every time I hear it. First of all, you can make any job into a job that an American doesn't want if you make the conditions poor enough, and the relative pay bad enough. Strawman arguements of $5 lettuce don't hold up if you divide even $20/hour by the number of heads of lettuce you could pick in an hour. Second, history has shown that business constantly makes a trade against the prevailing wage rates for a particular operation, and the cost of automation or semi-automation of that process. If I can get a person that will work for $1/hr and never complain, why would I invest $100k in a harvesting machine? This is part of the reason why cotton is picked by machine today. People said it was impossible; we needed to a have a permanent underclass to pick cotton. How about this for an idea, California enforce the lays that the feds will not. Enforcement activities paid for by fines against those ripping off the taxpayers. Business makes the same trade as they do for automation, the benefit of hiring illegal labor agsint the penalty and probability of being caught. Increase probability or penalty, or both, and business makes the right decision, unless of course it cheaper to pay off our elected "representitives".

Minerva wrote on Jun 8, 2007 12:07 PM:Immigration debate is good for politicians- the only outcome is re-election.This country has 300 million people and is headed for a population of 500 million. I liked it better at 200. So budge over! Let's cover our farmland with cities as fast as possible...A question for every politco," How many Americans does it take to run this country?"

Warner: wrote on Jun 9, 2007 7:18 AM:There are many groups of USA citizens that have, for many years, let the USA and our people down. They are the three branches of our government, the ACLU, and our religious leaders that insist on aiding illegal aliens. They are assisting and facilitating the illegal entrance of illegal aliens into the USA, and they are using my tax dollars to accomplish the criminal deed. In addition, they are assisting and facilitating the illegals remaining here using my dollars given to charity. I have a God given right to be secure in my own home, and enjoy the benefits I have earned for my family and myself. I have read that 30% of the inmates in California jails are here illegal, and that does not account for the criminals that have been deported. As of today, I heard that one county in CA has 19,000 jail beds while they need 30,000. I have read that felons are being released from CA courts on tickets with their promise to return to court to face charges and they never show up. Every illegal here in the USA becomes a criminal the minute they cross the border. Continuous poor performance on the job calls out for termination. That is the case in the poor performance by our elected civil servants concerning illegal immigration. There should not be any doubt in anybodies mind that our elected politicians are not doing their job. There is one indisputable fact that shows that they are laying down on the job and need to start looking for another place to work long before the next election in 2008,i.e., the illegals are still here and they keep coming in an unobstructed flow across our southern border. The thing about it that brings a sour taste to my mouth is that Mexico is laughing at us, and has us pegged as an easy mark, because we are accepting their criminals, including their criminally insane, in a steady flow.

Dutch wrote on Jun 10, 2007 4:03 AM:Attrition through Enforcement, what a concept, a nation of laws actually enforcing the laws it enacts. Unfortunately the open borders crowd will come back with another version of s1348. I called and faxed Feinstein and Boxer for months about it. Boxer voted no on cloture, Feinstein voted yes. Next election urge everyone to vote her out.

Fellow Escondidoan wrote on Jun 10, 2007 12:05 PM:Problem is that the majority of the local politicians can't come up wi thy realistic workable plans and the minority feel its the feds responsibility. Both need to start doing their homework -- realize the feds aren't going to do anything so being more realistic (and stop making million dollar mistakes) and work together. It is a local issue or regional issue.

JOHN wrote on Jun 11, 2007 6:55 AM:Ever hear of a Senator or Congressman who doesnt become very wealthy after ther first term?Or during? They are all a bunch of self serving dirtbags who need to be watched very closely. Trust none.Cunningham was an easy bust. He admitted to his crimes. You can bet that there are many more who are in hideing.They vote for the intrest that pays the best.

America is watching wrote on Jun 11, 2007 7:05 AM: First: "cudos" to Andrew Kleske. Lets make his simply 'revealing' paragraph "ROAR"! There is however a deeper problem to the immigration "mess" than #1: The non-enforcement of 'existing' laws! The underlying problem is the "glut" of 'LAWYERS' that have over run our government. How often do any of us really consider that (now) 80+% of the US Senate and house is made up of LAWYERS?! - and therein lies the Beginning, Middle and End of America's problems. I Personally don't 'hate' all Lawyers, but there is damned few that I really trust!(they are necessary and in there proper place- helpful) - but now 'they' *run* this country from top to bottom, and their screw-ups are really beginning to showball. (immigration is just the latest example)! I've read the laments in here about the politicians "not serving the people any longer". Political-lawyers serve who they "need" to serve. Do we ever demonstrate to them that "we" insist on being served first? --- NO the majority does not! They just throw out a little sugar to their district grubbers around election time to gather up the fools to vote them back in to office for another four years of (self & highest bidder) service. Sometimes we just get what we deserve!

john wrote on Jun 11, 2007 7:39 AM:Ever hear of a Congressmen or Senator who isnt rich after his or her first term?ame one. Ther all self serving dirtbags that need to be watched very closely. Busting Cunningham was easy.You can bet there are many more in the same boat.

El Jefe wrote on Jun 12, 2007 11:01 AM:A couple of days ago I distinctly heard Feinstein say she was personally upset with all the people that disagree with her and her views on immigration & further stated she had never received so much "hate mail" on an issue. Seems registered voters who put these politicians in office in the first place are now being called hateful if they disagree with a politician. This is beyond logic!

Simon wrote on Jun 13, 2007 9:30 AM:A short while ago I mailed my comment, containing the concepts of "invasion" and "without firig a shot.." Does anyone believe that they would just bow their heads and walk? No politician would dare to face that kind of a situation without getting a clear majority vote. John Wayne would...

another thought wrote on Jun 13, 2007 4:27 PM:I would say that the states are to dependent on the federal bureaucracy. Their needs to be a revolt among the states. If the federal government doesn't do its job on immigration enforcement then each individual state should be able to protect its own borders. If California was able to deport known illegal aliens then we would not have left leaning Northern California politicians like Boxer and Feinstein welcoming all the illegals to make sure that California always has Democratic Senators. In fact, Southern California should seriously consider splitting from the North. We will buy the North's water but the North has to take Los Angeles(Mexico City II) as part of the deal.

Fran wrote on Jun 13, 2007 7:17 PM:Why don't you put the blame directly where it belongs. George W. Bush (the decider) has worked for open borders his whole term. He could have built the fence six years ago. We know he didn't want to and besides he was on vacation in Crawford.

Jesse wrote on Jun 15, 2007 1:44 AM:These stupid politicians are selling out the American citizens. I agree that we need immigrants from other countries, BUT, they will have to stand in line and MUST HAVE something to contribute to this country. I came here to this country LEGALLY and I would expect everyone who wants to come to do it legally as well. Bush is a stooge of the the Mexican government. These illegal alien-loving senators are all pieces of garbage. All of the military people we have in Iraq should be pulled out and stationed in the border. These illegal aliens are economic terrorists, you can see them in the emergency rooms and hospitals getting thousands of dollars of your tax dollars. Any comments???

Lawbreakers wrote on Jun 15, 2007 4:13 PM:It's like bush is bribing us. I'll secure the border ; ) if you let these people stay. How about enforcing the because IT'S THE LAW. He took an oath when he took office and now he's saying kicking them all out "just won't work". He's correct because he has all of our troops fighting on someone else's land not protecting our borders and he's trying to build a missile defense system when all terrists have to do is walk accross the border. Hello, earth to president. I have an idea move camp pendleton to the border then he would have to protect the border because it would be an invasion of a military base. Repulican's against bush. Can we have a recall for president like we did for Gray Davis?

I agree wrote on Jun 15, 2007 9:52 PM:We must keep bombarding all the elected official to stop this madness. They are hired to protect and defend American Citizens. We need thousands of people to call, write and email every day, three or four times a day until they get the message that we are fed up with illegal alien lawbreakers. No volunteer work, no donations to any candidate who supports Bush's open border policy and path to Citizenship for illegals.

Litl Bits wrote on Jun 16, 2007 3:15 PM:Re:" Pity the poor politicians who must uphold the principles of immigration inertia " PITY??? IF these 'POOR, PITIFUL, POLITICIANS just enforced the laws already enacted, THERE WOULD BE NO IMMIGRATION PROBLEM! 1986 Amnesty was also supposed to solve the problem - and enforce close border security - BUT IT DID NOT! Bills were passed - and signed into law last year (2006) to hire more Border Patrol Agents, build a fence, provide more border security, BUT IT DID NOT!! These Politicians are PITIFUL okay, but they are certainly NOT to be Pitied!

John wrote on Jun 18, 2007 4:59 AM:You'd be amazed at just one Letter or E mail to your representative will do resend it 10 times if you need to,This gets their attention,do this often.

Why? wrote on Jun 18, 2007 9:47 AM:Is George Bush helping illegal aliens break the law? Follow the money!

Frida wrote on Jun 19, 2007 12:11 PM:Yes, our country's politicians have failed. Perhaps it's time to listen to the people. That's us. Let's not give in just yet. We can still accomplish human immigration reform. We must start to wash out that anti-migrant hateful rhetoric that is scaring so many and making them so xenophobic that they fear immigrants.

I think, wrote on Jun 19, 2007 9:30 PM:Frida does not understand the debate. It is not about immigration, it is about illegal alien lawbreakers. We welcome legal immigrants. If you do not understand this, let me know and I will try to explain it better.

Justice seeker wrote on Jun 21, 2007 9:29 AM: Deport all illegal aliens and their anchor babies, secure our borders and vote NO to amnesty for the illegal law breakers! Secure our border and return the governemt of America to the citizens, the voters!

DMann wrote on Jun 22, 2007 9:49 AM:THe ONLY thing that will save this country is to utilize our 2nd Amendment rights. Your government doesnt care about you, you are ONLY a source of tax revenue, that is it. Sadly nothing will change because, unlike our fore fathers, we have succum to tyranny. We are weak, thats why our governm et & big business has found it so easy to do whatever they chose, from price gouging oil, pharacutical, health, and insurance companies to forcing us to pay for a constant invasion of illegals to supply big business cheaper labor. Good job America, our fore fathers would be proud of the doormats we've become.

Nina J. wrote on Jun 22, 2007 12:34 PM:...and where does all this lack of enforcing our borders leave the brave men who jeopardized their lives, and property so that we could live free, back in 1776. Only the Minute Men are willing to take up that mantle!

Ninas comments wrote on Jun 22, 2007 6:37 PM:Minute men is composed of a bunch angry, bitter, and bored retirees(Is that how you spell it?) again, if people are so fed up with illegals, then were is the support and where are the crowds of thousands marching on the streets? All I see is a few people waving thier flags and holding thier signs in Temecula and other cities. Thats it, thats the support!! The average American doesn't care and won't care because they are living the good life and got thier own issues to deal with.

Ken wrote on Jun 24, 2007 9:23 AM:Let our voices be heard! It is time to STOP the invasion through our southern border. STOP the illegal aliens from coming into this country. STOP the flow of illegal drugs that come in through our southern border. BUILD THE FENCE, the 854 mile fence that is already law! Because our government seems not to care about its citizens, it is time for each of us to be heard. I am writing to my Senators each and every day, I am voicing my voice to newspapers, editors, wherever I can be heard. We HAVE to STOP the flow of illegal aliens and illegal drugs from coming into our great country before it is too late. ENFORCE OUR IMMIGRATION LAWS NOW!

Ken wrote on Jun 24, 2007 9:27 AM:Someone should do the research on what it is costing the American citizens. I bet that more lives are lost because of the illegal aliens that are lost in Iraq. I bet that because of the illegal aliens, it is costing us taxpayers more than we have spent during the Iraq invasion. GW Bush has caused it all and now it is time for the American people to say; "I AM ANGRY AND I AM NOT GOING TO TAKE IT ANYMORE!

Wow! wrote on Jun 26, 2007 7:41 AM:I haven't heard this much bigoted drivel since the civil rights struggle in the 1960s. Impeach Earl Warren!

Al wrote on Jun 26, 2007 12:19 PM:The comments hear are great but do absolutely nothing to influence politics. People who are pro-immigration are politically active and let their views be known, everyone else is NOT. Now is the time to send these comments to the Senators and Representatives of your district before it is voted on. Google to find their web sites and how to send them email.

Good for business wrote on Jun 28, 2007 11:09 AM:I thought conservatives were of the opinion that what's good for business is good for the country. Liberals have said forever that unchecked business usually exploits people. Conservatives are always against labor unions, government regulation, etc. But now, many non-corporate conservatives are getting to experience what so many others have over the years. When the profit motive drives the government, people suffer needlessly. Whatever the "illegal immigrants" cost you, thank conservative capitalism. I agree, of course, that if the liberal entitlement programs were eliminated, immigrants would cost us less. But I don't think that would satisfy you.

Not a Bigot wrote on Jun 28, 2007 9:47 PM:Stop spinning. This is not about bigotry. This is about not rewarding illegal behavior.

Help wrote on Jun 29, 2007 10:55 AM:Could you find me a US citizen who wants to come by my house for 8 hours a week pull weeds, mow, sweep? Ill give him her $80. If parents would stop giving their children everything they would have go out and work. When it comes to competetion I'll hire the native speaker any day.

Still Waiting wrote on Jun 29, 2007 7:51 PM:Now that the so called immigration reform bill is dead, lets hope elected officials will move to enforce existing laws and build the fence! I am shocked that most Senate Democrats supported and pushed for this bill. Thank goodness Senate Republicans were able to stop it. This should be a clear warning of what will happen if we are not very careful about who we elect in the future, especially the Presidency. A great big thank you to all the Senators that listened to the people instead of big business. Sadly, Feinstein and Boxer voted with the big business and open borders group.

Mark wrote on Jun 30, 2007 7:44 AM:Get off your lazy behind, turn off the TV and go work in your own yard. The fat, unhealthy people we all see everyday would be better off if they NEVER hired an illegal. If you can't take care of your own yard - move. There is no legal right to cheap labor.

Fedup-JC wrote on Jul 14, 2007 10:13 AM:I used to be a Republican, until the anti immigrant fervor reached it's climax, or has it?. We are all immigrants the only difference is the recent ones are brown, and a vast majority of Republicans do not like that color. ENFORCE THE CURRENT LAWS ON BUSINESS HIRING PRACTICES AND THIS WILL TAKE CARE OF ITSELF THROUGH ATTRITION! STOP SCAPEGOATING AND BEATING UP PEOPLE WHO ONLY WANT A BETTER LIFE......JUST LIKE THE ANCESTORS OF MOST OF THIS COUNTRY, EXCEPT THE REAL AMERICANS ARE THE INDIANS.

Darrell wrote on Jul 24, 2007 7:50 PM:People, People, People, if you haven't noticed the Mexican's have already taken California and have started working on the rest of the US. English speaking folks are the minority in California and the politions are on there way to insure that the rest of the US follows California's lead. I say forget Iraq lets go take Mexico!!!!

ERIC wrote on Aug 5, 2007 10:51 AM:The will of the people reguarding illegal immigration will prevail reguardless of what agenda the president, senate and house along with special interest are presently doing. Illegal immigration is now being felt in most states and the anger and frustration is rising. The disruptive demonstrations staged by illegals complete with foreign flags, singing our national anthem in spanish and demands for citizenship while stepping all over our laws was a wake-up to americans and will spell an eventual end to the problem. Illegals deserve nothing for breaking our laws. There should be zero health care(only emergency), no birth right citizenship for pregnant mothers who arrive at hospitals in labor, no chain-migration and no public schooling for illegal immigrant children who dont speak english, slow learning. Americans are demanding that the fence be built along the southern border to stop the flow of illegal aliens and that was signed into law by the president last year. Americans are demanding our laws be enforced and employers who break the law have their licenses revoked. Elected officials have an oath to uphold the laws and constitution and will be held accountable in elections. This will be the main issue on the minds of americans in 2008. President Bush has been a disaster in all areas especially immigration and border enforcement and will be remembered as on the worst. There will also be more debate on corrupt Mexico, the richest latin american country about how they care for their poor citizens. How they aid and assist their people to break into the United States with discriptive booklets, contacts and other items. The next war with america might not come from the middle east but rather to our south as this has happened before in our past.

john wrote on Aug 8, 2007 5:33 AM:The sky is falling. To The WHY guy up there . Yes George Bush is the cause of the Illegal Alien problem . Ya right George Bush is the also responsible for Global warming, Genetil Herpes and UFOs. Oh yes Chem trails .Too much Art Bell Buddy , There's a foil hat in your future.