Holiday Sob Story wrote on Nov 21, 2007 8:11 PM:Amnesty is dead. If illegals want to be in their home country for the holidays, they will need to stay there the whole year long. If they want to work in the US, get legal documents. If already here, learn English and assimilate the best as possible given the lack of legal documents and life in the underground economy. Forget Mexico. The US must be build the wall asap to prevent future sob story articles like this one.

WE NEED A FENCE wrote on Nov 21, 2007 8:17 PM:The amount of lives that would be saved is staggering. Our borders are totally out of control, and a fence will work. Why else do you think the Mexican Government and the Illegal Alien activists are so against it.

Rick wrote on Nov 21, 2007 8:23 PM:all i have to say is don't cross the border illegally and you have nothing to worry about. i'm sorry the people died but if they were not breaking the law in the first place they would not be dead. and for Claudia Smith to say that the border patrol is not doing there jobs is bull. the fact that the illegals are having to find different routs and the routes are more dangerous. leads me to believe the patrol is doing a great job. all i have to say is if you want to be safe come over here legally or your taking a chance of dieing in the desert. no one forced you to break the law.

Carlos wrote on Nov 21, 2007 8:43 PM:So, let me get this right, the illeglas are staying in the US because, to quote one of them, "they feared crime in Mexico, abuses by Mexican authorities". Hola Mexico, catch a clue and fix your country. Some of use came here legally and don't want to continually be expected to take care of your excess people. I'm from Baja and I wish the US would invade it and throw the Baja police in their own jails.

Bill K wrote on Nov 21, 2007 8:51 PM:"Immigrant rights activists along the border say the deaths are a symptom of an enforcement strategy gone wrong" ......So why don't we just open the border completely and let the Mexicans come and go as they please? Is that what the Immigrant Rights Activists want?? GIVE ME A BREAK!

I don't care wrote on Nov 21, 2007 8:53 PM:I don't care, I don't care, I don't care. I will NEVER care. Deport them all and build a wall!!!!

Stu wrote on Nov 21, 2007 9:16 PM:Imagine reading this article twenty or thirty years ago. Of course they are not going home. This is the land of milk and honey for them. Rather, they are sending their money home, and telling any relatives that can to beat it up here.

Craig wrote on Nov 21, 2007 9:31 PM:This is shocking. I wonder how much longer this fear will last of not wanting to make illegal border crossings?

Vistan wrote on Nov 21, 2007 9:35 PM:Shouldn't this story be in the Tijuana Times?

And so curious... wrote on Nov 21, 2007 9:47 PM:that so many of my comments have been ignored this evening. Most of which are questioning why the journalism at NCT appears to be so intent on getting the same old racial rise out of people - "A black woman.." .."Illegals...". I'm beginning to think the people in charge of editing posts at NCT are more interested in sensationalism than journalism. Shame on you....

What does Thanksgiving... wrote on Nov 21, 2007 9:53 PM:mean to Mexican nationals? Why would they ever have crossed the border more during the Thanksgiving holiday than any other day? Isn't this an American holiday?? This makes no sense.

Peter wrote on Nov 21, 2007 10:02 PM:Individuals that cross the border without papers are not migrants, they are law breakers. If you break into a mans house your in danager of not only going to jail, but the home owner just might kill you while you're in his house. My country is my home, no one has the "right" to break into my home. What concerns me more then anything is american business promotes the illegal entry because as an illegal they have "more control" over the worker and take advantages that they could never get away with if the worker was legal. The so call migrant rights workers, should be working to keep potential workers from coming here illegally. Without an illegal work force they would lobby Congress for true immigration reform.

My view wrote on Nov 21, 2007 10:08 PM: It is a shame that illegals die crossing, but what is more shameful is that these illegals fear the crime in their own country, Sad! What is very disappointing is that advocates like Jose Gonzales, Claudia Smith and Enrique Morones don't denouce the Mexican corruption and crime. These three (legal) migrant advocates still stay faithful to the country of Mexico, instead of teaching migrants the love and respect of what True America stands for. I am sick of these types of articles focusing on the migrant struggle, but NEVER anything about what they can do to change Mexico! How are we suppose to be good neighbors when America has to foot the bill. These advocates wonder why our communities are so angry! I'm not good to harp on EDWARD SIFUENTES about his articles, I just ask Ed, what are you willing to do to change the struggle of migrants, and steer them in a direction where they have a love for their culture and a loyalty to America not Mexico!

Jose wrote on Nov 21, 2007 10:22 PM:She wasn't a "Vista" woman...she was an illegal alien. Her home wasn't in Vista or any other place in the United States; it was in Mexico where she should have been in the first place.

Here we go again!! wrote on Nov 22, 2007 12:01 AM:I find it very interesting that Mr. Sifuentes will use illegal and immigrants in the same sentence, but never uses them together to correctly identify the border crossers. As far as the migrant advocates go, I would think they would set up on the border to discourage these people from undertaking this dangerous trek. They COULD definitely save lives if they did this!!

Carlos has the right idea wrote on Nov 22, 2007 12:18 AM:Very well said Carlos. We must also address the sociological issues including drug use (cocaine, marijuana, etc) and advance on your idea. I'm really starting to believe that's where our military should be - not Iraq.

Bettybb wrote on Nov 22, 2007 12:57 AM: You can look to the Mexican government to take responsiblity for these deaths. Where are the jobs for its people? Why is the government encouraging them to risk their lives? In terms of reforming Mexico, we have sunk billions into that morass for over 100 years, and it just lines the pockets of the rich. The problem is Mexico, just like the illegals' demands here, do not not abide by the rule of law. There is no philopshic basis to their democracy, except grab what you can. We might consider a mamoth Marshall Plan of micro loans, to the illegals themselves, not the goverment. But only after they have agreed to self deport and never return, even to join an anchor baby, and taken classes on business AND ON POLITICALS. We teach them why their system is a total failure and our a total success. And it all starts with the rule of law, one law for everyone, equally applied. Maybe this would sow the seed of revolt in Mexico and they will start to push for political reform. Then again, maybe we hace to send in the Marines and occupy them for a coule of generations until they get a clue.

Mexico is safe.... wrote on Nov 22, 2007 1:44 AM:I've never found the crime in Mexico to be so terrible. The worst crime I've ever experienced was in Detroit Michigan. My extensive gay-related travels in Mexico have been relatively crime-free. I'm sure there are bad places but like anywhere, you just have to be careful. Remember... PLAY SAFE!!!

Jimbo wrote on Nov 22, 2007 1:54 AM:I think it is truly sad that anyone dies in an attempt to leave their homeland. I really wish that these "rights groups" would take a look at what is causing people to risk their lives. It is the corruption and lack of decent quality of life in Mexico. Please, let's put blame where it belongs....on the Mexican Gov't. And then, those who are so inclined to help, put the efforts where they belong. Assiting people to enter or stay in the US illegally and demanding rights/privaleges/benefits for those who have broken federal law is the wrong approach as it undermines the legal immigration system and is not fair to those waiting patiently around the world. I do realize that corruption in Mexico has been set in so deep that it will take a long, hard effort to see change, but I believe the effort would be most beneficial to the citizens of Mexico and also for the US. A better Mexico would be a great day for all.

Roberto1 wrote on Nov 22, 2007 2:42 AM:" that so many of my comments have been ignored this evening. Most of which are questioning why the journalism at NCT appears to be so intent on getting the same old racial rise out of people - "A black woman.." .."Illegals...". REPLY: You goit curious, it draws all the yokels out of their trailers. Its to bad tha not once do you see a Realistic-workable solution to the issue of illegal immigration for work.

Time to beef up wrote on Nov 22, 2007 3:38 AM:interior enforcement if the illegals won't go home.

Build. wrote on Nov 22, 2007 4:01 AM:A 2000 mile fence. Razor wire. Guard dogs. Search lights. Put the Army there. That will stop them.

K.A.L. wrote on Nov 22, 2007 4:58 AM:HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! We do have much to be thankful for don't we? We do live in the greatest nation in all the world! I am disgusted at some of the comments posted on this forum. Border Patrol wants to put the deaths of these people on the "coyotes" who lead the immigrants through the rough terrain in order to get here, that is a bunch of crap. It is the fault of both corrupt and inept governments who screwed the people of Mexico and now out of desperation they come here to the United States for a new life. Yes this is the land of Golden opportunity not so much the land flowing with milk and honey because we have to work our butts off to be able to live here. I think we should be ashamed of ourselves for putting the lives of so many at risk. It is our fault for that these deaths happened. A fence, a wall, electronic equipment, etc. is not going to change this situation. The sadness these heartless words of some of these commentators bring today are an indictment of just how far the some nativists have sunk. How can we actually be glad that a human being died? You are all so pathetic but again this is America but certainly it is not the American way.

Tom wrote on Nov 22, 2007 5:24 AM:The same extreme right-wing economic policy known as neoliberalism, or euphemistically, as "globalization," that has us in Iraq, causes "illegal" immigration. Beginning in 1980, U.S.-trained Mexican presidents, started applying "free-market" economic reforms in Mexico. These reforms included union-busting, and favoring industrial, as opposed to local, small farming. These two measures alone lowered wages, and forced many small farmers into bankruptcy. The Mexican politicians responsible for these unpopular economic policies were trained in places like Yale, Harvard, and the University of Chicago. "Illegal" immigration is as much an effect of U.S.-supported economic policies, as corruption of Mexican politicians. So-called "illegals," and common Americans suffering a depressed standard of life, need to come together, not oppose each other, to force changes in economic policies. For example: Streamline the budget on the War on Terror, increase funding for public education, and use intelligent diplomacy to force Mexican politicians into accountability. Walls, fear, and hate, are not the answer.

Turkey For a Day wrote on Nov 22, 2007 5:34 AM:Lets boycott mexico and it's products...oh thats right big business has moved to Mexico to cut labor costs...thanks to NAFTA and GATT. Let us bow our heads and pray to the Godless souls in congress that gave our manufacturing base away to the south. The problem starts in our own houses (congress), we need to clean house at home before we can elsewhere. Lets build that wall with mexican labor pools, let us also arm them to take back their country from the blood sucking corrupt government that is in bed with President Bush.. People don't treat the symtom, erradicate the cause!

Ray wrote on Nov 22, 2007 6:32 AM:I say during the holidays we should relax immigration enforcement so these people can go home for the holidays.......... SIKE!

where's the news? wrote on Nov 22, 2007 7:01 AM:Log on hoping to find news of the fire here in Oceanside. Sorry, not newsworthy enough. Instead, this dribble about illegals again

Irene wrote on Nov 22, 2007 7:34 AM:The author's logic is completely faulty. If they are willing to put their life in danger - it's totally their fault. Why should law-breakers be accomodated in any way?? That's totally ridiculous. They could stay in Mexico and be safe. Their decision - their responsibility.

EG wrote on Nov 22, 2007 7:49 AM:Only Peter seems to get it... The employers, such as owners of avocado groves, citrus groves, nurseries, cleanup crews, tree services, construction contractors, and restaurant owners, are responsible for this problem in the first place since they hire undocumented laborers on a regular basis. As long as we keep patronizing these businesses we will continue to have a flood of illegal immigrants. Stop the employers that hire illegal immigrants and the problem is solved.

Pat wrote on Nov 22, 2007 7:54 AM:Why is this a "Top Story"? Mr. Sifuentes should take his illegal alien advocacy activities South.

jaque wrote on Nov 22, 2007 8:03 AM:The correct term according to US law is "illegal alien." For people like Claudia Smith, it will never end. They want to save the world, and think that everyone has an inalianble right to the comforts that American society affords those whom have and do work for. I always tell my wife, whom is sympathetic to the Latino cause (cuz she is American-Mexican) that just think if the "poor mexican" where out lobbyed by a mass flow of Vietnamise, or Somolians etc.... For those of us that respect our heritage, just where would it end?

ugh... wrote on Nov 22, 2007 8:35 AM:they need to go back to their own country and come to the US legally - just as I did! But, remember - in their head the US is the 'land of the free' and it certainly seems like illegals get everything FREE because they don't pay taxes blah blah blah. Same old song and dance. Build that fence and electrify it...

Ray wrote on Nov 22, 2007 8:38 AM:What a contradiction, on a day that that we all and specially "Puritans" should be thanking the true Americans they focus on spitting their narrow minded and intolerant sentiments. Happy thanksgiving to ALL and thank to this nation that has giving so much to many immigrants of all races.

Gotta Love the Hate wrote on Nov 22, 2007 8:53 AM:Now that my selfish me is here I want to slam the door, But you can't fight it...

Wall Help wrote on Nov 22, 2007 9:08 AM:Let's hire the North Korean's to build a wall for us. They're REALLY good at it.

inky wrote on Nov 22, 2007 9:34 AM:"a rise in the permanent illegal immigrant population"... Now something bothers me about the "permanent illegal" part of this. And often people get killed or put in jail when they are caught doing a crime such as a bank robbery. And when they are caught and they attempt to run away, do we let them go and say "oh well, they got away!" I still don't understand why it's ok to break the law in one way, but not in another way. I mean, i'd like medical weed myself, it would give me a better life if i could live without pain. But it's illegal, so i do without. What's the point of laws if we ignore them?

curious too wrote on Nov 22, 2007 9:44 AM:I am curious as to why this story was even written. Do NCT really think we legal citizens of the United States really care what the illegals are doing on this U.S. holiday. You got to be kidding. Isn't there enough American stories out there to tell? I guess NTC is doing the telling of the stories that rest of the english reading people wouldn't tell.

This is top news!! wrote on Nov 22, 2007 10:10 AM:Give me a break! Why is this a top story? It is a day we give thanks and your top story is about law breakers who steal into our country to illegally take from us. Of course you have to add in the death of the illegal in the fire to try to pull at heart strings. Mr. Writer that is an old story and she undertook the journey willingly and knowing there was a fire on the border. Yes unfortunate, she should have stayed home!

Let The Truth Shine wrote on Nov 22, 2007 10:12 AM:Is this this the same attorney mentioned in the DOJ Audit [Claudia Smith]. NCT why didn't you do a report on the audit?

How about what is happening to people in Mexico? wrote on Nov 22, 2007 10:33 AM:Instead of writing about the illegals, why don't you write a story that applies to your readers and US residents? What about the 20 plus people who are robbed at gunpoint in TJ and Ensenada everyday? This story needs to get out to protect our citizens.

Idea wrote on Nov 22, 2007 10:35 AM:The main issue is the corruption in Mexico. I don't like the idea of invading. However since our government is so fond of nation building how about this. Lets build a camp somewhere out in the middle of nowhere. Take all able bodied illegals that we were going to deport and take them there. Then lets train and arm them. Kinda like we are doing in Iraq. Once we have a couple hundred thousand or so of them armed and trained. Lets haul them all down to the border and see which way they go.

Joan wrote on Nov 22, 2007 10:36 AM:Are there no Mexican heroes/leaders in Mexico? How dare you put the blame on this great country and it's citizens. How dare you not respect our rule of law. I dare you to go to Mexico and complain in the name of your people. Not brave enough, right? Illegal is illegal and calling us racists, etc. etc. will not work any longer. God Bless America, it's citizens and those who enter legally.

Thanksgiving please wrote on Nov 22, 2007 10:58 AM:Why does this 'story' have to appear at our breakfast table on Thanksgiving? I am not thankful for illegal immigrants who raise my taxes... drive with out licenses, refuse to learn English, and litter everywhere. Some claim no American will mop floors, pick crops, mow lawns, etc. NOT! Imagine our land with LEGAL immigrants (no illegals). Hourly wages would rise, crime would decrease geometrically, schools could educate English speakers FULL TIME, and thousands of lives would be saved on both sides of the border. I agree with those who throw the ball back in the court where it belong: MEXICO!

Rancho angel wrote on Nov 22, 2007 10:59 AM:It's time to head back home to Mexico and take the North (Baja)County times with you.

Fred H wrote on Nov 22, 2007 11:02 AM:Quick tutorial on immigration law...: By legal definition, "Any person not a Citizen or National of the United States, is an ALIEN". An alien with a passport & a visitor visa is a "non-immigrant", and considered a 'documented alien'. If an alien violates 8 USC 1325 and arrives in this country without proper documents and without being inspected at a port-of-entry, said person would be an ILLEGAL ALIEN. Know your song before you start singing...

Vicious Cycle wrote on Nov 22, 2007 11:13 AM:An iIllegal worker in the US as a potential tax payer...a US employer not paying for the illegal status... (payroll tax, including Social Security, State and City) getting away with it. This cycle is immoral and oh yeah,...ILLEGAL. Our many government agencies want the large potential illegal tax base, but don't want US citizens to benefit from it by building protection of our borders and enforcing the codified laws. Its legal for law enforcement agencies to confiscate drug dealer millions, throw him/her in jail while the money is usually appropiated to into law enforcement activities. Whose paying for this vicious cycle...oh yeah...EVERYONE...!

God Bless America?? wrote on Nov 22, 2007 11:20 AM:Your off your rocker if you think some mystical being blesses this country more than any other. The rationale response to the racist song "God Bless America" was eloquently written by Woodie Guthrie, appropriately sung "This Land Is My Land, This Land Is Your Land"

Slappy wrote on Nov 22, 2007 11:20 AM:"Until we get legal documents, we're not leaving," said Jose Alfonso. I dont think that you should be heer in the first place.. Go home and come back the right way. Or you will always be a second class slave with no rights.

Sickofit wrote on Nov 22, 2007 11:36 AM:More crap from Eduardo Sifuentes.

Ken wrote on Nov 22, 2007 11:42 AM:Why isn't the Border Patrol rounding up all of the ILLEGAL ALIENS at these "Day Labor" spots? It is time that we American people take back our country and enforce our laws. Build the fence that is also the law (854 miles of it). STOP giving the ILLEGAL ALIENS free benefits! I am not sorry that those that cross into this country ILLEGALLY, for it is like a war zone. WE HAVE TO STOP THE INVASION OF ILLEGAL ALIENS, ILLEGAL DRUGS, AND TERRORISTS!

Longtime Resident wrote on Nov 22, 2007 12:25 PM:It's too bad the rage against illegal aliens is only limited to a message board from a local paper. Where is the downright, unabashed rage and protest in the streets? Where are the protesters? Why is there no organization to protest against these law breakers? Why are the politicians mum on the subject? Too many questions, not enough action. We're doomed.

Al wrote on Nov 22, 2007 12:45 PM:No sympathy here, not one iota! I could care less about the welfare of ILLEGAL border crossers. The same ones who leach off USA taxpayers, who refuse to speak English, who are major separatists... who are arrogant, who degrade the quality of education in our public schools and plaster their cars with Mexican flags and Hispanic radio station signs. Fine the empoloyers who hire these ILLEGALs crimnals, put a thousand armed guards on the border, build a wall and do not vote for any politician who does not support stopping ILLEGAL immigration. You thnk this is unfair? Just check-out what Mexico does on it's southern border against Guautemala! Mexico is the biggest hypocritical nation in the world.

Carlos wrote on Nov 22, 2007 2:00 PM:Mexico's problems are Mexico's problems. It is not our obligation or duty to continually take in their excess population. I live in Carlsbad and we have plenty of city streets with potholes, government buildings that are getting old and need renovation, and we even have a relatively high crime area that could use more police. All these things need money and should get it before we waste money on providing free health care, etc. for illegals. Some posters here continually blame the US for "training" the Mexican presidents. That is BS. You get out of school what you want; if Mexican presidents go to school here and use their education to fleece the peasants, that is truly a shame, but it is not my fault, nor does it place upon me or the US an obligation to support the illegals. Posters also often claim that "we" are the problem because "we" support companies that hire illegals. That is equally ridiculous. I have never personally hired an illegal and would boycott a business if I knew they hired illegals, and I think most of the readers here are in the same boat. If a construction company hired illegals when they built a house, and I later bought the house, I guess I indirectly supported the illegals, but the indirect causation there is too tangential to give me an obligation to provide free health care and education for an illegal who may have worked on the house 10 years before I bought it. We need to fine, and for repeat offenders, jail, employers who hire illegals, and give Mexico and the other countries from which the illegals come a warning that starting in 2008, every illegal deported will come with a bill for the money the US spent on apprehending and deporting the illegal. If the country doesn't pay the bill, we just tack it on as a tariff to their exports to the US (check out the trade imbalance we have with our Southern neighbors to see how effective this would be).

El Jefe wrote on Nov 22, 2007 2:34 PM:"Immigration rights activists"? What rights? Whose rights? What about all the people trying to enter this country legally? Are they stupid for trying to obey the law? How do we accelarate their rights? Who is more deserving of our respect & consideration? There are 194 recognized countries in the world & there are immigration treaties & quotas, etc., established trying to prevent immigration chaos just like we have now to no avail. Our southern neighbors & the Catholic Church do not respect our laws. The Catholic Church feels they have the right to council Latinos to crowd in line and bypass other deserving folk & then they want us to be sympathetic to the illegals plight. Why not suspend the Catholic Church's tax status? Every time I hear the term "Comprehensive Immigration Reform" I realize it means just let all illegals stay here now!

Slappy wrote on Nov 22, 2007 3:20 PM:Stop the maddness. If you dont belong here Get out. We dont owe you nothing. I will mow my own lawn and pick my own food thank you very much. ...

Nanchi wrote on Nov 22, 2007 4:09 PM:Many of my neighbors are here working from Mexico. The ones who were going home for the holidays already left. But many are staying this year because there is more work than ever. Some years work slows down around the holidays, but not this year.

Realist wrote on Nov 22, 2007 4:34 PM:It's one thing to vent your feelings out on this blog, so I address my question to all - what are you doing, personally, to stop illegal immigration? If you are doing nothing, then your complaints have no merit.

Paul wrote on Nov 22, 2007 5:56 PM:It's all the Contractors who make tons of money hiring illegals for half price.

Hey Eddie wrote on Nov 22, 2007 7:04 PM:Please refer to these human beings as Undocumented Immigrants!! Don't you know that No Human being is illegal. Illegal is a term used for an action not a person get a hold of yourself man.

where is it wrote on Nov 22, 2007 7:11 PM:censorship is alive and well at NCT, where is my post of about 800am?

Pappy wrote on Nov 22, 2007 7:12 PM:You're right Realist, I just ran down to the 7-11 where these guys all hang out for work and gave them $100.00 to eat and enjoy Thanksgiving. And Paul, we don't hire them for "half price", we hire them for a fair price.

Roberto1 wrote on Nov 22, 2007 7:53 PM:I need a vacation, I'll turn myself in as an illegal and get an all expense paid vacation to a country of my choice....as for Pappy, I retire in less than two years, I'll be looking for some good hard part-time work to stay healthy, see you soon.

Patriot wrote on Nov 22, 2007 9:05 PM:FINALLY illegal immigration is being discussed in Washington DC. Not a word about it in the last presidential election. The illegals really tipped their hand when hundreds of thousands of them marched in our streets. It seems we are taking back our country and becoming more involved as evidenced by the HUGE public outcry against amnesty, the dream act, and drivers licenses in NY. Politicians and the media look rediculous when they make statements that a large majority of Americans want the illegals on a "path to citizenship". Bull. No more sob stories about people who have no regard for our laws. As our country becomes less hospitable to these lawbreakers they will have no choice but to leave. They can take the education that they received at our expense and use it to improve their OWN country.

anotherview wrote on Nov 23, 2007 12:42 AM:For the record, the news article uses the term "illegal immigrant" 7 times. The perceived social bias of the journalist favoring illegal aliens enflames readers, yet their ranting clouds the picture here. After all, illegal aliens have no right to live and work in America. But unscrupulous employers unlawfully hire illegal aliens. On August 10th, the White House issued a Fact Sheet for enforcement of existing federal immigration law minus amnesty for illegal aliens. A key element of this enforcement will stop employers from hiring illegal aliens. With no job, the illegal aliens will self-deport (at their own expense) -- no national roundup needed. Presenting a human interest story about illegal aliens dying in the act of breaking the law while ignoring the host of negative social, economic, and political impacts fostered by the presence of illegal aliens happens in part because a journalist must limit his topic. News editors say over time a balance occurs in news reporting via other stories that report on a given subject. Let us agree most citizens do not oppose immigration as a policy. The criminality associated with illegal aliens, however, begs for light to shine on it. No rational individual who reviews the matter of criminality arising from the illegal aliens in America can approve of this negative burden on society. For example, ICE reports 632,000 fugitive illegal aliens nationwide. GAO numbers indicate the federal government in 2007 will spend about $1.5 billion on nearly 27,000 criminal aliens in federal prison. The State of California annually spends upward of $565 million on more than 11,000 criminal aliens in state prison. Criminal aliens infest criminal street gangs, a social evil debasing neighborhoods and threatening public safety. Illegal aliens routinely commit identity theft, steal or falsify Social Security numbers, buy counterfeit documents to create a bogus right to work, drive without a driver license or automobile insurance, fail to file income tax returns, and so on. Moreover, the presence of an illegal alien workforce willing to work for collie wages induces farmers and other employers to ignore or skirt the employment laws in the name of profit, setting a wrong and unethical tone in the business world. The list goes on. Simple solutions do exist. For one, the states may mandate statewide that police cooperate with federal authorities to identify and detain illegal aliens for their due deportation. For another, the states may mandate that all employers verify the right to work of all employees and job applicants. Both Arizona and Kentucky have done so. Without a job, the illegal aliens will go home. By enforcement of the law, America can free itself of illegal aliens, and will prosper all the more.

Greg in Oceanside wrote on Nov 23, 2007 11:55 AM:Day laborers in Escondido feared going to Mexico because of crime? Has anyone been following the recent story about the San Diego family who lost their new 2007 F250 truck and all their possessions to bandits just south of TJ when coming back from the Baja 1000? And the surfers who lost everything in a similar situation back in October? It's sickening the rampant crime and corruption that is utterly pervasive in Mexico. And we're supposed to have open borders and integrate illegal aliens from Mexico and beyond into our society? Give me a break! We need to continue to make it impossible for illegal aliens from crossing and coming here, period. We need to make it difficult for illegal aliens from establishing themselves here before we're overrun with the negative cultural mores they bring with thme. The ultimate goal is to make life so difficult that they don't come or self-deport themselves back to Mexico and beyond.

Greg in Oceanside wrote on Nov 23, 2007 12:14 PM:Well said 'anotherview.' You have certainly shed light on the very sole of 'why' illegal aliens are bad for our country. Self-deportation (at their own expense) is what we need to strive for. We need to start with the employer verification process and keep that element intact and not let liberal judges take that away.

Mexcian Leaders In America wrote on Nov 23, 2007 1:03 PM:We now have the results after the training of these 'Leaders' at the first Leadership Parliament of Immigrant Mexican Leaders in the US, held on Nov. 16-17 in Mexico City. Themes included: No Wall; deaths at the border; repatriations; migration from other countries. 3 out of 4 of those themes are in this article, making it suspect.

Jimbo to Realist wrote on Nov 23, 2007 5:13 PM:I write my Congressmen and Representatives both Fed and State regularly to express my views on illegal immigration. Short of that I can't do much else but expect that the gov do their job that they are paid to do, partially with my tax contributions. Is that doing nothing in your book?

Dan wrote on Nov 23, 2007 6:32 PM:Thanksgiving is an exclusively American holiday. So the illegal alien lawbreakers who should not be bere are worried about going home is nonsense. Illegals are free to go back to their own Country. We must protect our borders so illegals cannot freely sneak in.

Linda W. wrote on Nov 24, 2007 11:01 AM:I also write, email and call as many Congress people as I can. Illegal aliens must go home and our elected leaders need to understand this. We can also avoid stores and restaurants that hire illegals... Call law enforcement when we know where groups of illegals are living or hanging out on street corners.

Gary in Murrieta wrote on Nov 26, 2007 12:20 PM:I just drove up to Reno, Nevada for the holiday week-end, so I ate in a lot of fast food restaurents. Every single Taco Bell, Mcdonalds, and KFC that I stopped at, all along old route 395, was staffed by non-English speaking employees. I guess all of the English speakig people must have left cities like Bishop, Lone Pine, and Independence. I was truely surprised.

Santiago wrote on Nov 27, 2007 8:14 AM:HOw about those Hamas boys the Mexican drug cartels smuggled in? They won't be going home either until their job is done.

Jerry wrote on Nov 27, 2007 9:18 AM:Don't the NCTimes have other reporters to write an unbiased view of the ILLEGAL aliens? Ed Sifuentes has no credibility on this subject..every article is slanted towards the poor, lawbreaking illegals and how the Americans are bigoted, prejudiced, homophobic, racist, etc. because we want enforcement of the law. GET THE WALL UP.

It's not half payed, they will wrote on Nov 28, 2007 11:35 AM:not work for less than $10.00 per hour! Where is a minimum wage from that???

Roberto1 wrote on Nov 28, 2007 1:13 PM:The economy is directly linked to the work of illegal Mexican aliens...I just wonder why Gary of Murrietta is surprised?...yes, I do believe in comprehensive, logical immigration reform.

To all Who Support Illegals. wrote on Nov 29, 2007 9:52 AM:Maybe when your standing in that Store Line and You have just been Exposed to Turberculosis and now you are infected, or maybe when you turned Downed for that House or Vehicle you really wanted, and you neighbor who is Illegal bought his house or drives his escalade, because they are sucking welfare, food stamps Etc. and have 15 Faimily members living with them. Just maybe you would be willing too give them your Paycheck, so they don't bleed from the rest of us!!!!!

Kathryn wrote on Dec 1, 2007 11:27 AM:If the Border Patrol & ICE were smart, they'd try to trick illegals to go home for the holidays then seal the border. Start a fake program or announce 'amnesty' again. ICE needs to be proactive. Get them to go home on their own, then make it impossible for them to get back in.

To Rick, 3rd comment writer wrote on Dec 17, 2007 5:45 PM:you say "don't cross the border illegally and you have nothing to worry about" but the reason they're coming here isn't just to break the law they want to succeed in life and where they're at they're obviously not succeeding, having a family and not a job, and also living in poverty isn't going to keep them warm and safe! there is a good reason they're coming here just like the immigrants did so many years ago

SUE wrote on Dec 18, 2007 1:37 PM:THE MEXICAN GOVERMENT IS THE BLAME FOR NOT TAKING CARE OF THEIR OWN.THE PEOPLE WANTS A BETTER LIFE AND THEIR GOVERMENT IS TAKING THE MONEY AND KILLING. EVEN THE WATER ISN'T HEALTHY TO DRINK.WHY DO THEY HAVE A PRESIDENT IF THEY CAN'T OR MAY I SAY WANT TO HELP THE PEOPLE, INSTEAD TAKING FROM THEM. I WOULD TRY TO GET THE HELL OUT TOO. BUT I FEEL THEY ARE GOING TO BANKRUPT AMERICA AS LONG AS WE ARE FOOTING THE BILL FOR THEM TO HAVE BABIES,FOOD STAMPS WITH THEIR MEN THERE WORKING AND DRIVING NEW SUV'S. IT'S NOT RIGHT I HAVE WORKED HARD ALL MY AMERICAN LIFE AND IT IS HARD FOR ME TO GET HELP, I AM BETWEEN 40 AND 60 AND THE GOVERMENT WILL NOT HELP AT ALL. UNLESS I HAVE KIDS UNDER 18 OR OVER 63. THE ILLIGALS COMING OVER AND GETTING BENIFITS I HAVE PAID INTO ALL MY LIFE. SEND THEM BACK TO THEIR COUNTRY.