Reardon wrote on Dec 28, 2007 10:09 PM:Terrible! Just terrible! If their existence is so bad, perhaps they should not have voluntarily come here and perhaps they should voluntarily go home where obviously they will not suffer these terrible difficulties. We should immediately arrest those mean Americans who dragged these poor people at gunpoint across the border.

Daren wrote on Dec 28, 2007 10:25 PM:After reading this stupid letter, I think that all the criminal illegals should be rounded up and deported in their own best interests. It seems from this stupid letter that the 12-20 million criminal illegals would be better off in their legal countries of origin.

Pat wrote on Dec 28, 2007 10:30 PM:?????New PC term---global asset instead of illegal immigrant??????

Angie wrote on Dec 28, 2007 10:37 PM:Sorry, but no dice sister. The coming year represents an opportunity to increase our efforts in the deportation of illegal aliens who have no rights to be here, and the re-enforcement of our immigration policies.

Syl wrote on Dec 28, 2007 10:59 PM:I went to their webpage and they even call Cesar Chavez a "human rights activist". I see them as just another group that is divisive and caters to members of a race and not United States Citizens. They would have you believe that Illegal aliens and American Citizens are one and the same as long as they are Latino. The author is very careful not to use the word Latino is this story, but if you go to their webpage. Everything is about LATINO

American people are tired of illegals! wrote on Dec 28, 2007 11:02 PM:I think Americans are more than happy to welcome "all" legal immigrants but illegal immigrants are not welcome! Why should our country accept those who steal across our borders over those who are law abiding and come in the right way? That is what is so frustrating! I thank anyone who has stepped up and called their senators, the president or taken any action to combat this problem!

anotherview wrote on Dec 28, 2007 11:17 PM:Illegal aliens have no right to live and work in America. Good citizens obey the law, and expect others to do the same. By enforcement of the law against hiring illegal aliens, the jobs for illegal aliens will dry up. With no job, the illegal aliens will self-deport (at their own expense) -- no national roundup needed. America can free itself of illegal aliens, by enforcement of the law, and will prosper all the more.

United Nations Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families wrote on Dec 28, 2007 11:36 PM:So far, countries that have ratified the Convention are primarily countries of origin of migrants (such as Mexico, Morocco and the Philippines). For these countries, the Convention is an important vehicle to protect their citizens living abroad. In the Philippines, for example, ratification of the Convention took place in a context characterized by several cases of Filipino workers being mistreated abroad: such cases hurt the Filipino population and prompted the ratification of the Convention. However, these countries are also transit and destination countries, and the Convention delineates their responsibility to protect the rights of migrants on their territory. No Western migrant-receiving State has ratified the Convention, even though the majority of migrants live in Europe and North America.[1] Other important receiving countries, such as Australia, Arab states of the Persian Gulf and India have not ratified the Convention either.

So why don't the open borders crowd help the women? wrote on Dec 29, 2007 12:19 AM:You are absolutely right Arcela about what happens to many young Mexican girls in our canyons around this county; however, THIS paper and the pro illegal people act like it doesn't exist!The paper probably won't even post this blog. Whenever I have tried to let people know about the sex trafficking of young girls into the 5-6 major migrant camps in the county, THIS PAPER refuses to post my blog! Why? Who exactly are they protecting ,not the girls. They don't want this "dirty little secret" out!! WHY?

Marcos wrote on Dec 29, 2007 12:24 AM:Please remember they jumped our fences to get in. Respecting people who don't respect our laws, sorry! They need to go home and use their various skills to build their countries. Their home countries are losing valuable assets. As far as International Migrants day, what is that? We are all immigrants, unfortunately I think you are talking about illegal immigrants,right? We don't need to celebrate them!

Title doesn't represent article wrote on Dec 29, 2007 12:53 AM:The title: "Needs of migrants ignored in North County " definitely does not coincide with the article. Ms Alvarez aren't you an educator? Why the mis match. The article does not speak about the needs of the migrants that are being ignored as your title states. What are their ignored needs? They receive plenty. What about the medical care,schooling their kids receive, etc?

Ray wrote on Dec 29, 2007 1:50 AM:I got the worlds smallest violin and it's playing just for Arcela.

Sorry Charlie wrote on Dec 29, 2007 1:58 AM:I think all US citizens are for promoting the right's of legal immigrants, but promoting the right's of ILLEGAL immigrants, NO. Sorry, you are way off base!

Yeah right! wrote on Dec 29, 2007 3:42 AM:When we can define and determine who is a migrant worker, then we'll talk. I think your use of the term is disingenuous. We're not buying it.

Karl wrote on Dec 29, 2007 5:07 AM:The classic line from Angie " Sorry, but no dice sister." sums it up perfectly.

Arcela Nunez-Alvarez is so right on!!!!! wrote on Dec 29, 2007 6:08 AM:Thank you for your intelligent and thought provoking commentary. The ignorance of the commentators shed light on the ignorance most people regarding the issue of immigration. Unfortunately this will be an on going issue until our Legislators do what is best for America and establish fair and compassionate immigration policies. Our nation was made great on the back breaking labor of immigrants legal or otherwise, and yes they are a global asset. Oh and to Pat being PC has nothing to do with this, it is called compassion to bad we lost sight of that somewhere along the way. Give all people their rights under the U.S. Constitution, the Declaration of Human Rights, and their Civil Rights. Our country would be hurt if these hard working people would all be deported. I wonder if Angie, Pat, Daren and Reardon would like to pick some strawberries, because that is what would happen!!! Gee marvel at that whitle America doing hard labor work! I don't think so!! So Arcela Nunez-Alvarez is right we should start thanking these folks instead of persecuting them.

Lawson wrote on Dec 29, 2007 6:56 AM:ARCELA NUNEZ-ALVAREZ- congratulations on your courage in penning this piece. I hope you are not too discouraged by the tone of the comments. North County is NOT reflective of the rest of the country!

Nick wrote on Dec 29, 2007 7:52 AM:To Lawson: You are right. North County is not reflective of the rest of the Country. They are the ones hit harder by ILLEGALS than anywhere in the Country. I guess you haven't noticed that Americans are fed up with ILLEGALS and are wise to the twisted word game people like ARCELA NUNEZ-ALVAREZ try to play on us. Keep drinking the ILLEGAL Loving kool-aid, you apparently enjoy it!

Daren wrote on Dec 29, 2007 8:10 AM:People don't need to pick strawberries or any other produce. Machines already exist that can harvest our produce. I woud gladly pay the increased cost of produce for the savings that would occur from not having criminal illegals in my country. Finally, the attitude of North County is exactly what 78% of this country thinks about criminal illegals: WE DON'T WANT 'EM!!!!

Call a Spade a Spade wrote on Dec 29, 2007 8:19 AM:I refuse to celebrate ILLEGAL immigrant's disrespect of our immigration laws. As soon as they decide to migrate legally, I will welcome them with open arms. Until then, save your hot air for someone else.

hector wrote on Dec 29, 2007 8:41 AM:Lawson is right, North County is not reflective of the rest of the country. But the rest of the country is rapidly getting there. Anyplace and everyplace where illegal immigrants are allowed to gather to the extent they are in the North County citizens have had their quality of life go down, way down. The citizens are realizing that the illegal invasion is making the United States into a third world country. When the job opportunities and access to public benefits stop the illegal population will return to their barrios in the countries of their origin. The criminal element will attempt to remain but will all be arrested, jailed and eventually deported.

To Lawson wrote on Dec 29, 2007 8:47 AM:Poll after poll shows that 80% of the American people do feel this way and that includes American Hispanics. The problem has been up until now they have been too lazy to do anything about it. Now the problems of Illegal Immigration are so widespread that they cannot be ignored anymore. Once average Joe citizens realize how much Illegal Immigration is costing them in dollars, then you will get their attention. Once the average citizen realizes how much our schools are being dumbed down and their own children suffer, then you will get their attention. Our form of government and social services cannot survive by importing mass poverty. It is way past time to secure our borders, because every citizen in this country is paying for this mess. My question for you Mr. or Ms. Lawson is how many Illegal Immigrant families do you support and have living in your house? As California is about to go bankrupt and our taxes raised to fend it off, do you even pay any taxes, or are you still living at home with mommy and daddy?

Blah...blah...blah wrote on Dec 29, 2007 8:52 AM:More blubbering from an amnesty advocate. If these illegals are such great contributors (i.e. 'global assets'...hahahahaha...Oh, that's a GOOD one!), then why are the contries that they abandoned so screwed up?

Hi Lawson... wrote on Dec 29, 2007 8:58 AM:If you think that North County is not reflective of the rest of the country, you are out of touch. Then again, you support Hilary for president, so I guess misunderstanding politics and the needs of this country is pretty much par for the course for you.

To So why don't the open borders crowd help the women? wrote on Dec 29, 2007 9:22 AM:You imply that there is "Whenever I have tried to let people know about the sex trafficking of young girls into the 5-6 major migrant camps in the county, THIS PAPER refuses to post my blog! Why? Who exactly are they protecting ,not the girls. They don't want this "dirty little secret" out!! WHY? " My question to you is where is your proof of this happening!!!!! I just watched a story on Dateline about the sex trafficking of women from all over the world. This problem is not just limited to illegal immigrants. They probably don't post your comment because you have no proof and this can be construed as slander and libel. Look out you can get sued. Show the proof so the dirty little secret can be exposed. Oh I forgot you don't have any proof only inuendo and fabrication.

To Blah...blah...blah wrote on Dec 29, 2007 9:26 AM:The countries they abandoned are so screwed up because of corrupt governments. The United States has done its fair share of screwing up many countries. Hey what happened in Nicaragua when the people tried to fix their country? Oh yeah the U.S. sold weapons to the Contras and the people were defeated, remember Olly North? Yeah!!!

Ken wrote on Dec 29, 2007 9:42 AM:Why should anyone thank someone that is breaking the laws of our country when we ourselves have to abide by the laws of this country? What the ILLEGAL ALIENS contribute DOES NOT out weigh the costs to the American Taxpayers that have to shell out to cover their free stuff they receive. I can only respect those LEGAL immigrants that follow our laws and have absolutely NO RESPECT for those that are in this country ILLEGALLY and breaking our laws. It is way past the time to ENFORCE the immigration laws with the local and city governments helping where the federal government has failed to do. We need to follow Arizona and Oklahoma new strict laws and start to pass the same laws here to help in the policing of the ILLEGAL ALIENS, as well as to give the ILLEGAL ALIENS a great reason to SELF DEPORT back to their own countries. AMERICA, WAKE UP AND LET US TAKE BACK OUR COUNTRY! "I AM MAD AS HELL, AND I AM NOT GOING TO TAKE IT ANYMORE!"

Skip wrote on Dec 29, 2007 9:44 AM:I have noticed that the open-border let them all come in crowd; use their favorite words over and over and over again, like they mean something. I will list a few, but I know there are a lot more. RACIST, IGNORENT, IGNORENCE, HATER, DISCRIMINATION, AND MY FAVORITE PHOBE AND XENOPHOBE (that’s for Roberto1). I really think the American public is numb to the overuse and misuse of these words. If the best they can t do to support their cause is name-calling then so be it. Their best strategy is just to overwhelm us with their numbers, because you have heard it from our own president, QUOTE “We cannot deport 20 million Illegal Immigrants)

THE UNITED STATES DID NOT RATIFY THIS CONVENTION !!!!!!! wrote on Dec 29, 2007 9:47 AM:No Western migrant-receiving State has ratified the Convention, even though the majority of migrants live in Europe and North America.

Greg in Oceanside wrote on Dec 29, 2007 9:50 AM:I'd like to suggest that if you're concerned about illegal immigration, or don't know the real impact, watch 'Gangland' on the History Channel if you'd like to see what the Mexican Mafia, Nuestra Familia, MS-13, Latin Kings and other Latino gangs are doing to our country. And if you'd like to do more research, look at the SD Sheriffs 'most wanted' link to see the faces of the the kind of people coming into this country and the so-called 'culture' they're bringing with them. Go to the FBI's Featured Fugitives, Violent Crimes, Murder link and see for yourself at the kinds of criminals that have permeated our communities. Look into the activities of racist groups such as NCLR (National Council of La Raza) and MEChA. They're objective is not only to promote open borders and grant amnesty, but reconquista (taking back of the US Southwest by Mexicans). It's high time for concerned American citizens to stand up and fight this onslaught of illegal immigration before it's too late. Parts of our country are already turning into the kind of country Mexico and others already are. The illegal immigrants who come here aren't the creme of the crop. They're from the lowest rung of the socio-economic ladder. There are plenty of good candidates running for President who are making illegal immigration a top priority of their campaign. Don't vote for Clinton, Obama, or Edwards if you want change. They're the ones we need to worry about, and are more likely to grant amnesty, and do very little to stem the flow of illegal aliens into this country. The time for action is now and we need to do whatever it takes to stem the flow and foster an environment where illegal aliens engage in self-deportation.

GOOGLE "Captive Daughters" wrote on Dec 29, 2007 10:11 AM:"Children Forced into Prostitution in San Diego Agricultural Camps" Captive Daughters is the first anti-trafficking group established in California. We focus solely on ending the sexual bondage of female adolescents and children. The organization was inspired by the founding director's stay in Nepal, where she learned firsthand about sex trafficking. Upon returning to the United States in 1995 she began researching trafficking and discovered a fragile network of groups struggling to educate the public on trafficking both here and abroad. In an effort to strengthen that movement, she and a committed group of individuals established Captive Daughters as a non-profit organization in 1997.

The Sex Trafficking of Children in San Diego County, California wrote on Dec 29, 2007 10:15 AM:Girls and adolescents are kidnapped and taken to San Diego, where the are obliged to prostitute themselves in agricultural camps. SOURCE : Libertad Latina

The New York Times wrote on Dec 29, 2007 10:18 AM:QUOTE: "And there's a house on Massachusetts Avenue in Vista, Calif., a San Diego suburb, which was pointed out to me by a San Diego sheriff. These places all have at least one thing in common: they are camouflaged by their normal, middle-class
surroundings. ''This is not narco-traffic secrecy,'' says Sharon B. Cohn, director of anti-trafficking operations for the International Justice Mission. ''These are not people kidnapped and held for ransom, but women and children sold every single day."

El Guero wrote on Dec 29, 2007 10:21 AM:Arcela Nunez-Alvarez is a good example why giving amnesty to illegal immigrants is a bad idea. For those who don't know, she came to the U.S. illegally with her mother and sisters in the 1980s to search for their father, who had stopped returning to Mexico and had, in fact, abandoned them. Nunez-Alvarez, her mother and sisters all took advantage of the 1986 amnesty and are legal residents (if not citizens). And Nunez-Alvarez, at least, appears now to be living off the fat of the land, or should I say of the grant money and other taxpayer 'contibutions' that support the 'work' of the National Latino Resarch Center. http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2004/03/14/news/top_stories/3_13_0418_52_47.txt

Cookie wrote on Dec 29, 2007 10:22 AM:You know the same people on here who are supportive of the illegals probably are the same ones who can afford for now to still be separated from this issue. The same ones who vacation in the Mexican resorts and think "wow what a pretty country" when theyve only seen 2 square miles of it. They can afford health insurance, live in an upscale area, and live on cloud nine while the nation goes takes the fast train to extinction. Dont worry, if it hasnt affected you yet it will come. But hey its been a great 200 and some odd years as America.

Veteran wrote on Dec 29, 2007 10:25 AM:Good. Maybe they should go home so that their own country can give them everything they have coming. Since when do any of us have guarantees. Go home and make it better and better your own life and country. Quit expecting the US to give you everything that we citizens do not get!

Skip wrote on Dec 29, 2007 11:01 AM:Anyone using the following terms is an "immigration reform" scamartist: "UNDOCUMENTED PERSONS" - removing "illegal" masks that the alien is a lawbreaker and sounds so much better! “ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS" - an oxymoron. Immigrants obey US laws by applying for and receiving a visa to enter the US. How can someone who obeys the law be "illegal?" Just one more term to confuse voters. “MIGRANTS" - irrelevant to the immigration debate. An immigrant isn’t automatically a migrant. As well, a US citizen can be a migrant, totally removing them from the immigration issue. That they intentionally use terms that confuse rather than clarify is automatically suspicious. They'll stop at nothing to stop public discussion of immigration issues. Those who insist on using clear and accurate terms will be intimidated with accusations of "racist," "xenophobic," "hate-mongers," "anti-immigrant,” and "bigot" and the rest of their tired litany. In their attempts to manipulate American immigration policy and Americans' opinions, Hispanic-rights groups like MALDEF and LaRaza have dictated that the term "ILLEGAL ALIEN" is a "RACIAL SLUR.” Baloney! "ALIEN" and "ILLEGAL ALIEN" are terms found in federal immigration law describing both the individual and the violation.

TijuanaGringo wrote on Dec 29, 2007 11:08 AM:I never said I supported breaking the law, but I feel for those who have to risk their lives and leave loved ones behind to come to America for a better life. I have visited Tijuana on many occasions; it's a city of over 1 million people, twenty minutes from Downtown San Diego. Many people live in shacks, basically made out of airplane hangar, there's numerous prostitutes, girls as young as 13, many who are the children kidnapped off the streets of Tijuana for the sex trade. There are orphanages, because there are orphans everywhere you go, and people scrape by financially, the city is dirt poor. Many poor families hang out in the city waste all day, looking for scraps of food to feed their family. You could go to the worst project in America, and it makes itself to be Beverly Hills in comparison to Tijuana, and that's real. I don't support breaking the law, and I also don't support ignorance. I have compassion for illegal immigrants, because I know this goes on in all parts of Latin America, and people are simply looking for a better life, nothing more.

International Migrants Day - Decemeber 18 wrote on Dec 29, 2007 11:17 AM:On 4 December 2000, the General Assembly, taking into account the large and increasing number of migrants in the world, proclaimed 18 December International Migrants Day (resolution 55/93). On that day, in 1990, the Assembly adopted the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (resolution 45/158). PLEASE UNDERSTAND THAT THE UNITED STATES NEVER SIGNED ON TO THIS, AS I SEE THAT FACT IS CONVENIENTLY OMITED FROM THIS STORY.

Pedro wrote on Dec 29, 2007 11:27 AM:
Hey North County Times since Arcela Nunez just opened a can a worms lets talk about these worms. When can I expect the North County Times to do an article about the CHILD STUDY CENTER and the National Latino Research Center at Cal State San Marcos what is their connection and goal? What about the close association between the ENCUENTROS, CSSM NLRC at CSSM, and the NCCSC? Are pharmaceutical companies involved? What about the California Endowment Grants? Who is abusing whom and what race are they after? If the Minutemen were involved in any projects like these above they would have been called Nazi�s. How ironic ...

Syl wrote on Dec 29, 2007 11:34 AM:International Migrants was not forgotten, as it is not observed in this country. Just Google "IMD" and you will find stories from other countries, but not the U.S. Even this paper is just printing this story 11 days after the fact. It is really like saying "Who Cares". The American Public is just getting around to realizing that Illegal Aliens are more trouble then what they are worth. Sure they only want a better life, but at who's expense?

The smugglers don't care about the women! wrote on Dec 29, 2007 12:07 PM:Please pleases, everyone watch the movie "Border". You will see what these smugglers are doing especially to the women. Unlike what Brigid Brett,NCT opinion writer thinks, the border and what happens to EVERYONE surrounding it is very scary!! Ms. Brigid, they care nothing about the women. The rape trees are everywhere!!

Sounds Like Escondido wrote on Dec 29, 2007 12:13 PM:"Migrants commonly face rampant discrimination, xenophobia, substandard and severely overcrowded housing, a paucity of appropriate health information and services, and untenable labor conditions."

joazinha wrote on Dec 29, 2007 12:41 PM:People like this lady ALWAYS include ILLEGAL aliens WITH LEGITIMATE migrant workers. The two are DEFINITELY DISTINCT, senora!

Greg conveniently left out the Aryan Brotherhood gang....... wrote on Dec 29, 2007 1:00 PM:Yes Greg there is a Santa Claus!!!!! You conveniently left out the white Aryan Brotherhood gang activity featured in that series. I say deport all of them. But please distingush between desperate people coming here to live a better life from those who do not. Please distingush the difference between those who are born here and and we grow them in our own backyards. As our next President said It takes a village.

camille wrote on Dec 29, 2007 1:01 PM:Ever notice how when the illegal immigrants start boo-hooing about their plight they never blame the governments in their home countries for anything? I have never heard one of them blame the corrupt Mexican government ... for their problems. Somehow their misfortunes are always the fault of the US because we have not done enough for them.
Sorry folks, but the gravy train has come to a halt. Go home and straighten out your own countries instead of trashing ours.

Oh my goodness gracious...deporting "migrants" and even separating families. wrote on Dec 29, 2007 1:11 PM:The authorities of the National Institute of Migration (INM) of Mexico repatriated during all 2007 from Tapachula, 1.020 under age Salvadorians, after they were abandoned by the smugglers and other persons under arrest during their trip to the United States. Last year 1.500 children were deported from Mexico, what represents approximately a 5.8% of the total number of deportations in 2006, which were 25,632.

ILLEGAL wrote on Dec 29, 2007 1:12 PM:Alvarez uses the word migrant to describe both legal and illegal entry into this country. Not once did she use the word illegal. Does she also deny the difference between driving with a license and insurance(legal) and without(illegal)? Or entering someones home by invitation (legal) and breaking in (illegal)? How about respecting the property of others (legal) and painting/scratching graffiti on the property of others (illegal)? Does she even care? I'd be willing to bet she locks her doors to keep out the uninvited.

anotherview 2 wrote on Dec 29, 2007 1:28 PM:Illegal aliens have no right to live and work in America. Most Americans would gladly pay a little more for goods and services if their doing so meant the end of illegal immigration and the due deportation of illegal aliens. All concerned would adjust to the outcome of America free of illegal aliens. In time, the criminality associated with illegal aliens would drop. The various costs now burdening the nation from the presence of illegal aliens would decline, and this money could then go to meet the needs of citizens. Jobs would open for citizens. Without illegal aliens, America would prosper all the more. We are an open market society and the country would adapt economical ways of doing things.

Umm wrote on Dec 29, 2007 1:38 PM:Illegal alien is not a race. Neither is Mexican, Russian, Peruvian, Korean, or American. Racism is when all things being equal a person discriminates based solely on the other person's race. One human species. Three genetic races. Thousands of cultures and nations. Being an illegal alien is a chosen behavior, not an unchosen aspect such as race. It is no different to be against illegal immigration than it is to be against illegal withdrawls from a bank using a note and a gun.

Opinions wrote on Dec 29, 2007 2:03 PM:Come on NCT, why do you print these ridiculous articles? Can't you see the bias? She rants on and on about "migrants" and never once admits she is discussing illegal aliens. She is welcome to have her opinions, no matter how misguided, but should they not be limited to "Letter to Editor"

This Is Not About Americans, It Is All About LATINOS wrote on Dec 29, 2007 2:19 PM:Luxury of violence against Latinos by Arcela Nunez-Alvarez
http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2007/05/14/opinion/letters/51307163722.txt

SO VERY TRUE wrote on Dec 29, 2007 2:32 PM:http://www.nctimes.com/content/articles/2007/01/23/opinion/cartoon/thornhill/thornhill012307.jpg

http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2007/05/14/opinion/letters/51307163722.txt wrote on Dec 29, 2007 2:38 PM:Ron wrote on May 14, 2007 11:08 AM: " Interesting letter today by Arcela Nunez-Alvarez. I'm noting her reference to The Brown Berets. Who are the Brown Beret's? They are a Chicano nationalist activist group in the Chicano Movement. They are modeled after the Black Panther Party, were direct "action" against police is a platform. What is a Chicano Nationalist? Chicano nationalism is the ethnic nationalist ideology of Chicanos. Notice they use the word "Ethnic." So if you are not a part of this ethnic struggle, you are therefore perceived as the enemy. You see this same kind of rhetoric in La Raza, Mecha, and other Hispanic identity groups. Where the believe is that the power class, i.e. the white-european's, are keeping down the struggling classes. Notice the term class, it comes right out of Marxism, and The Communist Manifesto. Any coincidence these illegal alien marches happen on May 1st? You betcha they do! How far out of the mainstream are these groups, and Ms. Nunez-Alvarez? In 1972, twenty-six Brown Berets occupied the Santa Catalina Island and claimed it for Mexico. Imagine that? So does Ms. Nunez-Alvarez teach real history at Cal State San Marcos, or does she shade it to her own political bent? Well, if she's still praising a known terrorist group like the Brown Beret's one needs to ask. What isn't she writing us about, but saving for her classrooms?

Gary wrote on Dec 29, 2007 2:46 PM:A country is defined by its borders. We do not have the capacity to soak up all of South America, and that is exactly what will happen if we put down our borders. We will truly be just like them. That is not what I want for my children. And yes my great, great, great grandparents were born here. The United States is a sovereign country.

Please wrote on Dec 29, 2007 2:52 PM:Can someone please let some of these people what the difference is between a migrant and an "illegal" immigrant! I think a 5 year could understand that, why can't some adults!

To Gary wrote on Dec 29, 2007 3:13 PM:You have got to be kidding. You say in your remark that "we do not have the capacity to soak up all of South America." Well we didn't worry to much about that when we entered into the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo did we. We did not worry to much about that when we took their land!!!!

Needs of Migrants Ignored? wrote on Dec 29, 2007 4:32 PM:Really? Here's a partial list of what migrant students at many public elementary school in Escondido receive (I know-I'm at teacher): free breakfast & lunch, free after-school tutoring (& the tutors will even come to their house), free or reduced entrance to the Boys & Girls Club and YMCA activities, all school supplies free (they can also get backpacks & uniforms free if they ask), free summer school & lunch all summer (for any kid in the neighborhood), free reading books, free referrals for dental work, free referrals for glasses, free referrals to see a doctor, & many also receive donated clothing, bicycles, and even Christmas presents!
Their parents also receive free English, Spanish, & GED classes (also taught in Spanish), free parenting & other classes, & free attendance & transportation to conferences.
Finally, many of the teachers spend their own money buying clothes, supplies, book, and presents for their students.
Of course, I didn't even mention the community benefits: reduced HUD rent, reduced telephone service (look on your bill-you're paying for it), free access to the ER and some clinics, free literacy services & tutoring at the public library, and the list goes on and on.
I have lived in another country and traveled a lot. I have never seen another country that offers immigrants all that I mentioned, plus, the opportunity to go to community college for almost nothing and the chance to open a business, get a good job, etc. I challenge Mrs. NUNEZ-ALVAREZ to name one country that treats it's "migrants" better.

Documenta la CNDH trato cruel a inmigrantes wrote on Dec 29, 2007 4:40 PM:National Commission of Human Rights documents cruel treatment of migrants in Mexico. .... I cannot even put down here what they are doing to Illegal Immigrants in Mexico right now. The story is dated 28 December 2007 if you are interested.

To: To So why don't the open borders crowd help the women? wrote on Dec 29, 2007 4:47 PM:...Arcela, writes about the sex trafficking of young Mexican girls. Look it up! As far as proof of sex trafficking of young girls in our canyons to the illegal population please watch a couple of Channel 4 out of LA's pieces on sex trafficking. They have a great piece called "The Fields of Shame". They observe the sex trafficking of 13-15 year old girls in the strawberry fields of Vista. They observed and filmed the same prostituion in McGonigle canyon. And as far as watching out for getting sued-by who.? Who am I slandering? Illegal aliens that great moral group! All I was saying was that someone needs to help the young Mexican girls being used in our canyons. Sorry it wasn't inuendo ...

Outrage wrote on Dec 29, 2007 4:54 PM:Where is her outrage against the Mexican government that encourages illegal entry and the coyotes who bring these "migrants" into the US illegally, sometimes left to die in the desert? Does this article represent what she is teaching our students at Cal State San Marcos?

Mexico : Country Reports on Human Rights Practices - 2004 wrote on Dec 29, 2007 5:02 PM:The Mexican Government generally respected many of the human rights of its citizens; however, serious problems remained in several areas, and in some states, especially Guerrero, Chiapas, and Oaxaca, a poor climate of respect for human rights presented special concern. There were vigilante killings during the year. Disappearances continued to occur. Kidnapping became a larger problem, with an unofficial estimate of 3,000 kidnappings during the year .......... http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2004/41767.htm

Needs of migrants ......... ?????? wrote on Dec 29, 2007 5:07 PM:Now there is a title that will get you a lot of sympathy .......... NOT !

Mexico signed on wrote on Dec 29, 2007 5:30 PM:Turns out Mexico ratified the International Convention mentioned by the author. An excerpt of that ratification reads:
"Interpretative declaration:
Upon ratifying the [Convention], the Government of the UNITED MEXICAN STATES reaffirms its political will to ensure international protection of the rights of all migrant workers, in accordance with this international instrument. all the provisions of this Convention will be applied in conformity with its national legislation." Hmmmm, so the author of this article wants the U.S. to treat our migrants with tender care while Mexico, after signing on to the migrant rights document is known to be very harsh on theirs. Kinda provides a clue as to the value of the legislation. Has she done anything to address the Mexican treatment of migrants into their country, or is the article just anti-American or anti-North County?

Arcela please look how Mexico is treating illegals from southern countries wrote on Dec 29, 2007 5:30 PM:I just saw on tv that Mexico wants to put ID tags under the skin of illegals from south of their border so they can be easily identified. Arcela, you might want to look into how the "ALL GREAT MEXICO" treats illegals who come into their country and leave our country alone!

Arcela is a membe of the new "ANti defamation League for illegal! wrote on Dec 29, 2007 5:35 PM:This new group's goal is to improve the "anglosaxons"(their words) image of migrants(ie illegals).They are trying to use all forms of the media to improve the image of the migrant (illegal)so this is one of their first attempts. Well based on the comments, I think their little plan backfired. No, I know it backfired.

Why are we comparing the United States with........ wrote on Dec 29, 2007 5:39 PM:any other country. Especially Third World Countries. The United States is the greatest nation in the world and you all want to say we should treat immigrants badly because Mexico does!!! How ignorant is that analogy? We are great because immigrants have made our country great. We need to respect their rights under the United States Constitution. To those of you who will say they have not rights well you are wrong and perhaps you should read the U.S. Constitution the 14th Amendment to be exact.

To Human Rights Practices wrote on Dec 29, 2007 5:41 PM:What the activists blame on the Minutemen , actually is commonplace in the countries that they come from. There are no documented crimes committed by the Minutemen that even come close to what actually happens in Mexico almost every day.

To :To Gary wrote on Dec 29, 2007 5:49 PM:You do not understand. I literally mean soak up all of South America. Do you think we have room for an additional 30 or 60 million people almost overnight? We have received more immigrants to this country in the last twenty years, then in all of the 200 years before that. We accept more immigration then any other country in the world, and at the same time it has been more then enough time to become a sovereign country. We are running out of gasoline, electricity, water, and land, as it is. How many more people would you like to add? 70 Million? According to the U.S. Bureau of the Census, the resident population of the United States, projected to 12/30/07 at 01:47 GMT (EST+5) is 303,131,105.

To To Gary wrote on Dec 29, 2007 3:13 PM: wrote on Dec 29, 2007 5:59 PM:There is no doubt that if Mexico owned California, Arizona, and Texas, then its' people would be climbing fences to get into Kansas. It's not the "land" they want, it's the use of our system(which, by the way they are not capable of creating, or even maintaining). Without American taxpayers, and public assistance, they would have no more interest in living here than where they came from.

Re: International Migrants Day, observed on Dec. 18 wrote on Dec 29, 2007 6:02 PM:Oh No! Oops, I forgot to celebrate. Were we suposed to have the day off?

Georgia wrote on Dec 29, 2007 6:07 PM:I beg your pardon, Mam. This is so untrue. Some of these people who do not believe that U.S. citizens have any "right" to have their laws, let alone have their laws ENFORCED are doing better than a lot of Americans. Some Americans are being forced to work for or under the direction of people who are in their country ILLEGALLY.....isn't That a fine state of affairs AND it's becoming more and more common. AT LEAST twelve million (probably 11-15 million) Americans are laid off from their jobs and many if not most of them are losing the roof over their heads, and struggling to put food on the table. Many of them, although more qualified, are forced into jobs where no one speaks English and where their supervisors are illegal aliens as they struggle to
to take care of their families. Please take your sob story somewhere else. The American people are now demanding that "the truth" start being told.

One Alienable right..... wrote on Dec 29, 2007 6:16 PM:All men are created equal. Stop the ill treatment of all people. The current hate crimes being committed by anti-immigration groups is unacceptable. They have perpetrated anger, rage and hate towards all Latinos because of their propaganda. It is time for that to stop and for us to reflect on our historic roots and begin to respect the civil rights of all people regardless of the color of their skin or their immigration status.

Patriot wrote on Dec 29, 2007 6:32 PM:More socialist, communist babble from Nunez-Alverez. This should come with a warning label not to read after eating a meal. I nearly lost my dinner half way through. The alien activists have become so pathetic with this junk. This is American, not Aztlan. Get over it and we might let you stay. Keep fighting the rule of law and we'll deport every single illegal alien in America!

Lisa wrote on Dec 29, 2007 6:46 PM:How dare these migrants/illegal aliens come to our country and complain that we are ignoring there needs. If they do not like the US the way it is, get the heck out of here, trust me we can make due without them. There are plenty of people willing to come here and obey our laws without taking everything that isn't nailed down. This disrespect towards our country is something that has just gone too far and has got to stop. We are not about to change our laws to suit these outsiders.

Karl wrote on Dec 29, 2007 6:58 PM:Bravo "Needs of Migrants Ignored? at 4:32pm"

AMERICAN DAD wrote on Dec 29, 2007 7:06 PM:HOW ABOUT HARD WORKING AMERICANS THAT CANT SUPPORT THEIR OWN FAMILIES. AND YOUR CONCERNED WITH PEOPLE THAT DONT BELONG IN THIS COUNTRY TO BEGIN WITH. FORGET THEM. IM SOO SICK OF IMMIGRANTS GETTING BREAKS SCREW THAT

Knew it wrote on Dec 29, 2007 7:24 PM:I knew this woman had to work for Cal State San Marcos because this is what that school promotes.

So sad wrote on Dec 29, 2007 7:29 PM:Lawson my friend, you must have been out of the country for some time. Illegal immigration is a hot topic here and all around our country. It is not wanted by most Americans. The only ones that want it are our politicians for voting purposes, and our open border, law breaking groups.

LAWSON............ wrote on Dec 29, 2007 9:42 PM:Some one or more than someone is not
constrained by JOURNALISTIC ethics....
HILLARY and Lawson want legal IMMIGRATION!

Arizona Sanctions Law to Begin Tuesday wrote on Dec 30, 2007 12:33 AM:After surviving two court challenges, the law punishing businesses that knowingly employ illegal workers goes into effect in two days. The state sanctions law is the toughest in the nation. It is aimed at turning off the job magnet that has drawn more than 500,000 undocumented immigrants to Arizona. In addition to punishing businesses for knowingly employing illegal workers, the measure requires employers to use a federal online computer program known as E-Verify to check the work eligibility of all new employees hired after Jan. 1.

Do You Detect Racism Here ? wrote on Dec 30, 2007 12:37 AM:"Gee marvel at that whitle America doing hard labor work!" by Arcela Nunez-Alvarez is so right on!!!!! wrote on Dec 29, 2007 6:08 AM:

An Example of True Racism wrote on Dec 30, 2007 2:35 AM:The 204th Street gang was tiny by L.A. standards, with about 100 members. But its activities reflected a reality that has emerged in L.A. County in the last 15 years. Latino street gangs, while feuding with each other, are now also the chief perpetrators of hate crime, especially against blacks, according to the Los Angeles County Human Relations Commission. Black residents of Harbor Gateway told reporters that the 204th Street gang terrified them. Gang members shot at them, yelled racist insults and sprayed racist graffiti on walls, they said. Since 1997, roughly one black person a year has been killed in what appears to be a race-related crime, police say. SOURCE L.A. TIMES

Reed wrote on Dec 30, 2007 5:52 AM:This isn't the 1970's anymore. Your class warfare/socialist nonsense isn't going to fly. The internet has numerous sites listing the crime sprees illegals are committing (robbery, murder, rape) etc as well as the huge burdens on social welfare that these illegals bring. Sorry, in the year 2007 we have cable news and talk radio and your propaganda will not work.

Hmmmm wrote on Dec 30, 2007 1:54 PM:I pointed to the "citizenship" of NCT's left wing loon, pro illegal commentators and it wasn't printed. I see the First Amendment remains alive and well ONLY for anti Americans at the NCT.

LUVUS wrote on Dec 30, 2007 2:03 PM:I like that term, HOST SOCIETY! Unfortunately, it is inappropriate to call the victims "hosts." Do you suppose that Iraq considers itself to be "hosting" a war?

Nunez says wrote on Dec 30, 2007 2:11 PM:"Migrants are a particularly vulnerable group who see their rights routinely violated, not only as workers, but as human beings." Sorry, but I highly doubt that the true migrant, most with VERY little education has any clue as to their "rights". Until, that is, anti Americans like Nunez hunt them down and tell them how horribly they are being abused by that hateful American.

Jorge wrote on Dec 30, 2007 2:17 PM:Hopefully, 2008 will be the Swan Song year of the illegal immigrant in America! Apparently, this writer (and many others) does not pay attention to the voices of the vast majority of legal, tax-paying American citizens who have, in no uncertain terms, REJECTED the presence of millions of unknown, unvetted foreigners in the U.S. The illegal aliens found their way here...now they need to retrace their steps. We do not welcome interlopers.
Go to the end of the line, enter legally after a thorough vetting, learn English, denounce your previous homeland and declare primary allegiance to the United States of America...THEN we will accept you as one of us.
Illegal aliens' American-born kids should not receive the privilege of birthright U.S. citizenship!!! Let's change the Fourteenth Amendment of our U.S. Constitution!

SOSADFORUS wrote on Dec 30, 2007 3:03 PM:This is your UN (one world order) at full speed ahead, and the end of America's Soverenigty....you know the one thats not happening Making deals for Americans with out Americans knowledge...so much for "We the People"

Clea wrote on Dec 30, 2007 4:14 PM:Someone should create a web site to post all the comments posted here by Americans which are in no way in violation of any stated policies of the NCT but the NCT CENSORS determine too truthful and exposing of their bias to allow to be published here. I posted one such comment hours ago and either the NCT CENSORS simply couldn't read it or determined it was a bit too truthful and on point. The basic "jist" was a tongue in cheek "THANK YOU" to the author of this article for continuing to wake up America about their racist, globalist agenda. I'll copy and save this post for posterity if the NCT CENSORS block it too.

Skip wrote on Dec 30, 2007 4:27 PM:I wonder what people think who do not have internet and read only the print newspaper. Do they read stories like this one and throw their paper down in disgust, or do they think .... gee the Illegals are nice people after all, maybe we should have open borders. There is no immediate feedback when you just read the paper, but I guess on the plus side you must be able to understand English to have an opinion on this story.

Greg in Oceanside wrote on Dec 30, 2007 4:46 PM:If anyone is interested in learning more about Latino gangs including the Mexican Mafia, MS-13 (Mara Salvatrucha from El Salvador) Nuestra Familia, Latin Kings, etc., the History Channel is airing a documentary called Gangland, and shows in graphic detail the kind of criminal gangs that have infested our country and communities.

mi·grant wrote on Dec 30, 2007 5:22 PM:1)One that moves from one region to another by chance, instinct, or plan. 2)An itinerant worker who travels from one area to another in search of work.

Illegal Immigration is a Crime wrote on Dec 30, 2007 7:11 PM:Under Title 8 Section 1325 of the U.S. Code, "Improper Entry by Alien," any citizen of any country other than the United States who: Enters or attempts to enter the United States at any time or place other than as designated by immigration officers; or Eludes examination or inspection by immigration officers; or Attempts to enter or obtains entry to the United States by a willfully false or misleading representation or the willful concealment of a material fact; has committed a federal crime.
Violations are punishable by criminal fines and imprisonment for up to six months. Repeat offenses can bring up to two years in prison. Additional civil fines may be imposed at the discretion of immigration judges, but civil fines do not negate the criminal sanctions or nature of the offense.

Ms. Nunez-Alvarez has GOT to be kidding! wrote on Dec 30, 2007 8:48 PM:Do MORE for 'migrants'? Like paying for the delivery of their children then the public school education for the offspring (for starters) is 'nothing'?---A country is defined by its borders, language and culture. Lose control of the borders, and you soon lose the cohesiveness of a common language and a common culture, a common sense of identity, and without commonality of language and culture you may have a territory, but not a nation. You may have a population, but not a People. You are no longer a Big Tribe, a National Tribe, but a hodgepodge of Balkanized Little Tribes at odds, if not at war, with each other, grabbing turf for their own ghettos, large and small, rich and poor, of whatever languages and cultures they brought to America. Thus, a primary purpose - maybe the primary purpose - of immigration control must be to assure that immigration is paced and measured so that immigrants, and their children, assimilate into the national culture, i.e. become Americans first. Whatever culture they left to come here becomes a heritage secondary to their Americanism, as it has for so many millions of us who came here, and whose ancestors came here, in past years and centuries. Immigration to America is for people who want to become Americans, not for people who want America to become something else.

illegal alien wrote on Dec 30, 2007 8:54 PM:1) a foreigner who has entered or resides in a country unlawfully or without the country's authorization. 2) a foreigner who enters the U.S. without an entry or immigrant visa, esp. a person who crosses the border by avoiding inspection or who overstays the period of time allowed as a visitor, tourist, or businessperson. Compare resident alien.

Local taxpayer wrote on Dec 31, 2007 4:49 AM:As poor Arcela slowly came to the sad conclusion that her target audience was not stupid and totally uninformed. If or when she catches up, she might have to admit the difference between true 'migrant workers' and illegal temps/border crossers. When I was very young my parents had migrant workers pick seasonal summer vegetables in upstate NY. They were poor, black and absolutely legal. They were true migrant workers.

Illegal Immigration Free-For-All wrote on Dec 31, 2007 8:24 AM:If the comments in response to Arcela Nunez-Alvarez' opinion piece don't sum up the feelings of most legal Americans I don't know what would. Nunez-Alvarez seems to think that "fair and compassionate immigration policies" means open borders and an immigration free-for-all.

After going through the San Joaquin Valley and seeing a large Mexican flag flying high over a small American flag at a farm, it's easy to see where the loyalties of some of these "migrants" really are. They have no intention of assimilating into the American culture and laws. I guess that's what she means by "fair and compassionate." Let illegals come here and ignore our laws. Legal immigrants have far more in this country than they had in the countries they came from. So do illegal immigrants. Illegal immigrants just don't belong here. Period. We can't support them all.

It's time for legal Americans to wake up and decide if a Californian extension of Mexico is what they want to live in. After all, isn't Mexico doing such a great job with their own country??? This invasion is already well underway.

MVet wrote on Dec 31, 2007 8:28 AM: The issue is not about Hispanics, Latinos. Mexicans, Guatemalans, South Americans, or what ever you want to call them. The issue is not about white, brown, or black people. The issue is not perceived racism or name calling. A few hard working Immigrant families are cute, but my God we are talking about millions and millions of illegal aliens here. We are talking about people who have not had their backgrounds checked, who are predominately uneducated, who are medically unscreened, and who are breaking our laws. They are not coming here to be Americans, but simply to make money and their allegiance lies elsewhere. Our country has Immigration laws to protect the best interests of American Citizens. Unfortunately our own government has betrayed us and looked the other way for far too long. There is not an ever ending supply of work and resources to maintain this mass importation of poverty that we are allowing to move into this country simply by sneaking across the borders.

Hispanic Majority by 2042 wrote on Dec 31, 2007 8:39 AM:Check out this article that says Hispanics will be the majority in California by 2042. The non-Hispanic numbers will decrease. ... Arcela Nunez-Alvarez is quoted in this article and seems excited about that thought. Interesting how it doesn't say if these numbers include only LEGAL Hispanics.

Your Tax Dollars at Work wrote on Dec 31, 2007 8:41 AM:Isn't it just swell that our tax dollars are going to support this person at CSUSM?

THE THREATS WILL COME NEXT wrote on Dec 31, 2007 10:20 AM:In Michigan this week, they have stopped giving driver’s license to Illegal Aliens on the grounds that they are not permanent residents of the state. In response Migrant advocates are calling Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox's ruling to deny illegal immigrants a Michigan driver's license an ill-conceived move that will not be tolerated. It has even gone so far that the Michigan Department of Human Services Office of Migrant Affairs said QUOTE: "But people aren't just going to get up and leave the state and country. They're still going to keep on driving." In other words screw you and your laws, there is too many of us to tell us what we can and cannot do. Scenes like this one are being played out all over the country. If this is not an INVASION, then I do not know what is. r/ Gary in Murrieta

Elizabeth wrote on Dec 31, 2007 10:27 AM:These people are insanely greedy. They want it ALL for them and nothing for everyone else. So true, if they owned the American SW, they would be leaving to get into the next state in order to gain from American taxpayers services. Calderon was absolutely right when he said...."Where there is a Mexican, there is Mexico".

Ingrid wrote on Dec 31, 2007 10:36 AM:The activists make cries of racism and discrimination, on baseless grounds. Meanwhile Latino street gangs established in America are now the chief perpetrators of hate crime, especially against blacks. Latino Gang members shot at them, yell racist insults and spray racist graffiti on walls. It is a warzone out there and if you need proof, then check out the "Homicide Blog" on the L.A. Times Webpages.

FEDS TACK;E ;ATINO GANG ACCUSED OF TARGETING BLACKS wrote on Dec 31, 2007 11:55 AM:http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2007/12/31/news/state/16_16_1712_30_07.txt

hometown wrote on Dec 31, 2007 12:14 PM:Well, well, well. Looks like the bleeding heart liberals stepped on a land mine today. Again. Why can't we all just get along. Have any of the pro-illegal alien crowd ever seen a picture of the scene at Ellis Island with all the LEGAL immigrants from Europe filing the necessary papers? This is all we pro-LEGAL immigrant crowd ask of anyone. Thank you for your support of the United States of America.

Becky wrote on Dec 31, 2007 12:33 PM:I just read this story and its' comments for the first time. I would say the comments do not agree with the author of the story by at least two to one. Yup!.......... At least!

infosd wrote on Dec 31, 2007 12:37 PM:No, no friends, we have to let these people stay in America! They're good for us, they "clean our rooms", (like Hillary said), they pick veggies in the Arizona sun, jobs we "...can't do", (like John McCain said). Yeah, keep supporting these globalist scumbags and see where we will be in another 10 years.

ovnilab wrote on Dec 31, 2007 12:51 PM:Do NOT vote a democrat or pro amnesty republican into office if you don't want this to continue. This is ALL coming to a neighborhood near you very soon! I live in Los Angeles and it is all but completely taken over by mostly illegal Mexican aliens. This place just in 5 short years due to uncontrolled illegal immigration looks like a "...World" Mexico even more now.

Reardon wrote on Dec 31, 2007 1:55 PM:Never attribute to conspiracy what can be more easily be described by incompetence, but this commentary appears in print very visibly and is not nearly so visible on-line for reply. The entire subject is rife with subjects for discussion – note the Drudge Report link to a Breitbart story today (Associated Press) about the movement by one school district to check on Mexican resident children using the Calixico School System, and another school system that stretches to the border, Sweetwater, that refuses to check on such abuses of the American taxpayer.

Why wrote on Dec 31, 2007 3:28 PM:Why did the NCT find it necessary to run this article again today? It was also in the paper last Friday, the 28th. Note that the 37 countries that ratified the 1990 convention do not include the US or any other major country. Mexico, of course did, and just look at their history of human rights. A terrible, one sided story considering the problems created by illegal aliens crossing our southern border. She of course, calls them "migrants". Watch the documentary film "Border" if you want to see the horror of illegal immigration at our border with Mexico.