Skip wrote on Dec 31, 2007 11:24 PM:Just count the comments in the "Most Commented-On Stories This Week" section. Now the only question is, "Will the voters do anything about it?"

JanetP wrote on Jan 1, 2008 4:15 AM:"Most Americans are very much in the center on immigration," said Doug Rivlin, a spokesman for the National Immigration Forum..."

This is the biggest turn-off from these groups. They attempt to lump illegal immigrants with legal immigrants. This entire debate is about ILLEGAL immigrants.

The groups lose their credibility and join the shrill voices when they use this tactic. It is dishonest. If they want to be taken seriously and have a voice in the debate they should abandon the sophomoric approach.

To Skip wrote on Jan 1, 2008 6:26 AM:Please the blogs is not a scientific poll since I am sure that Skip probably blogs using different names. It does not matter what the voters do, Skippy.....things will remain the same because of a little thing called the U.S. Constitution. You know Freedom of Speech and equal protection. Darn that hurts. None the less it is the truth. Any politician who is a one issue candidate is worthless. Any candidate that rides the wave of illegal immigration to get elected is worthless. So just what would you have the voters do about it? We can vote and nothing will change. That is the sentiment of most voters! It would be nice if the election were held on the North County Times blog but wait one can only vote once, well that blows that theory. See you at the polls!!!!

frank l kinney wrote on Jan 1, 2008 6:51 AM:immigration is the issue, for it effects all americans and can change our culture and tax structure for which we pay pay pay! we as a people of united states gain nothing nothing!immigration is a corporate plan for which its to replace and change our nation our country its people period!make no mistake on this issue america because you know what i say is true! play there game you me your family and american children all lose!leaving our borders still wide open should tell you all whats up! even after 911? everything in english also comes in spanish? two familys have given us nafta and these two familys have run our country for over 20 years too! bush clinton bush! now hillary or anyone of the top candidates we just keep this corporate world plan in place. yes plan, plain and simple for all to put togeather for all to see? there actions in 07 amnesty amnesty both partys playing deception on us all, and not one thing as change has it? republicans are against amnesty yet borders are still wide open? but they support bush who went against them and with democrat kennedy and mCcain!my state of michigan republican gives driver license to illegal aliens but no record of how many driver license given out? you just give driver license to any dam person now? trust what! republicans? democrats? throw in the media and news papers and american people in the middle? me like yous just would like to be minding my own business with my own life but when you know the truth of whats up! well, it would be kinda dumb to say nothing!its one big corporate nafta game plan and look at reality right now! illegal immigration is part of there plan period.americans lose we gain nothing and lose so very much our country. fair says some 37.9 illegal people in our country thats a awful lot of people that nobody knows for nothing who the hell is here? open borders for some dam reason are still left open yet we are fighting terrorist please! americans are being killed and our own country is being replaced and we are protecting iraq from terrorist and fighting for them to have law and order in there country good news! joke? not funny! we need independent american people to fill some 435 congressional seats and 34 senate seats this 08 and if we get are dam selfs togeather america we can do just that! read lou dobbs independent day book and you will all see just what corporate mob rule is doing and who is helping it! truth is on our side. independent the only answer. michigan little big horn. happy new year and god bless us all AMEN.

Democrat Robert wrote on Jan 1, 2008 7:56 AM:Notice to all Candidates!!! If you fail to address this illegal invasion, you will have hell to pay from the voters!

Daren wrote on Jan 1, 2008 8:14 AM:The voters have already made their opinion known, and will do so again. The task now is to put people in office who will listen to what we want and actually start cracking down on these criminal illegals.

Mike wrote on Jan 1, 2008 8:15 AM:Gotta worry about phrases such as: "Opponents of illegal immigration...". Are these the folks who think laws should be enforced?

Ken wrote on Jan 1, 2008 9:13 AM:This is an issue that is way past the need to fix. It should have been done back in 1986, but as anyone can see, our federal government thought that is was not needed. Boy were they wrong!1 It is NOW that we, the majority of the American people (citizens) take back our country and STOP this invasion coming into the country of ILLEGAL ALIENS and ILLEGAL DRUGS! Those running for office also need to understand the will of the people, for if they don't, they should not be surprised when they are not elected back into office. "I AM MAD AS HELL, AND I AM NOT GOING TO TAKE IT ANYMORE!"

Its time wrote on Jan 1, 2008 9:20 AM:Illegal immigration and the North American Union greatly concern me. I'm afriad If Government doesn't get a hold on it the people will take matters into there own hands.

Robert24 wrote on Jan 1, 2008 9:41 AM:I fail to see how freedom of speech and equal protection has anything to do with illegal activity. The bottom line is, these people broke the law and continue to break the law, with no recourse. Why should they obey our laws at all, when the first thing they did by coming here was to start breaking them? Our forefathers wrote the Constitution to protect this great Country and her legal residents. I'm sorry, but it does not apply to illegal law breakers.......

Illegal immigration can't live with it and can't live without it. wrote on Jan 1, 2008 9:54 AM:Once these Candidates are elected they don't ever do what they say!!! I hope the candidates that are staunchly opposed to illegal immigration and staunchly support securing our borders win than we are assured that nothing will be done about either subject. These politicians are just power hungry liars. They are just like the teenage boy that will say anything to get a girl into bed. Then when the coersion is over and the deed is done someone ends up getting screwed. Illegal immigration is something we just have to live with because that is the way corporate America survives. Happy New Year. I am just curious as to why Frank Kinney does not use proper grammer or punctuation, no big deal, just curious.

To It's time........ wrote on Jan 1, 2008 10:18 AM:Whatever do you mean? Do you mean that people might take the law into their own hands? Do you mean some might even break the laws of the land? See people do whatever it takes under desperate circumstances. That is why I feel we need compassionate immigration reform. We need to rationally consider all aspects of this problem in order to deal with this issue in a humane manner. I hope those who take the law into their own hands or as you put "take matters into there own hands" will be brought to justice for criminal activity.

Rhonda wrote on Jan 1, 2008 10:24 AM:Wow, Ken you are scaring me. So much anger brewing!!! ... Gee today is the first day of the New Year and you are already in a uproar. Unfortunately typing in CAPITOL letters on a forum such as this one will not change a damn thing but I guess since you are mad as hell it might be good therapy. I guess you are one of those American who are ready to take matters into their own hands. You people frighten me but to each his own.

Voter wrote on Jan 1, 2008 10:35 AM:Start with your local elected 'officials'. Those little local politicians who think they are big shots seem to be setting national security policy by not enforcing every law of the USA. They need to go..so vote.
ps. NTC, what is the real purpose of the Image Verification listed below the comments, as it seems to only be attached to certain subjects?? (lets see if they have the guts to answer that with an Editor's comment attached to this article).
Editor's Note: It reduces spam. A code is added to the index of certain pages (the ones that attract the most spam).

Robert24 wrote on Jan 1, 2008 10:38 AM:To "To It's time": Compassionate immigration reform?! You're kidding, right? They BROKE THE LAW coming here, and you want to "compassionately reform" them? Here's my version of compassionate reform: If you are here illegally; go home! Get in line, do the right thing this time, and we will welcome you. Maybe you need to ... try and compassionately reform them in your own home also.

Nick wrote on Jan 1, 2008 11:19 AM:To Robert24: I see I wasn't the only one who caught that lame line, "compassionate reform". That's just a liberals way of saying give amnesty to all the lawbreakers just because they're human. How about compassionate tax reform? You know, don't harrass me if I don't feel like paying my taxes.....

To Robert 24 from It's time....... wrote on Jan 1, 2008 11:21 AM:No I am not kidding!!!! I think we need to grant Amnesty to every single one of the illegal immigrants who are here in this country now. Oh come on Robert24 if I housed "them" in my own home I would have vigilantes tearing down my door threatening me with death because I am a traitor. I am sorry but I do find humor in the activities of those vigilante groups. If you don't know this there is no line. Let me ask you Robert24 what do you think of a person who advertises in a mail order bride magazine or other magazines and comes over here to the U.S.? Do you think that she did that legally? I think desperate times call for desperate measures. I wish President Boosh would end all this mess by ordering Amnesty. Happy 2008.

The people have spoken wrote on Jan 1, 2008 11:26 AM:Illegal immigrants need to go! Plain and simple!

Business owner wrote on Jan 1, 2008 11:30 AM:Illegal immigration will continue whomever is elected. Politicians may mouth one thing to get votes but will do nothing because the US economy depends on the cheap labor. That is why the borders are kept open. As a business owner I will continue to hire any capable worker because 1) American workers want too much money, and 2) foreign workers are more productive. It is not rocket science.

Mike wrote on Jan 1, 2008 11:47 AM:It's time wrote: "...I do not find humor in the activities of those vigilante groups." You aren't ammused with trying to chase down illegal aliens with a lounge chair and cooler in tow? Lighten up.

Freitag wrote on Jan 1, 2008 12:03 PM:Citizens from other countries enter OUR country illegally and take advantage of the friendly climate of political correctness in the USA.Some of these illegals drive motor vehicles while unlicensed. We have politicians who want to reward illegals by allowing them to apply for drivers licenses.I am all for citizens from other countries, especially Mexico, who want to come to the USA to make a better life for themselves and their families that they bring.Legal immigration - YES. Illegal immigration - NO.

get real wrote on Jan 1, 2008 12:42 PM:This is a racial issue for sure. If the govt started issuing 5 million visas each year to Mexicans so they could enter legally the same people would be screaming.

tophat wrote on Jan 1, 2008 1:15 PM:Illegal and believe it or not the high legal immigration is not doing any good for Americans pre 1986 levels of immigration should come back.

Sadly many with agendas against Americans dont let the numbers and the costs see the day.

Excerpt from article today in washington post.
It would be for a scarred veteran of the immigration wars to say there is little really new in "The Immigration Solution," though it's very well packaged. Thus Steven Malanga in his impressive chapter on economics notes that native-born Americans receive essentially no aggregate net economic benefit from immigration — which means that America is being transformed for nothing. But I reported this astonishing consensus among labor economists in my own book, "Alien Nation," more than 12 years ago.



However, the point is that no one took any notice of me, nor of the National Academy of Science metastudy that reached the same conclusion in 1997.

None biased research concludes in every point America gains nothing from the current levels of legal and illegal immigration.

Jack wrote on Jan 1, 2008 1:38 PM:Fortunately, North County is NOT representative of the views of our country!

Reardon wrote on Jan 1, 2008 1:42 PM:Sad to say that Oklahoma(!)and Arizona are leading in the humane solution, i.e. “compassionate reform” -- removing the job incentives and letting the illegals return to Mexico. (Taking with them a newly found knowledge of sanitation, and at least minimal employment skills to eventually improve Mexico. They also take many bi-lingual American-educated children to help Mexico.) Meanwhile there is a federally coordinated effort against Latino Gangs, and the number of illegal aliens who have been judicially ordered deported has been decreased this year from a total of 650,000 to 600,000! (Hey, it is a start!) The trend lines look positive, there is no terrible employment displacement, and the word is getting out in Mexico that the personal cost might not be worth the eventual financial benefit. Meanwhile California is not following the Arizona/Oklahoma model, which means illegals may decide to come here rather than return to Mexico, and our “sanctuary cities” become the magnet.

Joe wrote on Jan 1, 2008 2:28 PM:You can't trust the LA Times. You can bet that they and their liberal staff are Pro illegal alien.

Thanks MM wrote on Jan 1, 2008 2:31 PM:I would like to rake this opportunity to thank the Minutemen and similar groups who helped bring the issue of illegal immigration to the forefront.

Reardon wrote on Jan 1, 2008 2:34 PM:"Get Real": Nonsense. I have favored the doubling of legal immigration quotas from all Latino countries, along with strict enforcement of existing laws, for many months on these pages.

Joe wrote on Jan 1, 2008 2:40 PM:The LA Times can't be trusted. One only needs to look back at the Bustamante vs Arnold election when they manipulated their polls by including illegals when asking "who would they vote for".

To All Of You Edward fans on This page wrote on Jan 1, 2008 2:46 PM:How come you were so silent on that fine story by ARCELA? " Needs of migrants ignored in North County " http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2007/12/29/opinion/commentary/17_39_1712_28_07.txt As an American Citizen I can only voice my opinion and Vote. I hope everyone else does too. I believe in America and the American worker. You may call me selfish, but no matter, as I do not believe that we are capable of supporting the worlds' poor and destitute, as things are today. I believe we must secure our borders and control our destiny as a country. r/ Skip

Billy wrote on Jan 1, 2008 2:57 PM: When will you people get it right. There is nothing wrong, that I know of, with our immigration system. If you are referring to the illegal alien problem then say so. And I am telling you that will be the major issue all across the country - not our immigration system. If you know something wrong with the immigration system spit it out and get it before the public. Why are you hiding behind your twisting and spinning of words, which will not mean a hill of bean in any up coming election. Yours is a lost cause. The problem is lack of enforcement of federal laws at the border. You watch the changes taking place after the election. We have had enough. We hired those people in congress and we can fire them.

Greg in Oceanside wrote on Jan 1, 2008 3:17 PM:Ed Sifuentes is right, Illegal immigration is going to be one of the biggest issues, if not the biggest, facing voters in the ’08 elections. It is going to mobilize and empower millions of us who are fed up and have had enough of illegal aliens who have eroded our quality of life and have taken more than what they’ve contributed, all on the backs of the US taxpayer. This includes things like education, healthcare, welfare, the costs of drunk drivers, hit-and-run accidents, and criminal prosecutions. There are always going to be those who argue ‘they are people too..’ and ‘they are here to work.’ The whole world is full of ‘people’ but we have limited resources and cannot continue to allow an unchecked flow of ‘people’ into our country. As for the argument that they’re here for jobs, what is not understood is the enormous financial impact this has on our economy. The macro-economic impact isn’t understood and how the billions of dollars sent across the border is financial resources that are taken out of circulation in our economy, and eventually goes into the economy of Mexico and beyond. As a hard-working, tax-paying citizen, I’ve had enough and we need to construct an impenetrable double wall across the entire southern border, and must double the size of our Border Patrol if we want to control the hordes of illegal aliens and drugs pouring in.

To Joe wrote on Jan 1, 2008 3:31 PM:I agree with you when you say you cannot trust the Times, even though I grew up with them as our family paper. I will say this though ... Every now and then they come up with some surprisingly factual stories on just how bad Illegal Immigration can be. Try Googling this story "6 + 4 = 1 Tenuous Existence". It may be hard to find, but I am sure it is still out there. Another feature they have is the "Homicide Report" Blog, but hey are threatening to reduce it in 2008. So check it out while it is still there. They have attempted to detail every homicide in L.A. for the last year. You can make up your own mind on the state of the city after looking at that. Who would have guessed? The population in SoCal has expanded by millions and millions in the last 25 years — but LA Times circulation is 150,000 below were it was in 1971. Maybe it has something to do with being able to read English, or maybe people got fed up with their ultra Liberal Views. Remember they were the ones who supported Gray Davis. r/ Skip

Daren wrote on Jan 1, 2008 4:05 PM:Fortunately, jack is wrong with his 1:38 pm post. The majority of this country is strongly against the continued presence of criminal illegals in this country. Here's hoping the truly informed(LEGAL) voters of this country will continue to support the continued crackdown on these criminal illegals and boot'em the hell out of my country!!

to business owner wrote on Jan 1, 2008 4:42 PM:If your proud of your position, do you care to identify the name of your business?

voter wrote on Jan 1, 2008 4:48 PM:thanks for responding NCT

Robert24 wrote on Jan 1, 2008 5:04 PM:What do I think of "Mail Order Brides"? I think that there are so few of them to even matter, and that they probably actually marry a legal American citizen, one who has assimilated into American culture and ways, and probably obeys her laws. They also probably assimilate into our culture and ways, and work and support America's economy, instead of sending money "home". The marriage license is witnessed and filled out, and we know who is here. Lastly, I doubt that we have any where near 12 million (or more) "Mail Order Brides" here illegally, and I doubt that they have their... babies here bleeding us dry. That was fun; thanks for the challenge (although it really wasn't much of a challenge). No amnesty for illegal law breakers; send 'em all back, and let the ones that really want to live here come back legally. That will show if they are really here to make a better life, or just take advantage of the system (and hope for amnesty from somebody with "compassion").

Diane wrote on Jan 1, 2008 5:24 PM:If you have any doubts that the Democrats intend for the illegal immigrants to stay, check out the new EEOC documents.

What a country wrote on Jan 1, 2008 5:38 PM:At least Arizona is starting to get it right, our turn now. Free Mexico from it's corrupt government, until then build the fence.

Daves wrote on Jan 1, 2008 5:51 PM:if we do not enforce the "Rule of Law." I see the beginning of anarchy? the people will no longer put up with the panderers of the globalist, open- border, free-marketeers, that are tearing this country apart. On the horizon, we could be on the verge of a Second Civil war. It is likely to start in Texas, when the federal authorities try to take property owners land by eminent domain to build the Canadian-Mexican Super Highway? Then all hell will break loose and God Help Us All!

Bettybb wrote on Jan 1, 2008 6:16 PM:Business owner belongs in jail.

I hope his honest business competitors sue him for unfair competition because he uses cheap taxpayer subsidized labor.
I hope his legal employees sue him under RICO (triple damages) for racketeering by depressing wages. These type of lawsuits are starting, a Rico one has already been wom by employees in the norhtwest.

Sorry, Business ower, but the party is over.

Americans are taking back our country from dishonst business.

I wonder wrote on Jan 1, 2008 6:19 PM:why it is OK for private companies to go after folks who have not paid their federal student loan, but it is called vigilantism for private citizens to watch the border or protest at illegal curb-side emplyment agencies.

Bettybb wrote on Jan 1, 2008 6:24 PM:WATCH OUT FOR POLL MANIPULATION

Prior to the vote on Bush's amnesty bill. all the media was touting a poll saying the majority of Americans favored the bill. Problem was, the poll did NOT SAY THAT. It said only 24% favored the bill.

Recently a national newspaper referenced a poll for the view that a majority of Americans were for amensty. I checked the poll. There was not one word in it about immigration.

Again, recenlty, a national newspaper published an article which said two recent polls show a majority of Americans favor amensty. I wrote the journalist and asked for the name of the polls. No answer.

Another example. A national newspaper quotes a poll saying it proves a majority of Americans want amensty. I could not locate the poll. A couple of days latter, another journalist published a critique of the first artile and made fun of the "ghost" poll. Obviously, no such poll ever existed.

There are also such things as push polls, where they can pre determine the answer they want.

So if a poll is mentioned, go read the poll, and even then, without knowing nd understanding their methodolgy, there is not guarantee that the poll has any validity.

graciela wrote on Jan 1, 2008 6:52 PM:Americans are fed up with loosing their jobs to illegals who work for pennies and Americans who pay taxes are fed up with supporting illegals while our disabled, veterans and elderly are put on the street. Our patience is at an end.

Reardon wrote on Jan 1, 2008 7:41 PM:The Texas Revolt may be closer than you think. The Dallas Morning News named the illegal alien as the "Texan of the Year." While Time Magazine claims their "Person of the Year" (Putin) is not an "honor," and the Dallas News tries the same, Texas is aghast! (Anger hardly describes it!) Of course the Dallas newspaper also came out today against the death penalty, and for mass transit, so their insulation from reality is complete.

Vista Resident wrote on Jan 1, 2008 7:55 PM:Democrats have been wimps on the immigration issue. The folks in Iowa aren't letting them get away with it. Iowan's nailed Hillary for waffling on the issue of driver's licenses for illegal immigrants. Unfortunately, John Edwards actually supports driver's licenses for illegals.

However, Edwards has been a strong champion of fair trade. Free trade is not free to American workers. NAFTA has been a disaster for the Mexican worker, as Perot warned us during his run for president. Under NAFTA, the US has been dumping cheap subsidized corn in Mexico. So Mexicans are coming up here because they are starving in Mexico. Meanwhile, China has been getting the work instead. We need to renegotiate our trade treaties is a way that benefits Mexican and US workers.

John Edwards promised to work for fair trade in the last president election. When Edwards started gaining momentum with his populist message, most of the other Democratic presidential contenders chimed in with support for fair trade. I couldn't understand why the labor unions then backed Kerry.

My sister and her husband both lost their mid-level management jobs at a major US corporation. Meanwhile, this corporation was outsourcing jobs to Asia. Sis told me recently that US workers trounced foreign competition -- even at the low wage rate paid overseas. She says that the problem is that foreign countries offer huge tax incentives to corporations for setting up business there and providing jobs. So, if our government would provide some protection to US business, then US manufacturing could be competitive.

The only presidential candidate making a strong case for fair trade is John Edwards. Save the American dollar with FAIR TRADE.

lynn wrote on Jan 1, 2008 8:26 PM:Have a relative who can't hardly find work anymore because he's in construction and we all know the reason why. Maybe he can move to AZ now though and all the illegals leaving AZ will probably come here, the safest state in the country.
Jobs should go to American workers first!
Darn right illegal immigration is going to be a big factor in the '08 election.

Buzzm1 wrote on Jan 1, 2008 8:37 PM:There are three opinions:

Those against illegal immigration.

Those who don't yet understand how costly illegal immigration is to American Taxpayers.

The opinion of illegal immigrants, and their relatives, who are in favor of illegal immigration.

Every legitimate poll that I have seen is heavily against illegal immigration, and against all free benefits for illegal immigrants.

Keep making lots of noise. There are a lot of politicians who aren't hearing us. Make them pay.

mlimberg wrote on Jan 1, 2008 8:43 PM:Advocates of legalizing some of the millions of illegal immigrants are idoits.

Summit Sam wrote on Jan 1, 2008 9:24 PM:Politicians are in bed with the business lobby. The business lobby wants cheap plentiful labour, and wants the United States to subsidize it. The public needs to punish those that support illegal immigration and amnesty.

bushwacked wrote on Jan 1, 2008 10:29 PM:why all the hate directed towards some poor people looking for a job? You would do the same. George Bush is the person keeping the borders open for them to come and go. And last I saw he was a Republican.

Roberto1 wrote on Jan 1, 2008 10:46 PM:When our new President Clinton gets in office i'm sure she will do the right this and deal with illegal immigration in a logical, realistic and compassionate manner. Thanks to all you phobies for splitting the vote and making this scenario possible.

Amnesty Worker from 1987 wrote on Jan 2, 2008 3:15 AM:I worked on the Amnesty project in 1987. If you do not seal the boarders and begin deportation, the country will fall like Babylon the great. Also, overun by foreigners. I worked on the project in 1987. Now here we are again with even more illegals then we did the first time. The ones that came here initially illegally never changed. They came as criminals and their mentality did not just change becasue we handed them a piece of paper. In another 10 years America will have to do the same thing. There will be twice as many illegal aliens as there are now just waiting for the liberally kind hearted Americans to just give up and start handing out citizenship papers. Plus the two other groups of millions that were handed papers. You better pray the rest of the country understands the hell we have had to pay in Southern California for this terrible injustice to the American People. If this passes you may as well move to Northern California and sever the lower half of California to Mexico just to build a new boarder. Mark my Words. Amnesty Project Worker 1987

To Robert24 wrote on Jan 2, 2008 6:23 AM:I think one mail order bride is to many!!!! I think it is amoral for a woman to sell herself to a stranger for citizenship!!! This happens more often than you want to believe. See once again you want to accept one form of getting to this country but want to reject the means of others to get here. I believe a woman must desperate to advertise herself for sale in a magazine and God knows who will buy her. I think women who do this are so desperate that they become victims of their husbands and inprisoned by their marriages. They can not be free thinkers therefore are in bondage. I think this act of coming to this country is worse than crossing the border!!! I watched two shows recently about mail order brides and believe me there are more than you want to accept. Why do these men not just marry American women? Why do they have to bring foreigners here to be there wives? I think it should take more than a pretty face to get to live in my country. I am totally against the mail order bride phenomenon and when all the illicit mail order brides are deported than I will agree that all illegal or amoral immigrants have to go too.

Ray wrote on Jan 2, 2008 8:01 AM:You are all wrong on this issue it is not should we allow 20+ million illegal invaders to remain in the US. The question should be at what point does the USA cease to exist as a nation. For all those that think we can accommodate 20+ million and their family's and still exist I say you are living in dream land. We will become a lawless land of tribes such as the people of the mideast. Will the last American please close the door. God bless the late USA

Greg in Oceanside wrote on Jan 2, 2008 10:11 AM:We don't need more compassion for illegal immigration like their supporters argue. In fact, we need intolerance. The people we need to show compassion for are those of us tax-paying, US citizens who've been footing the bill and have seen our quality of life eroded. We want schools that aren't chocked full of low performing ESL students who are impeding progress for our children. We want to have access to emergency rooms and not have to stand in line behind illegal aliens who use the emergency room as their main source of medical treatment, which oftentimes they don't pay for. As a taxpayer, I resent my hard earned money being spent to deliver children of illegal aliens, and to support them or their families with social welfare programs. I resent that many of our neighborhoods are turning into barrios that harbor gangs. I resent that my tax dollars are being spent to criminally prosecute the illegal aliens who have committed crimes here and are in our criminal justice system and prisons. We need to require that employers hire only US citizens and legal residents who have valid SSN's, not illegal foreigners who take jobs, oftentimes at substantially lower salaries. It's all about employment for people who are citizens or legal residents. I resent the racist goups such as National Council of La Raza (NCLR) and MEChA who promote illegal immigration and open borders, and espouse 'reconquista' and the taking back of the American Southwest by Mexicans. We need to continue to take away the incentive for people to come here illegally in the first place, and to make it impossible for those already here to function 'business-as-usual' so that they self-deport themselves at no expense to the taxpayers.

To the Mail Order Brides wrote on Jan 2, 2008 1:01 PM:Whoever is writing about mail order brides, you are talking about 1 in 10,000. Stop doing that you are reflecting from the issue. Servicemen have done that for years and if one woman makes a serviceman happy then so be it. They usually come over take everything they have an leave the next year anyway. Up the years it takes to qualify for citizenship and that will solve that problem.
If illegals are given amnesty like the first time, it will be 100 times worst.

I believe that the problem is already to great. Even if you build the wall by morning and were to round up and deport ALL of the illegal immigrants the damage has been done. The schools are full, the hospitals closing, the wellfare lines are filled and when you are in line you are at the back. I just graduated with a Bachelors Degree to pay back a $40,000 dollar loan and try to survive, I will be staying down at the Civic Center in Oceanside or Downtown San Diego, because I cannot afford housing. That is were we are folks. These people take the housing from the college graduated and their families. The United States Serviceman and his family. Maybe the ACLU and the Government can put up a hostel for the American people who have been displaced, because another country cannot fight for their own rights and freedom. Be scared. Be very very very scared. The enemy of America has already taken the land from out from under our feet.
God forgive the people who let this happen to us and our children and our children's children.

jsc wrote on Jan 2, 2008 2:05 PM:I understand where Amnesty worker 1987 is coming from. I worked in social services twice. We should never have given amnesty in 1986 and should never do it again. When you reward bad behavior, you get more bad behavior. The number of illegal immigrants has more than tripled since amnesty 1987. My caseload of Medi-Cal recipients was about 1/2 illegal aliens and 1/2 amnesty aliens. The sort of persons who sneak across, commit identity theft, work under the counter, break other laws do not change just because they become legalized. These kind of people have a dishonest mindset. They continue to drive without insurance, many work under the counter still, they commit lots of welfare fraud. They are not desirable immigrants. I would prefer to see the quota from Mexico doubled or even quadrupled for 10 years if we need the labor pool. Those persons who respect our laws and fill out the paperwork, and wait their turn to come here legally will, for the most part, be honest and hardworking and respectable residents or citizens unlike their dishonest compatriots. Legal immigration only. It may take 20 years or longer to deport the 12 million plus illegals. But if we enforce the SSN hiring verification, deny illegals benefits, and terminate automatic citizenship to illegal aliens' babies the majority of them would go home because they couldn't support themselves without our assistance.

Lorraine wrote on Jan 2, 2008 3:01 PM:Sorry but you are wrong about mail order brides!! Anyway I think a woman who sells herself is not different than a prostitute. You have something she wants and she has something you want. No different than legalized prostitution. Send them all back to their countries. That's what I say. They disgust me as much as the illegal immigrants do.

Robert24 wrote on Jan 2, 2008 6:25 PM:My point on Mail Order Brides was that is was a stupid comparison, but at least we know who these people are. Is it wrong? Of course (but that is another subject). Is it any where near the amount of illegal aliens that are sapping our resources and stealing from the USA? Not even close. Again, this is really pretty simple: If you aren't here legally, go back and get in line to come back the correct way. I'm sorry (not really) that you'll have to uproot your family and their way of life, but that's something you should have thought about long ago. I have no pity, no compassion, and no remorse asking you to go back to wherever it is you came from to here (illegally). If you really want to be here and make a better life for yourself, you will need to prove it to me and the majority of the legal citizens here. Do the right thing, do it legally!

To Robert 24 wrote on Jan 2, 2008 7:51 PM:It is not a stupid comparison because when you have a mail order bride being the spokesperson for anti-immigration group is stupid. It is incredible to believe that this woman who sold herself to an American for citizenship is not the the appropriate spokesperson. I think people need to be above reproach if they want to speak for a cause.

Becky wrote on Jan 3, 2008 1:48 PM:Is there anyone out there that can offer some words to someone like myself? Here is my plight. I am fairly young, (mid-30's) and have only recently become involved in politics. I have only voted in 2 presidential elections. The reason for that is the very same reason I feel like I may not ever vote again. I know alot of you will say all kinds of stuff on my next comment, but I am entitled to my opinion. I lost all faith in our election system when Jorge Bush was ruled into office by our supreme court, not by votes. Aside from losing faith in the voting system, I honestly can't say I BELIEVE anything that spews from a politicians mouth. I mean, how do I KNOW whether or not they are just saying what they think I want to hear?
I am not suggesting that I am anti-Romney, but have you ever listened to him speak? He sound so scripted. As do most of the canidates. Can anyone offer me some hope or help me find my way???!!! I feel so betrayed by our government that I just don't even think it is worth it. Please help. I want to be a PROUD America!!! And I know that I am not the only person in this country that feels this way. Is there any hope for me?

“It's Illegal Immigration, Stupid!” wrote on Jan 3, 2008 2:44 PM:The middle-class in America is fed-up with illegals who have broken our laws and now demand our citizen freedoms. And we are finished with arrogant politicians who will not represent us properly on this issue in our statehouses, in our U.S. Congress and in our White House.
Do not despair, my friends. We will settle yet on a Presidential candidate who loves this country as much as we do and who will not turn it over to lawbreakers. Poll after poll after independent poll tells us that American voters are desperately searching for the right candidate to clean up the illegal immigration mess and that they are more than willing to CROSS PARTY LINES to do so. In fact, it is clear that the traditional Democrat and Republican Party elite, many of whom have voted their own vision for this country and not represented the people who placed them in power, have themselves contributed to the deterioration of both parties.

Richard wrote on Jan 4, 2008 1:17 AM:I am a U.S. citizen who was born and raised in this great land. I have worked every sense I was legally old enough to work. I have paid my dues to support this land I believe in and don't want elligals to come in and take away from American taxpayers what we have earned all our lives. They have no rights to our rights we have worked for. Yet they come into this country demanding so. I would love to see a candidate who would step up to the plate and say, America has had enough. When I reach my retirement age, I would like to have what is mine and not have someone who has not earned it take it from me. Thanks.

To Becky wrote on Jan 4, 2008 4:06 AM:I'm ageneration older than you and I can empathize with you. It is fact that the system isn't perfect but it still beats any other. Hopefully we learn from our mistakes. Witness yesterday's Iowa caucases. There is life in our political system. Volunteer to work at the polls in February. Being involved helps you feel like you have an impact however small. When the going gets tough, the tough get going!

To To Becky wrote on Jan 4, 2008 11:53 AM:Ours is better than any other system? You obviously have not travelled to or lived in any other democratic country. Canada, NZ, Australia, Japan, and about 20 countries in Europe immediately come to mind and have better systems where you don't have to be a millionaire to run nor are there lobbyists buying influence and writing bills.

Susan wrote on Jan 4, 2008 12:22 PM:I am so disappointed by the primary results in Iowa. I was hoping people were smarter than that. Both Obama and Huchabee have horrible voting records on immigration. To make matters worse if you will do some reading on the internet you will find out that Huckabee is a CFR member, hand picked by them for his down home charm. They are also his council on trade and foreign relations. What does that mean? The CFR is who is behind Bush promoting open borders, US job loss and horrible trade agreements and the war with Iraq.

JanetP wrote on Jan 5, 2008 4:29 AM:Susan: We have a long way to go to the Presidential Election in November. Keep your megaphone handy and continue to scream for immigration ENFORCEMENT. We need to start by voting against all those senators who supported the 'comprehensive immigration reform' bill which was code for amnesty.

jsc wrote on Jan 6, 2008 4:08 PM:Vote for any candidate who is against amnesty and who proposes immediate action to enforce hiring laws, immediate action against birthright citizenship, and immediate action against any form of public assistance for illegal aliens and their U.S. born children.
Illegal immigration is the most important nationwide issue at this time. Solving this problem will help the unemployment, welfare and educational budget shortfalls. Solving this problem will help the issue of crime, gangs and homeland security. Getting rid of illegal aliens will force wages upward to a living wage. Getting rid of illegal aliens will save social services/educational money that then can go to schools and medical for Americans. Getting rid of illegal aliens will lessen our underground economy which pays no income or sales taxes. Getting rid of illegal aliens will keep $22 billion of their remittances to Mexico in the U.S. economy, creating more jobs here. It is the single most important issue for this election.

Answer to JSC wrote on Jan 7, 2008 4:53 PM:If you do that and split your party in two you will elect a Clinton AGAIN... sort of Ironic that is how the first Clinton got into the office. Perot came along (an independant) and all the repub's (or at least 18% of them) voted for him. Clinton beat out Bush Sr. and the rest is history... so vote for your Illegal canadate if that is all he is running on. But sreiously folks will anybody start gathering people up and shipp them out of the country??? No we do not need to start kicking in doors and pulling people from their homes. Ask yourself and the canidates how they will be tough on immigration??? they dont know they just repeat what you want to hear. McCain at least tried to do something. You may not agree with it but he tried. Vote McCain for his foriegn affairs experience. Nobody will mess with him.

To " Answer to JSC" wrote on Jan 8, 2008 4:01 AM:I have to agree with you on this one. I watched John McCain's interview with Tim Russert on 'Meet the Press" and he convinced me that he understands the problem well and will have a practical approach in solving it. I also had some doubts about him before but now see him as the best candidate across the board. I place a VERY HIGH value on honesty! I would rather honestly disagree with someone on certain issues than believe lies and play the pawn.

Thanks wrote on Jan 8, 2008 8:53 AM:I believe he (mcCain) is trying his hardest to do what is right. I believe him more then any other canidate when he talks about issues. The man has been through hell (nam) and is a natural leader. What do the Dem's say about illegal immigration??? does anybody even ask them??? that is what drives me crazy about that side of the aisle... I am very moderate but I can't stand to watch our system go upside down and Politicians argue about what they will supposedly do about it... then like the Clintons "do nothing"...

Patriot wrote on Jan 8, 2008 4:59 PM:McCain was in bed with Kennedy and the Democrats in proposing to allow most of 12-20 million illegal aliens get legal status instantly while promising to secure the borders as time goes by. Excuse me, but we tried this approach in 1986 when we ONLY had 3 million illegal aliens to deal with. The promised enforcement never happened. The 1986 amnesty just encouraged millions more to sneak in, knowing full well there would be little or no consequences to breaking American immigration laws. McCain should have been smart enough to recognize the results of the 1986 amnesty before introducing legislation last year that would essentially repeat the mistake! McCain was a great soldier in Vietnam, but that did not earn him the right to cede his country to the illegal aliens.

Democrat Robert wrote on Jan 14, 2008 8:53 AM:If McCain does not follow the lead of Rep Bilbray CD50 (rather than Ted Kennedy) he will be toast in any election effort in California!! The voters are sick and tired of this invasion!!

Third Rail wrote on Jan 16, 2008 1:26 PM:To check out our interview with the Minuteman Project�s founder Jim Gilchrist tonight Wednesday, January 16, 2008 at 8pm EST go to ... Feel free to call in and speak with him on-air.