Greg in Oceanside wrote on Jan 30, 2008 2:40 AM:Ok, this is a step in the right direction, but let’s be real. The ultimate goal is for the government to build an impenetrable wall along the entire southern border and put armed combat troops in the areas that are known smuggling routes and where armed incursions by Mexican forces have occurred. And yes, Mexican forces, including police and federal law enforcement officers have come across our border and have had confrontations with our Border Patrol and covert ops personnel. On a grander scheme, let’s take a closer look at who we’re letting into this country even if they possess a passport. Along with that, we should also restrict who we’re allowing to apply for citizenship and not expand the number we’re already allocating. Unfortunately our neighbors to the south have soured our relationship, considering we have too many illegal aliens amongst us who have brought Mexico’s (et al.) problems with them.

Good start wrote on Jan 30, 2008 3:26 AM:It's not flashy like parading down the streets of Escondido carrying Mexican flags but the message will be heard. It's the quiet protest. Deal!

Racer wrote on Jan 30, 2008 4:58 AM:I used to be a Baja Rat. I spent more time south of the border then up here, spending my money and enjoying the country, the oceans and the people but I won't cross that border any more. It's to hard to get down there, to hard to get back and the Mexican authorities treat Americans with such disrespect that it is not worth it. When you add on the increased crime and risk to your property and family it is just not worth it. AND you should all know, it IS Mexico's fault not the United States. They have made it harder and harder on US citznes to be there and ignored the problems. So don't blame us for not going any longer.

Herb: wrote on Jan 30, 2008 7:00 AM: I would say it is about time! We build a fence to keep the illegals out when all they have to do is walk up to the gate and declare that they are citizens of the USA, and their birth place is El Centro. do you think Al Qaeda was aware of that? The backlog of
passport requests is due to us dragging our feet and not getting the job done. Everybody has known that this was coming and should have taken steps to prepare themselves. This law was designed to get control of the border in 2004? Let us see now, this is 2008, and we still don't have control of the border. Who is in charge at the borders - want-a-be day workers?

Robert24 wrote on Jan 30, 2008 7:06 AM:This is blatant racism! It is illegal for me to be stopped and asked to prove my citizenship; total violation of my rights! Where's the ACLU? Where is Bill Flores? Who is going to protect me from theses actions?! (BTW, I'm just kidding. I wouldn't go to that sewer that they call Mexico anyway, so I will never have to worry about getting in or out).

Matthew wrote on Jan 30, 2008 7:06 AM:Oy, what a waste of time and money.

Fred H wrote on Jan 30, 2008 7:07 AM:Ridiculous! The first time some military veteran/US Citizen makes application for entry into the United States from an afternoon in Tijuana, and is returned-to-Mexico due t lacking documentation, the litigation will stop this silliness cold.

Why travel to Mexico wrote on Jan 30, 2008 7:20 AM:when Vista and Escondido are so close?

Also, who in their right mind would want to travel to Mexico these days? Gun battles...No thanks.

Vista Granny wrote on Jan 30, 2008 8:01 AM:One more freedom gone. No, it's not Mexico's fault. We have been so nasty toward them for so long now -- they're just returning the compliment. Used to be fun to go there, good food, friendly folk, etc. Their economy is going to take a hit.

esteban wrote on Jan 30, 2008 8:26 AM:Vista Granny... Stop blaming everything on the USA. Leave my country then! How bout I blame drugs and gangs in Vista on you? Ridiculous right? Just like your comment.

Concerned-1 wrote on Jan 30, 2008 8:33 AM:The fact that Mexico, and especially northern Baja, has become a literal war zone with the federales fighting the narcos will keep Americans from going there. This, Edward, is the big story. And yes my friend, it will affect our immigration policy.

Carlos wrote on Jan 30, 2008 8:36 AM:I find it interesting how everyone talks about illegals from Mexico as the main problem. But the truth is, the terrorist from 911 didn't cross the Mexican border. As we all know the Canadian border is not nearly as protected as the border with Mexico.

Now in days Mexico is having to fight the war against drug traffiking thanks to all the drug addicts here in the United States. Everyone knows that the US is the number 1 drug consumer in the world.

But I guess if people want to be blindfolded and think that this is because national security, then it's your fault

To Fred H wrote on Jan 30, 2008 9:01 AM:There will not be any litigation. When a border patrol officer tells somebody to go back to Mexico, there is no appeal, no right to litigate, nothing. If he made a mistake and you actually are a US citizen - you are out of luck; you are stuck in Mexico anyway. This has been the law since 1996, and a number of US citizens have already been accidentally deported under this law.

No. County Reader wrote on Jan 30, 2008 9:14 AM:Why do U.S. Citizens have to have paperwork to cross into Mexico but Mexicans don't need paperwork to cross into the U.S. ?!! Am I missing something. I am also getting tired of seeing the "Come to Mexico" commercials on T.V. too. We already live in San Marcos..."little Mexico" and there's a town in every U.S. city.

blm wrote on Jan 30, 2008 9:21 AM:it doesn't take that much longer to show a proof of citizenship card if you're prepared, and if you're going to another country, understanding the rules to go into and out of it have always been necessary everywhere else. Its both an easy change to make and about time. Business travelers will get it quickly and have no problemo, tourists need to get it and understand it is for their safety like airport rules, and the bad guys will have to work harder to walk in.

wow wrote on Jan 30, 2008 9:37 AM:what is next national id cards? 1984 anyone?

Fred H wrote on Jan 30, 2008 9:52 AM:A border patrol agent can only send one US Citizen back to Mexico, per career. Sorry, you are absolutely wrong. Don't confuse formal deportation with voluntary return to Mexico. The burden of proof when establishing alienage, has always been upon the applicant for admission. This means YOU must prove who you are, to their satisfaction to effect legitimate entry. At a port-of- entry, you would be dealing with an Immigration Inspector NOT a border patrol agent anyway. No significant law was enacted in 1996 or 1896 for that matter, with respect to this. This is all political posturing to make it seem as if DHS/CBP is actually enforcing the law. This is an election year dog & pony show. Do your homework!

Adelita wrote on Jan 30, 2008 10:29 AM:It's about time that they take more measures to ensure my safe return from my weekly visit to Revolution Ave.

I like it wrote on Jan 30, 2008 10:48 AM:and if it cuts down on the number of Mexicans crossing the border by even 1% its well worth it. I wont go to Mexico because of their corrupt government, their attitude towards the US and their constant attempts to dictate out immigration policies because they dont want to deal with their poor. Good riddance, I hope this kills whatever tourism economy remained.

To Adelita's wrote on Jan 30, 2008 10:50 AM:You're right! Best place for military and young men alike. Most beautiful place on earth.

Freitag wrote on Jan 30, 2008 11:05 AM:I have been to Baja California, Mexico at least a dozen times where I have visited Tijuana, Rosarito and Ensenada. It is a beautiful place but at the same time has its ugly side also, especially when it comes to crime, especially against visiting US citizens.

I will not go alone or with my wife but with a large group of people. In the last few months, US citizens have been victims of hostile crimes, which the NCT has reported on. There was the incident last year in Ensenada where a man and a woman where robbed by two armed men at a campground. The woman was also raped. In Tijuana, a family was returning back to the US when armed men in vehicles pulled their vehicle over. The family was proned face down at gunpoint and threatened with death whle their valuables and vehicle were stolen. Even the police themselves are not safe from these preying wolves. This month in Tijuana three police officers, two who were district commanders, were killed by gunmen. One of the police officers was killed in his own home along with his wife. His daughter was also shot.I could go on.

If the business and government leaders in Baja California are concerned about the slow flow of tourists from the US, they should be. They, hopefully, should also be taking the offensive and do a surge to crush these terrorists who prey upon the tourists.

Ken wrote on Jan 30, 2008 11:15 AM:It is about time that the immigration laws are being upheld! This law is not a new one, it has been passed into law a while back. If the ILLEGAL ALIENS aant to be treated respectfully, then they need to come into this country the LEGAL way. I do not feel sorry for any ILLEGAL ALIEN for they are here ILLEGALLY.If we had been doing this since 1986 (the last amnesty bill given), we would not be in the mess that we are, having 12 to 20 million plus ILLEGAL ALIENS in this country. We should also maybe adopt the Mexico immigration policies, which by the way are much stricter than our own.

WAKE UP AMERICA! STOP the ILLEGAL ALIENS and ILLEGAL DRUGS from coming into our great country.

to Adelita's wrote on Jan 30, 2008 11:34 AM:I prefer the Hong kong club!

JPeavy wrote on Jan 30, 2008 12:18 PM:LOL at Adelita's

Is anyone else as sick wrote on Jan 30, 2008 12:27 PM:as I am with the complete lack of concern about illegal immigration from all the presidential candidates. I vote for NO ONE. There is no need to go to Mexico when we have an infestation of ILLEGAL aliens from there draining our country right now.

JD wrote on Jan 30, 2008 1:11 PM:Adelita's, a little slice of heaven.

To Sick! wrote on Jan 30, 2008 2:07 PM:Yes we are all SICK of ILLEGAL immigration. All one has to do is read comments on any given day of any issue regarding ILLEGALS. The candidates don't want to hurt there chances of getting the hispanic vote.

Betsy wrote on Jan 30, 2008 2:39 PM:I've used a passport, both to & returning from, Mexico to visit family. It takes 2 seconds, the guy looks at it, and you are through. What takes a long time is the people who have NOTHING, and hold up the line/traffic. 'Makes it longer'? RIDICULOUS!!!

To Carlos: wrote on Jan 30, 2008 2:50 PM:1: The Canadians aren't smuggling drugs into our country.
2: The terrorists seek to "blend in", they would not "blend in" coming from the Canadian side.
3: There are NOT Hospitals closing and schools in jepardy along the Northern Border (because the Canadians are HAPPY with THEIR Health-care and Education systems--which are superior to ours, sad but true).
4: If we are all drug addicts, then go elsewhere.
5: Mexico has "had to fight the war against drug trafficking" LONG before there ever WAS a BORDER.
6: It's 'YOUR FAULT' since you are not a part of the solution.

Jeb wrote on Jan 30, 2008 2:53 PM:when the new passport laws go into effect, it will become more dangerous to travel thru baja. the people who victimize americans will still be there,but will have fewer americans to rob. so the few americans who do go will be targets , even more so.

Uli wrote on Jan 30, 2008 2:56 PM:Betsy, you hit the nail on the head.

Fred H wrote on Jan 30, 2008 3:11 PM:Betsy, the only thing ridiculous is how misinformed most people are. I too have a US Passport, I also carry auto insurance and have a drivers license too. This law (if enforced) will do nothing but inconvenience all of us who play by the rules. It will not affect the illegal aliens, as they never crossed the border as would you or I. As far as the quality of Canadian healtcare. You know many Canadians seek healthcare in the US or even Mexico. Six month wait for an MRI is typical in Canada. Socialized medicine stinks. In fact, socialized anything doesn't work. THIS WILL NOT AFFECT ANYONE NEGATIVELY BUT WE U.S. CITIZENS, STUPID ENOUGH TO TRAVEL TO MEXICO!

SHUT UP! wrote on Jan 30, 2008 3:34 PM:im tired of hearing all the people blaming everything on mexicans. More than half of the illegal drugs are for the "WHITE" people(mostly teenagers) its even the rich teenager. Whats this about San Marcos,VISTA, and Escondido being little mexico, that ridiculouse!!! There are also Asians that come into the U.S. illegaly and they get away with it. The Asian gangs are growing in LA and spreading through the states. The US just target the Mexicans. And I will not leave the US becuase I like it here and i was born here,I know that one of you reading this is going to put "leave my country" or "if you dont like it then leave it" as a comment, and to tell you the truth thats pretty stupid!!!

Hippy KiD wrote on Jan 30, 2008 4:11 PM:Herb and you other conservatives opposed to Mexicans coming into our country....Whatever happened to the Declaration of Independence stating "All Men are Created Equal"??

SHUT UP! wrote on Jan 30, 2008 4:22 PM:I agree with what you say. Our people are always getting blamed for what a few do. For that ignorant individual quick to say "leave my country" please educate yourself, because this country was founded on immigrants. The only true citizens I recognize are Native Americans, thus please shut up & read a book and I to like it here & born here.

HEY SHUT UP wrote on Jan 30, 2008 5:04 PM:are you proud of mexico and the way it treats it's people, why do they want to leave?

To SHUT UP! wrote on Jan 30, 2008 5:07 PM:Like it or not, we are still primarily a country of legal immigrants and their descendents. I for one fall into that group and feel those who refuse to follow the rules my elected leaders established for entering this country show no respect for me, you or our country. Will you defend their actions because so many of them look like you? They take jobs and public services meant for needy citizens and legal immigrants. You were born here; do you feel any bond to this country at all? You appear to believe most people who live here aren't true citizens, but are just squatters. If you feel you have no ownership in this country, then naturally if someone comes and takes title to a share without asking you, it won't bother you. But most of us do feel a deep bond to this country.

Robert24 wrote on Jan 30, 2008 5:35 PM:Hippy KiD; Nothing happened to it; it just happens to pertain to those who came here legally. The lawbreakers that have entered this Country illegally and continue to take advantage of her (as well as you and I) have no legal rights, and are not covered by the Constitution. Go back, get in line, come legally, and all rights provided under the Constitution are yours to enjoy.....

RobertM wrote on Jan 30, 2008 7:42 PM:To anyone believing we should have open borders because "all men are created equal" should we have open prison doors because all men are created equal? Do you have locks on your own doors or is there a difference between someone who belongs there and someone who doesn't? Aren't your family members and those on the street created equal?

To Shut Up wrote on Jan 30, 2008 9:43 PM:I, Betsy, am a PROUD HISPANIC. Your parents would be ashamed of your monicker, "Shup Up." Are you studying to get good grades, so you can go to college, and get a good job to help fix a system that needs help? Or, are you going to go to Mexico to help repair it's "corrupt" government, and it's decayed economy? Are you active in church to be a POSITVE reflection of our LEGAL Hispanic community?
If not, WHY not? People MUST repair their own government at some point, and if those people are not willing to attempt to restore their own Country/Government/Economy, then they have NO right to go elsewhere ILLEGALLY and then complain about the new country as well. Stand up and make a POSITIVE difference. Make me PROUD to be a member of your community--not ashamed that you are a part of it.

American Me! wrote on Jan 30, 2008 9:44 PM:We Americans are the best! Everyone should look, smell and talk like us. The U.S. is the safest country in the world. No one gets killed here!

To Shut Up wrote on Jan 30, 2008 9:48 PM:You complain about Asian gangs, then say the same problems created by illegals from Mexico (which GREATLY OUTNUMBER the Asian illegals) are ENTITLED? Also, when have the ASIAN illegals made signs with Hitler, the KKK, and Swatztica's--declaring ANYONE they don't like (such as Pete Wilson, Lou Dobbs, The Minutement) a racist Nazi, and then incite hate while demanding the very rights they are breaking the law to claim? Illegal means illegal REGARDLESS of where they come from. Lastly, why don't the Latino Pro-Illegal Rights organizations rally for the rights of ALL illegals and not just the Mexican Illegals? Again, the Mexican Illegal Double-Standard.

To Robert24 wrote on Jan 30, 2008 9:50 PM:Let's be honest. Even if all the Immigrants were here legally, you would still want them deported. You would still complain about the differences in culture, language, ect...

A US Tourist wrote on Jan 30, 2008 10:19 PM:I'm an American born, and very proud Citizen. I also happen to go to Mexico on a quite regular basis. Mainly to grab beers when someone from out of town wants to go, or to place bets at Caliente.

Whatever the reason is for requiring more than a drivers license, it's the right thing to do. Every time I return to the US I am somewhat shocked how easily they wave myself and others through. Anyone who tried could get a fake California license.

The people who complain about the additional scrutiny, in my opinion are doing something they shouldn't be. Any citizen like myself who makes day trips to Mexico for fun shouldn't now think twice about going. Do what you have always been doing, just either bring a passport or your birth certificate with your ID.

I don't see how this will change many things, even if you cannot afford a passport or have no need for one you should have a birth certificate if you born in the U.S.A.

anotherview wrote on Jan 30, 2008 10:41 PM:Thank you, Mr. Sifuentes, for writing an informative report on the changes in ID needed for crossing the U. S.-Mexico border and the U. S.-Canada border. I recently applied for a U. S. passport at the local post office. I had to fill out a simple form, submit a certified copy of my birth record, and pay a fee. My passport arrived about 2 weeks later, good for 10 years. This ID change has more to do with controlling the type of individual who enters the U. S. via the land border crossings, and less to do with illegal immigration, a related but separate problem. Enforcement of federal immigration law within the exterior boundaries of the U. S. would eventually remove the illegal aliens while it stopped illegal immigration. After all, illegal aliens have no right to live and work in America. Hence, if unscrupulous employers could not continue their unlawful hiring of illegal aliens, then the jobs for illegal aliens would dry up. With no job, the illegal aliens would self-deport (at their own expense) -- no national roundup needed. Minus the lure of a job, the foreign nationals would not illegally migrate to America. Besides, as one reader commented, illegal aliens do not follow the rules when entering America, by showing valid ID to a border official. The new border-crossing ID requirement instead will enhance national security by gaining better control of who enters the country.

DividedWeFall wrote on Jan 31, 2008 9:56 AM:-There is NO "broken" system. The only thing "broken" is the will by Washington to enforce our EXISTING laws.
-Illegal are called Illegal for a reason ,they are BREAKING OUR LAWS simply by being in this country. Come here LEGALLY, RESPECT our country.IT'S THAT simple.
-They DEMAND we change our country, culture, laws to accommodate what THEY want. This shows NO respect for us, the citizens of the United States, the country that supplies them with jobs, money, healthcare, etc. You can't simply come into a host country, demand that the country take care of you, and pick and choose which laws you wish to follow. What other country in the WORLD allows this madness?!
-As they make these demands, they have no problem committing crimes, undermining American workers salaries, costing BILLIONS of AMERICAN TAXPAYERS dollars EVERY YEAR.
-Language BINDS a country. Yes, we WERE a country of immigrants. Not anymore - the United States is a sovereign, independent nation now. When the immigrants of past came to the United States, they ALL learned ENGLISH, and did not ask to be CATERED to because they couldn't be BOTHERED to have the RESPECT to speak the HOST country's language. Remember the idea of MELTING POT? E Pluribus Unum? Out of many - ONE. This is what has made America great.
-The illegals attitude they have demonstrated is NOT "Ask not what you can do for your country..." it's MORE like - "TELL your country what THEY can do for ME!"

Olaf wrote on Jan 31, 2008 10:50 AM:Same old story's in here... One thing though. If you or I go to any other country we need a passport. It was nice that we only needed or Id's to go to Canada or Mexico but now that time has passed. Get a passport and stop whining. Plus now you can go some other better places then Mexico which is a rat's nest of violence. Go to Canada or Europe or Bahama's... anything but Mexico.

Also the tired old argument keeps popping it's head up of "isn't the US made of Immigrants?" YES of which I am second generation Norseman. My Grandparents (both sets) came here LEGALLY. Yes it was a bit easier at that time but they followed the rules and signed in when getting here. I expect no less from people today. Get in line. Nothings easy if it is worth getting.

TO TO ROBERT wrote on Jan 31, 2008 11:07 PM:Nonsense!! The people who MAKE THE EFFORT TO FOLLOW THE LAW and become LEGAL citzens are a rich, vital, vibrant part of our society!!! They SHARE their culture, and teach us its riches. They are treasures within our communities and societies!! The people who intentionally CHOOSE to break our laws, disrespect our citizens with rude comments, and DEMAND the rights that are PAID FOR by OTHERS--the very individuals BEING SCORNED BY the ProIllegal Activists--THAT IS UNACCEPTABLE. Stop looking for an excuse to interject negative rational-based comments, and EDUCATE YOURSELF. Make a positive contribution to society....rudeness is neither positive nor a contribution of any sort.

Betsy wrote on Jan 31, 2008 11:16 PM:To Divided We Fall: Beautifully stated!! I could NOT agree more!!