You all need to remember we are arguing two different issues here. Blending the two only makes it more difficult to resolve. Let's try to solve one (border control) first, that will ease the Illegal immigration a little. What do you think?
217095
We do have to secure our borders but,without fining employers hiring them we are spitting in the wind. \n1986 Amnesty is proof that just giving amnesty without enforcing employer sanctions only made the problem worse.
250018
I think the American public at the end of the day is not going to want to split up nuclear families, however resentful they might be of 'being used'.  I would secure the borders. The 'fence' is actually a series of fences in particular areas where crossing is most prevalent, as well as a 'virtual fence' of sensors etc. in other areas.  I think it is part of the answer.  Greater technology, troops and training for border patrol is another part of the answer. Unmanned drone airplanes, already used on a few parts of the border, is another. Mandatory employer screening of employees, 'unforgable' documents and better database technology and support is another tool we need to use.  \n\nI think some will still get in but it will no longer be in anything like the same volume.  I think we need this for national security post 9/11.\n\nThen I think we will identify screened illegal immigrants who have been here a while (i.e. have not just come across the border while this discussion was going on, in hopes of getting the new amnesty).  They should not have crimes against them other than illegal border crossing, etc.  They should be given the 'path to earned citizenship'.  I think this needs to include learning English.  The country needs a common language BECAUSE we are all immigrants, with many, many cultures and original languages, and otherwise our society splinters rather than 'melting'.\n\nMy questions are on the additional guest worker program which is planned to be an increase in legal immigration above what we have now.  The idea is that this would actually be a decrease in immigration because border security would be in place so legal immigration would be the way people would go. But how do we enforce their not 'overstaying'?  If the guest worker program is put in place before the border is actually secure it will just be on top of rather than instead of illegal immigration.  Will we wait to see if the border is secure before implementing it?  Will employer sponsors pay health benefits and impact fees to offset impact to schools and social services?\n\nI am not sure how much of that has been thought through.
374668
I think we should use technology to assist with illegal immigration. At one point in our history we had the room and need for a huge immigrant population, but those times are behind us. We need better border control for our economy and our safety.
296841
I'd go for the corporations and businesses, they are the next in this pyramid of breaking the law, the last would be the illegals who have been getting away with coming here, getting jobs and staying without any contemplation whatsoever. The top of this pyramid is the government that doesn't enforce Immigration laws. Lately, we have many "real problems" that our President is just not equipped to solve, they just seem to get worse.
472808
Yes, they do.  This is just one area where illegal immigrants are costing taxpayers millions.  The problem needs to be addressed seriously and soon.  A fence along a small portion of the border is a start, but only a baby step.  Politicians need to get a spine and provide a real solution.
171420
True, true, Hayley... Pancha DOES have voices in her head. What we need is a three pronged attack to this problem (let's get tactical!). First: The border needs to be sealed with a combination of high tech walls and fences, with multiple sensors and cameras. It has to be manned by both the Border Patrol and the National Guard due to the escorts from the Federales and Mexican army - they have the Border Patrol outgunned and are already firing on our Law Enforcement personnel. Second: We need get rid of the illegals. To try and catch 20 million at one time is not feasible. We conduct raids and deport the ones we find. We give our Law Enforcement around the country the tools they need to question suspected illegals and arrest them if necessary. As it stands now, most Police Departments in our major cities have directives that direct the Officers NOT to question a suspect (or person of interest) as to their resident status. We can't expect them to do their job if we make them work with their hands tied behind their backs. Third: We need to come down like a ton of bricks on the employers that continue to hire illegals. If we start handing out some big fines, and possibly prison, they will stop hiring these fleabags for hardly any money. If they stop hiring, then the well dries up, and they stop coming over, and the others go home to whatever rock it was that they climbed out from under. As an afterthought, the Federal Government should look into some of these elected officials in California speaking of "civil war" and taking over. I believe the English term for that is "Treason"!\nThen maybe after puking these mutts out, I can go to Home Depot and buy something that is printed entirely in English! Oh, what a wonderful world it would be!!
213140
Very stupid bill It is a copout. Why not enforce the laws already in place?\n\nMy issue is the fact that our borders are so insecure that this is still happening even after 911.\n\nAnd no we do not owe illegal immigrants anything
93331
We're not trying to end immigration...just illegal immigration. And once all of the current illegal immigrants are made legal...let's not kid our selves...that's where we're heading...they're going to want to stop other people from coming here illegally, because they'll see that their newly found validity affords them rights and a more decent pay, but that they are going to be competing with those coming behind them that will be willing to work for less. It's a never ending cycle, folks...where WILL we draw the line?
358324
I have a lot of friends from Pueblo.That doesn't change the fact that they are illegal.Some I taught English to and they taught me Espanol.There are even some that I helped set on the right foot towards citizenship.You know as well as I do that you should have gotton your citizenship by now.Those that I helped are on their way.I'm proud to call them Americans.A friend of mine from Ecuador just recently returned from the Gulf Coast.So it's not only Mexicans that Cross the border.It' not only you that we are trying to curb it's all of South America.Not only do we have an influx from you but from all over the world.Drugs,illegal weapons,female slavery and a host of other cancers that we can't see yet cross with those illegals.We have to secure our borders,all of them.If you are serious seek an Abagado.I think that's how you refer to an Attorney.I have friends from all over the world seeking citizenship the proper way.WHY CAN'T MEXICO AND YOU.GOOD LUCK TO YOU AND I MEAN THAT
446878
I suspect we can't afford the war we are already fighting.  I don't understand what you think he has to protect his people from.  Most of them on the northern border are waiting to wade across the river, and any additional military presence there would sure cut down on the illegal immigration problem.  As poor as Mexico is, I think the reason they don't crack down more on that is because it helps solve a problem for them.  They have fewer poor citizens to support, and those people often cross the border, get jobs and send money back home to family.  It's kind of a win-win for the government.
633240
A better and more economical way is just to put armed US troops on the border. This would also help to curtail the drug problem as well
140592
Unfortunately, most people have become too forgiving here in the good ole' USA. I'm angry about all the illegals here taking over. Look what happened in Miami when they allowed Cubans to come on over for a while.  You would be hard pressed to find anyone who speak Engish there anymore. And the drugs are apparently running rapant! It's happening again with our Mexican border.  \n\nI have been asking everyone to contact their congressman/ senators and any other legislative persons to let them know how we feel about these issues.  \n\nWe can become one voice again, but everyone has to get off their duff and speak up!!!  If we don't, I, too, am afraid our forefathers efforts will have been in vane.  \n\nScary stuff!!
253747
Define 'our government'.\n\nI'd be OK with keeping all the illegals but the undesirables if the border were secure. I don't want to increase immigration rates GOING FORWARD until it actually is secure, however.\n\nAs to what our government is doing, I'm still waiting to see which way they will tip.\n\nhttp://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060527/ap_on_go_co/immigration_64
492190
Good to know ICE is doing their job..keep up the good work...a good day in the USA...1000 less illegal aliens.\n\nGod Bless The USA...illegals...go home!
99199
I do not want to see the Mexicanization of American Culture and that is exactly what will happen in 50-60 years if we don't close our borders to future illegals.  We need a fence on the border with the manpower and technology to bring it to a halt.  As for those already here, have a heart and use common sense.  We aren't going to send them back.  Let's make them legal after they learn english, show they have gainful employment and have them take the citizenship test.  THE POLITICIANS, REPUBLICAN AND DEMOCRAT AND SELLING OUT SOCITEY DOWN THE RIVER FOR THE ILLEGAL VOTES!  SHAME ON THEM, ESPECIALLY THE PRESIDENT.  (I voted for him so I can take him on.)
118049
i think the best solution is to make them all legal.  after all, who is not an immigrant in this country except for the native american?  open the borders.
157812
i'm sorry that i dont' have a good answer to this, but i hope this let's all be friends, help us close the borders and control immigration. Those that want to be Citizens of the USA, and loyal only to the USA, are welcome to stay.