to catch, arrest and jail  all the famous "coyotes" that traffic the illegals into the U.S. charging up to 3,000 dlls to cross them over the border. This is something that Mexico has ignored and do nothing about. Mexico has no Border Patrol, why not? I don't see anything being mentioned on how Mexico plans to cooperate with securing the border.
216739
Probably won't Mexico is very corrupt, almost as corrupt as our govenment.
580761
I'm not concerned about immigrants, but there have been several cases of paid off Mexican army units with machine gun mounted trucks escorting shipments fully into US territory & even exchanging fire with local law enforcement - mex govt says stolen uniforms. Corrupt mexican national & local police have long done similar. Then there's the smugglers themselves. \n\nAnyway, from what I understand the troops will not be patrolling the border. They'll be engineer units building access roads & survellince posts, and intel operating air & ground based detection equipment from the military inventory. The Border Patrol will still be the ones doing all the apprehending. \n\nThat said, the national guard DOES have law enforcement authority while under the Gov's command (just like after hurricanes), and it is the PRIMARY mission of the national guard to defend the boarders & internal security of the United States. Backing up federal troops overseas comes second, followed by disaster response.
649681
If the illegality of crossing the border was where it ended, probubly not a REALLY big deal but ...it doesn't end there. They come here poor, unenculturated, unaware, uneducated, unhealthy and un many other important things. They don't come here "un fertile" however.\nBeing in the "Un state" they are in, they don't have insurance, to cover their rather bad driving (many times while intoxicated) and the damage they do after they hit and run, is born by the property owner and or the insurance co. Rates go up, dislike for the Mexicans is fostered and Americans in general are demeaned both by the criminality, as well as the degredation of the lawful process that we usually live within.\nI don't know about you folks, but if I conduct myself in such a way as to break the law, I know there is a high likelyhood I will be caught and brought to justice. I have something to lose. The illegal hasn't got much or anything to lose. This illegal thang makes for two different systems of justice; a higher standard for us Americans ...and a lower standard for the illegals. Not a very fair, equitable or workable situation. It has to end for many reasons.
479759
You really have a hang-up about the Minute Men don't you?  I answered you in a similar question. I think they are doing something because our government is too wish-washy to take a stand and tell Presidente Fox to take a hike. Mexican citizens need to work on improving their country and not INVADE ours. Then when they do invade our country, they shouldn't expect to get a warm welcome from everyone as they milk the system. If they wanted to immigrant LEGALLY, they would be welcomed, but they chose to sneak across and become criminals in the process. As criminals they deserve to be deported. Other countries might shoot them on sight, but not the US, so they (the illegals) at least have that to be thankful for. \n\nHowever to answer your question, no, I think the current Minute Men are  doing the same job as their predecessors. I am proud of them. They have stepped up to the plate and are trying to do something to stem the tide of ILLEGAL people crossing into the USA.  (PS. I read your articles, they do not support your argument)
153303
The border policy is bull. And honestly, it's in the news and all, but the people I talk to in Southern California.. we don't care! It's just the media hype making it out to be a bigger deal than it is (I hope). To get a little stereotypical, what would we possibly do without Mexicans?? Honestly, who would cook, clean, cut grass, wash the dishes, and do all the other jobs that nobody else wants?? And they are not stealing our jobs, because nobody wants them! And if a Mexican is smart enough to compete with us for jobs (not saying they aren't, many many are!) then that is great! Who are we to decide who gets what? Honestly, the crimes that some of them commit aren't enough to deport an entire group of people. And finally, for the kicker.. WE ALL ENTERED THIS COUNTRY ILLEGALLY! I hate that argument, but honestly, it is true.
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
272271
There is no border security.  Ships, their crews and cargos come and go without scrutiny.  Non-mexicans caught at the border are issued a summons to go to court and released INSIDE the US.  The only Terror that is being worked on is to terrorize the population into giving up their civil liberties, social security, and medicare, and pouring billions down the throats of Halliburton, the Carlyle Group and other Bush cronies.
233681
They have caught many people coming across the Mexican border who are from numerous middle eastern countries as well as North Korea and other countries who wish us harm,a wall would go a long way towards stopping that.Another reason to build the wall is the drug problem,and when you have Mexican police and/or army helping the drug smugglers it kind of becomes a no brainer.I just have one question,why don't all the people who came here for whatever reason and then decided to protest,go back to their countrys,that they love so much and that they hate it here so much and protest THERE and try to change the way things are THERE so they can\nstay with their friends and family where they actually want to be rather then taking it out on us and telling us what dirt bags we are for wanting to protect our borders and maybe lessen the risk of another 9/11.I forgot to mention the gang problem coming across the border also as well as all the other things
157122
So why don't those who advocate illegal immigration admit that at least four laws are broken when an illegal alien from Mexico crosses the border and gets a job\n1.  Doesn't come here legally\n2 obtain fraudulent documents (Fraud is a felony for everyone)\n3. Trespassing across private property\n4. If they hire a coyote to help them cross there is a conspiracy\n5. drug or weapons smuggling
141542
Look, people in Anti-American or terrorists know that our border is not secure. If an low-educated, poverty-stricken Mexican can cross, what is stopping educated and technologicaly savvy terrorists from crossing?\nThis is a legitamate concern (9/11 remember?).\nAlso, most Mexicans are nice people but what is there stopping Mexican Murders or Rapists from comming here? Not much!\nIf I was a rapist or murderer and wanted to move to Canada, Japan, France, etc. You can bet that they would check and tell me No way!!!!!!!! I could understand why!\n\n Also, Illegal immigration is a huge burden on the system.   I, personally, can't afford to have a baby so, sadly right now, I have to put that on hold. Why? Illegal immigrants come here and have many. It is discouraging that My being a responsable citizen has for now, not allowed me to have a child while others come and get free care for their babies. What about me? I have paid taxes my whole life.\n  Also, I have no health insurance. I have been trying but, basic healthcare is at least one or two hundred dollars for almost worthless coverage. Huge deductables and low benefits. No maternity benefits for less than 300 a month.\nI can't afford that. I also do not qualify for public assistance so, where do I belong? \n  When I was going to a trade school, I was also working 2 jobs but still starving. I applied for foodstamps and the caseworker asked me "What are you doing here, you are white?" I was harrassed and without American Government services.\n  I am not against immigration, this country was built by immigrants from EVERY country in the world. That's what is so fantastic about it. When others abuse the generosity and good-will of our country it is insulting and it takes away from others that need these services and are legally entitled to them. I understand the plight of others in poverty-stricken countries. We can't help every one of them all at once. You can't help others if you neglect your own well-being.\n Charity Begins at home. It dosn't have to end there!\nWhat about the Hurricane Katrina victims?\nThey are legal law-abiding citizens and they need help!!\nThey have less than nothing. We do not have the means to help them. How can we help everyone else in other countries.\nI would love to help EVERYONE in the world, who wouldn't?\nBut, you can't just have a free for all. There has to be a system.  Pardon my spelling, spellcheck is having problems
193392
On the contrary.  Haven't you heard, there are plans to build the Great Wall of Mexico.  And as far as the remaining borders, including the Canadian border, the plans are to increase the documentation requirements for traveling across the borders.
595185
I agree with you.  Mexico has programs set up to assist their citizens in coming over the border.  If we cut off all assistance to their country I bet you'd see a different philosophy.  They have grown too accustomed to our dollars.  If we charged a percentage to those wiring money back to Mexico....you'd see changes.  If we tried to charge them for returning their nationals, I think you'd see mobbing in the streets.\n\nActually there are military in Mexico who protect the drug cartel that makes the runs between our countries.....and they are well armed and very dangerous.\n\nWe are dealing with people who want us to play by the "nice" rules while they do as they please....and apparently, get away with it.
313228
I think this is the approach that SHOULD be taken.  How can you even consider guest worker programs or amnesty or ANYTHING, until you have a way to control the #'s?\n\nI too would be FAR more interested in considering some leniency for those here if I was convinced that they would be the LAST coming (from ANYWHERE).\n\nWe are the only country that does NOT have secured borders (and I do not just mean Mexcicans.  Several OTHER country's illegals just use Mexico as a way through.)  There are countries out there you would have NO DESIRE to even go to, let alone sneak into, and even THEY have better security.\nIf an illegal who just wants to work can sneak in, so can a terrorist.\n\nI'd be interested in knowing if anyone really doesn't want border security and if so, WHY?
595142
I heard about it,and evidently there is truth to it!! I live in Arizona,and illegals have just about taken over the state!!!!! But, what the ILLEGALS and mexico FAILS to mention,is the U.S. PAID mexico for these territorys,which are NOW Arizona,New Mexico,Texas,and California.
354251
I do think the Military should be used to protect ALL of our borders.  We have enough internal problems here already; so we should start protecting ourselves even more.  I fear terrorists coming in from the borders; so our Military should be there to make sure that doesn't happen.  And it would also stop people from entering this country ILLEGALLY.  \n\nTo answer your question about why you can't go to Mexico and just 'pick a spot there without any problems' is b/c they are VERY smart.  They DON'T allow people from other countries to just 'make themselves at home' without contributing to society.  So I say it's time for the United States to take that EXACT stand for our own country.  What's good for the goose is good for the gander.
341558
Border Patrol told to stand down in Arizona \nBy Jerry Seper \nTHE WASHINGTON TIMES \n \n\nU.S. Border Patrol agents \nhave been ordered not to arrest illegal aliens \nalong the section of the Arizona border \nwhere protesters patrolled last month \nbecause an increase in apprehensions there \nwould prove the effectiveness of Minuteman volunteers, \nThe Washington Times has learned.\n \nMore than a dozen agents, \nall of whom asked not to be identified for fear of retribution, \nsaid orders relayed by Border Patrol supervisors \nat the Naco, Ariz., station made it clear \nthat arrests were "not to go up" \nalong the 23-mile section of border \nthat the volunteers monitored to protest illegal immigration. \n\n"It was clear to everyone here what was being said and why,"\nsaid one veteran agent. \n"The apprehensions were not to increase \nafter the Minuteman volunteers left. \nIt was as simple as that." \n\nAnother agent said the Naco supervisors \n"were clear in their intention" \nto keep new arrests to an "absolute minimum" \nto offset the effect of the Minuteman vigil, \nadding that patrols along the border have been severely limited.\n \nBorder Patrol Chief David V. Aguilar \nat the agency's Washington headquarters \ncalled the accusations "outright wrong," \nsaying that supervisors at the Naco station \nhad not blocked agents from making arrests \nand that the station's 350 agents \nwere being "supported in carrying out" their duties. \n\n"Border Patrol agents \nare the front line of defense against terrorism," \nChief Aguilar said, \nadding that the 11,000 agents nationwide \nare "meeting that challenge, head-on ... \nas daunting a task as that may sound." \n\nThe chief -- a former head of the agency's Tucson sector, \nwhich includes the Naco station -- \nsaid that with the world watching the Arizona border \nbecause of the Minuteman Project, agents in Naco \n"demonstrated flexibility and resilience \nin carrying out their critical homeland security duties \nand responsibilities."\n \nBut Rep. Tom Tancredo, Colorado Republican, \nyesterday said "credible sources" within the Border Patrol \nalso had told him of the decision by Naco supervisors \nto keep new arrests to a minimum, \nsaying he was angry but not surprised.\n \n"It's like telling a cop to stand by \nand watch burglars loot a store but don't arrest any of them," \nhe said. \n"This is another example \nof decisions being made at the highest levels of the Border Patrol\nthat are hurting morale \nand helping to rot the agency from within.\n"I worry about our efforts in Congress \nto increase the number of agents," \nhe said. \n"Based on these kinds of orders, \nwe could spend the equivalent of the national debt \nand never have secure borders." \n\nMr. Tancredo, \nchairman of the Congressional Immigration Reform Caucus, \nblamed the Bush administration \nfor setting an immigration enforcement tone \nthat suggests to those enforcing the law \nthat he is not serious about secure borders.\n \n"We need to get the president to come to grips \nwith the seriousness of the problem," \nhe said. \n"I know he doesn't like to utter the words, 'I was wrong,' \nbut if we have another incident like September 11 \nby people who came through our borders without permission, \nI hope he doesn't have to say 'I'm sorry.' " \n\nDuring the Minuteman vigil, \nBorder Patrol supervisors in Arizona discounted their efforts,\nsaying a drop in apprehensions during their protest \nwas because of the Mexican government's deployment \nof military and police south of the targeted area \nand a new federal program \nknown as the Arizona Border Control Initiative \nthat brought manpower increases to the state. \n\nThe Naco supervisors blamed the volunteers \nfor unnecessarily tripping sens
172643
It is not easy to get into this country legally, but most things worth doing are not easy.  As you said no other country, including Mexico, allows free and undeterred migration to their country so why should the USA.  The USA is a major terrorist target and we must KNOW who is coming into our country to protect our people and property from attack. It is about the greater good.  We could open our boarders and allow any and all who want to cross to come in but then how safe would they be after the bombings, gassing and killings started.