I hear you Ryan. I have a problem with essentially rewarding those who have been here illegally by granting them legal status. One issue is that it is supposed to be a temporary "guest worker" program. WTF does that mean??? Is it expected that illegal aliens will step up to be documented as being illegal so they can get a temporary status? I doubt any of them would do that. What is expected to happen while they are on this "guest worker" status? Is it expected that they will somehow fit into an eligible catagory to then get permanent status? That's BS. What about those here legally on a visa or other work permit? How are they going to be addressed? Those are the people who would fall through the cracks. That is ironic considering they have followed the rules and came here legally and could be left out in the cold. As it is said, no good deed goes unpunished.

Having said that though, I live in an area very, very heavily populated with illegals. I understand the contribution they make and that if every illegal immigrant were bounced from the country we wouldn't have many of the foods on our tables and services performed. A big part of me just says "I don't care if you're illegal, just don't commit any crimes". That is hugely frustrating to me. There are many hard working and otherwise law abiding illegal immigrants but there are just as many who commit crimes. Believe me, I speak from experience here.

Perhaps as pressing as the guest worker visa issue is the issue that came up earlier regarding the offspring of illegals getting automatic citizenship. A friend of mine recently had a baby at a hospital known for its illegals and uninsured. He was a rare paying customer. They told him that they have over 300 births a month there, most of which are from undocumented and illegal mothers/parents. It is known that some illegal immigrants will go there when they are due and wait in the parking lot until it's time.

This issue has to be resolved fairly and unfortunately bloody politics creep in and some choose to make it a race issue. Have you heard about certain city governments declaring themselves as sanctuaries? That is friggin' ridiculous! We can't ignore the realities of our economy yet protect the integrity of the immigration process and the very real strains it puts on our social services.

I think I can speak from experience because I am a relatively recent immigrant who has had my fair share of bad run ins with INS/CBP/ICE. I understand how F'd up the immigration process can be yet I have dealt with it and followed the rules. I also don't commit crimes, other than the odd vehicle code violation, and I pay my taxes.

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I totally agree. I'm totally cool with the fact that our country is a "mixing bowl." Hell, I'm only a couple generations away from immigrant status myself. The great point WagnerX5 makes is, LEGAL immigration!

It kills me to see these people "protesting" with Mexican flags, signs written in spanish, etc. That, and the fact that there are undoubtedly "illegals" protesting - and feeling totally comfortable being out in public without fear of punishment for being illegal!

The system needs to be fixed. We need and should have immigration - hell, our immigration laws should be some of the most liberal in the world! But illegal immigrants need to be caught, and shown the door. They're welcome to come back any time - LEGALLY!

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2010 528Xi
I demand justice.
Or, if there must be injustice, let it be in my favor.

Reynold's Wrap: it's not just for hats anymore.

I'm going to lurk this one out for a bit...maybe jumping on page 3 or 4...should be like a crap fight in a monkey cage by then.

My mom came here from Europe in 1956, my father's family about 200 years earlier. Dad's clan stole land from the Indians, homesteaded a farm, etc. I guess that means just my mother came here legally.

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Wouldn't the U.S. be benefitting from granting all illegal immigrants already in the country at least a temporary migratory status???? Think about it, They would be forced to pay taxes and comply with new migratory laws , such as getting/presnting a state ID, That's alot of money for Federal and State governments!!!!

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And how exactly would you find out who the illegal immigrants were? Doubt they will all come forward to pay taxes.

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An unwavering defender of those I see worth protecting.

"promote the general welfare, not provide the general welfare"

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

Well, if they want to have temporary legal migratory status they would have to!!! Just like with every amnesty, illegal aliens come forward to claim eligibility for the legal status!!!!

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My mother legally immigrated here, as did a couple cousins. They're both outraged by what's going on because they see these people as taking unfair advantage. Immigration was easier back in the day. But since 9/11, doing it the "right" way is damn near impossible thanks to tightening of some rules and more layers of red tape. Not to mention corrupt immigration lawyers. A couple guys who work for me literally have been waiting years for their green cards and it just isn't happening. These guys aren't lettuce-pickers and landscapers, they're highly skilled engineers.

You can try to lock down the borders but the best way to control the illegal flood is to take the profit motive out of the process. That is, crack down on the people who illegally employ them. Dry that up and the problem goes elsewhere.

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