Vincente Fox, the current president of Mexico is working hard to reform the corrupt institutions of Mexico, His election represented a political revolution long awatited in Mexico, but their problems cannot be solved quickly.
Illegal aliens are not tax evaders, they are subject to the same witholding as anyone else, and many of them will never take out of the social security system. It is true that many illegals use state funded healthcare and that may be adrain on our resources, but we are one of the few countries which lacks a free healthcare system of some kind. Even in poor Latin American countries there are free systems alongside fee for service, (and better) sytems. Do they take more than they give? It is debateable, but my Native American friends really lament the lack of a coherant immigration policy 400 years ago. My ancestors certainly took more than they gave back.

It seems apparent that there is no simple answer to the problme of ILLEGALs crossing into the US from Mexico. And not only is there no simple answer, apparently there is not going to be a really workable answer no matter what, as the problem is way, way too far out of hand already.

How about this: Most of the population of Mexico apparently wants a piece of the US dream (and lot of them are already enjoying a piece LEGAL OR NOT. So, let's just invade Mexico, whup up what's left of the population and then declare the country ours!?

That way not only would all the money that goes south over the US/MEX border every day stay in 'our' country, but we'd have the resources of that country to help defray the educational/medical/welfare, etc. costs that we are already liable for.

Just a thought, since there aren't any good solutions anyway. :>)

Kick out the ILLEGAL aliens. How many people are on welfare, one million? 10 million? putting them to work for food stamps could make up at least some of the labor shortage. Many people take advantage of welfare and refuse to work, so make them, even if it's picking grapes. The government can then subsidize their wages with food stamps and such to make their wages commensurate with what they have been getting from welfare alone, or a bit more. Don't like the back breaking work? Study hard and get a good education so you can get a job sitting at a desk.

Sound cruel? Maybe, but my grandparents on my mom's side came over and worked as a mechanic and a house maid to give their children a good education. They even demanded that the kids learn English (GASP). On my dad's side, my grandpa worked on a pineapple plantation, and my dad spent summers working at the Cannery. Besides, putting everyone to work will have the added benefit of lower crime, as excess idleness tends to lead to mischief and crime.

E Turner from Arlington, TX:
This country is barely 230 years old. If you are referring to residents whose ancestors were here 400 hundred years ago, you must be referring to Mexicans or Spaniards, or maybe even Native Americans, but not Anglo/White/Caucasian or whatever is politically correct.

Some 200,000 Hispanics were mobilized for World War I, the bulk being Mexican-Americans.About 500,000 Hispanics served during World War II. Most were Mexican-Americans. Altogether, 148,000 Hispanics served in the U.S. military in Korea during the war, winning nine of the 131 Medals of Honor awarded. Approximately 80,000 Hispanics served in America’s armed forces during the country’s 10-year involvement in Vietnam, winning 13 of the 239 Medals of Honor awarded during the war. Special Forces MSgt. Roy P. Benavidez, a Mexican-American, is among the most famous Hispanic Medal of Honor holders of the Vietnam War. Taking charge of the extraction of a downed Special Forces team in May 1968, although seriously wounded during the rescue effort, he single-handedly saved the lives of eight men. Twenty thousand Hispanics took part in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm (1990-1991). Hispanics made up almost a third of the infantry, artillery crews and specialists deployed to Bosnia for peacekeeping operations.The failure of nearly half of all Hispanics to graduate from high school, however, proved a major obstacle. Nonetheless, Hispanics will probably serve in increasing numbers on the front lines of America’s military.

If we total the above number of Hispanics indicated above, and assume they had been deported during that time in history, it would have meant someone else would have had to go in their place. Nevertheless, since history indicates otherwise, they not only fought for this country, but fought so someone else would not have to, and most important, so this country could continue standing strong not just on family values, language of preference, or religion, but as “ONE NATION UNDER GOD” with LIBERTY and JUSTICE FOR ALL. Unlike those that did the opposite in the Okalahoma incident, or 9/11, that of which were NOT of Hispanic orgin.

A lot of people here are saying that Mexicans need to learn English, yet from my point of view most people on here don't even know how to spell their own English language and they call themselves Americans. So who are the ones who need to learn to speak and write the English language? A lot is said about how we complain that we are the ones picking crops, taking low paying jobs, and putting our lives in danger, but its simply a fact and the truth. I am mexican, with mexican parents who till this day continue to work in the fields, but never have I seen such hard working people in life. They pay their taxes and have never been on welfare, which from my understanding many "Americans" is the only thing they know. But let me know something, why is that i don't hear any of you complain about us mexicans fighting the war in Iraq and giving you the freedon you have now? All you people know to do is sit back in your comfortable homes and complain how this country would improve without mexicans, yet all that is seen from americans is greed and selfishness. And if most of you were so smart you would see that Mexicans aren't the only immigrants in this country, but since most of you don't even know how to spell the English language, its understandable that you don't have common sense. One thing is for sure, I certainly do not hear any of you saying to get those mexicans out of Iraq. If we don't belong here then we certainly shouldn't be fighting your war, but hey as long as your kids are okay, who cares about the mexicans. Better them getting killed than your owns kids, right! Secondly, I don't see any of you out in the fields in the rain picking up crops. If you have never worked out in the fields, you have no right to talk, as you have no idea what it is to struggle for everyday life. The day i see or hear any of you doing a job like this, then you have a right to say that we don't belong here, but we all know that that day will never come!!!!!!!

One previous message asked "how are illegal aliens gettings houses, cars, etc." I'll tell you. You can buy a soc security card for $25 and simply use someone's else's established credit. I used to work for a mobile phone company and we were told to approve ALL applications, even when a soc security # pulled up a different name in the credit bureaus. I have seen many Mexicans in particular buying houses, getting platinum cards and cars just by using someone else's soc security #. Why does this go on? Big companies are greedy and they just want the sales. I have spoken with many citizens whose credit has been destroyed due to this problem. I'm surprised that Homeland Security does not address this issue, because credit fraud & identity theft are rampant. Legal citizens..check your credit reports twice a year to make sure no one is using your social security number!

I am a Mexican-American, i was born and raise in the U.S. One half of me is mexican i can understand what the immigrants come to America for a better life. The problem is Within Mexico The rich are getting richer, and the poor are getting poorer it has always been like that it will never change its not an a excuse,its reality!When your at the lowest of the low there is only one way to go and that is going up.The other half is American. and i am sad that today in the U.s were are still stuck on the topic on immgration this should of been fix years ago , generations ago. I don't want to see my country
being split in half, as well as other Mexican- Americans.Instead of the effort, time and money on passing new laws inforce the old one, Increase security, stop immigration, immigrants get work permits so that others can stop saying we are here illegal when they work hard. like that saying "You scratch my back, I'll scratch your." This debate will never end, as long as there are right, freedom of speech. All i can say is that its hurting my Country and my Culture.The Government should focus on the the main issue on how to stop immigration from all over the world and not point on one specific country, and not stray away go as far as HR 4437.
Thank you

First things first, let's describe who we are talking about. They are not "undocumented workers" they are ILLEGAL immigrants period. All of the political correctness in describing those who enter this country ILLEGALLY is sickening. Second, there are people demonstrating and marching stating that their purpose is to stay in America. Yet, they wave the flags of countries that are not the one in which they live. If those countries are so great, I would respectfully suggest that they go back to those countries.

Also, the ILLEGAL movement has lost its moral value. In most movements in this countries history, notably the civil rights movement and the women's equality movement, at the very least, there was some connection to America. This country's ideas and heritage were at the forefront; not so in this movement. Perhaps, that is why most Americans are not in favor of this.

The folks to blame for all of this is our congress,senate, president and business that hire illegails. Both Bushes, Clinton and his kowtowing to Fox of Mexico. Please releaize what is going on. The middle class is getting wiped out by paying for the illeagls are getting for free. I for one am getting tired of it. they need to learn english, and do things the american way. This is America not Mexico.

Today, I saw a group of students walk by chanting "Mexico, Mexico" and I was saddened by what I saw. What saddened me more is that I don't believe that as these high school students "marched" in protest of proposed immigration laws, they truly knew or understood these laws. If they did, they would know that in their chanting of "Mexico, Mexico" down a U.S. city street, the natural reaction from most Americans (of Mexican descent or not) would be the one heard in the 1970's: America, love it or leave it.

As a first generation American of Mexican descent, I certainly feel that people from all ethnic backgrounds have a right to the pursuit of the best lifestyle that they can attain. But grabbing it and calling the disrespect for the laws of the United States of America your human right is only bound to get you hostility instead of support.

The constant hammering of "if we didn't pick your crops, you wouldn't enjoy fruits and vegetables on your table" - if "we didn't clean your toilets and diaper your babies" you'd have to do it yourself - "this country would shut down or come to a standstill if the 12 million or so illegal immigrants weren't here to do all these things" has gotten tiresome and old.

Maybe it would be a good idea for the 12 million illegal immigrants to return to their country. What if this happened and:

1. Americans would rediscover the value of a real day's work? What, is the US of A the only country on the globe that grows fruits and vegetables? Who picks the fruits and vegetables in central America? South America? In Europe? In the middle East? Mexicans? I don't believe I have heard any of these countries having an immigration problem from Mexicans crossing their borders illegally and demanding human rights.
2. American children would rediscover those schools of yesterday in which the teaching of academics was important. Today, these children don't know how to read, how to write, how to do the simple mathmatics necessary with everyday living. They, these children born and raised in the United States, Americans are the true "children that got left behind" because we've neglected them all the while trying to teach those that just arrived in this country.

Yes, the issue of illegal immigration is a big problem and one that may not be easily solved. But let's start with educating the illegal immigrants with facts, figures - let's start by expecting them to contribute to the coffers of this country the way the rest of us do. Let's start by expecting that they pay taxes same as we do.

This should separate the ones that really want to be citizens of this country someday from those who will never make America their American dream.

The real subject matter in this whole immigration issue, that everyone is missing, is that Mexico has serious problems with their moral and social values as a society. How many illegal Canadians can you fit into a small van? None... Because they love being in their country of origin. Please spare me the BS, try this... lets have a real look into why the immigrants are running to the USA. Where is the Mexican middle class and how bad are the rich mexicans taking advantage of the poor mexicans in their own country...Fix your own problems and stop whinning... Maybe they need a revolution? Or a change in their economic structure and be part of the free world economy.

I BELIEVE WE ARE A COUNTRY UNDER SIEGE. I AM RETIRED MILITARY AND HAVE WONDERED WHY WE ALLOW ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION TO CONTINUE. WE ARE A COUNTRY THAT IS BASED ON LEGAL IMMIGRATION AND IT APPEARS WE MAY HAVE FORGOTTEN THAT OUR COUNTRY HAS LAWS IN PLACE ALREADY THAT WE ARE NOT ENFORCING ON THIS ISSUE. LIKE FINES AND LOSS OFF BUSINESSES TO KNOWINGLY HIRE UNDOCUMENTED WORKERS. I AM SURPRISED THAT THE LEGAL HISPANIC AMERICANS AREN'T WONDERING AS WELL AS ANY AMERICAN WHERE THE JOBS ARE DISAPPEARING TO. I'VE HEARD IT CALLED THE FLEECING OF AMERICA WHAT HAPPENS WHEN SOCIAL SECURITY, WELFARE, MEDICARE DOESN'T HAVE ANY MORE TO GIVE THOSE OF US THAT HAVE PAID OUR TAXES AND FOUGHT OUR COUNTRIES WARS WON'T HAVE ANYTHING LEFT. WILL WE BECOME A THIRD WORLD COUNTRY WITH OUR HANDS OUT? WHEN ARE WE GOING TO HOLD OUR LAW MAKERS ACCOUNTABLE? WHEN ARE WE GOING TO ALLOW LOCAL POLICE OFFICERS THE RIGHT TO ARREST ILLEGAL ALIENS INSTEAD OF HAVING TO LET THEM GO AND WATCHING THEM LAUGH AT THEIR EFFORTS. WHAT ABOUT THE GANGS THAT ARE GROWING SO FAST WITH ILLEGALS. LIKE ALOT OF PEOPLE HAVE SAID WHAT IS HAPPENING TO THE TRUE AMERICAN VALUES IN OUR COUNTRY. IF NOTHING ELSE WE MUST FIND A WAY TO STOP NEW UNDOCUMENTED WORKERS FROM FROM ENTERING OUR UNITED STATES AND KEEP SOME OF THESE PRECIOUS THINGS WE HAVE COME TO HOLD DEAR TO OURSELVES. ACTION MUST HAPPEN TO INSURE ALL OUR CHILDREN CAN CONTINUE TO GROW UP IN A WORLD WHERE THEY ARE EQUAL AND MAYBE IT'S TIME TO MAKE ENGISH THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE I DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU BUT I SPEAK SPANISH AND I CAN'T UNDERSTAND WHY I GET CONTRACTS AND APPLICATIONS AND SIGNS IN SPANISH IN OUR GREAT COUNTRY WE DON'T GET IT IN ANY OTHER FORIEGN LANGUAGE AND ENGLISH IS SUPPOSED TO BE THE UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE.

Mr. President, you are right. There are jobs that some American will not do. For example, enforcing the laws on the books or protecting our borders. You refer to the illegal aliens as "Guests" and to the citizens who're concerned with open borders and unlawful entry are called "Vigilantes". Sir, is your world up-side down or are you standing on your head?

I can understand the problem with immigration, but Americans are being forced to accept ones who have broken the law. They are illegal! Where is THEIR president! He has encouraged Mexicans to disregard our policies. Who is in charge? Mr. Fox! What has he done to provide for his own people? I am sure many would rather stay in their own country, but with advantages that SOME of us enjoy. We are forced to bare the burden (middle class) of illegal immigrants who are taking from Americans! We have worked hard believing in the “American Dream”. The BABY BOMERS are ready to retire only to realize that they (me included) will be force to go without food, medical care, and be inundated with bills that can no longer be paid. Many will loose their homes! Who cares about us! We never dreamed that AMERICANS, who fought and died for this country, would be denied. Many have lost faith, because of this situation. Ones who love this country! WE (collectively) died and continue to die for the “AMERICAN DREAM”.

WHAT HAPPENED TO CHARITY STARTS AT HOME?

Our children are being denied equality of education. It seems that we will never reap the benefits of our struggles and sacrifices. America is our home! Why are legal citizens denied for foreigners who are not here because they love us? They wave a flag for another country! It brings me to tears! How can America dismiss a people who have given so much and continue to give even when they are struggling to survive?

Our inner city children have given up on the system. Their forefathers paid the price and young men and women continue to serve. They have endured 300 to 400 hundred years and their status in life has not improved. They are citizens who are loyal to AMERICA). Many are homeless, unemployed, and disenfranchised but invisible to those who are more fortunate. We love our country, AMERICA.

This is from a US citizen whose forefathers served this country for five generations? Ones who paid the price with their lives. Ones who were BORN and died HERE.

E. Turner

I as an White American, have no problem with immigration. But what I do have a problem with is the illegal immigrants that just run across the border and expect us as Americans just to accept them. The rapid influx of latino immigrants into the U.S., not only in the last few years, but in the past, period.... has in my opionion really hurt our economy. Welfare programs, assistance and other programs meant to help our American poor, are being used to support a family that is just using us. In our schools American children are having to learn Spanish so the teachers can teach the latino students. This should be just the opposite. Our language in this country is English, not Spanish. The students, whether American or latino, should learn English to learn in our schools. I have felt for a long time that our government should pay less attention to overseas problems when we have such a problem here. The borders should be secure and patroled with a vigilance to avoid illegals. If someone wanted to come to our country, they should go through the proper channels and take the appropriate steps to learn OUR language and expect to adapt to our cultures.

What about the children who have one parent that is illegal? Should we send them back too or split the parents up and have children grow up her in America with only parent? This kind of situation is huge and people have not answered this question or even considered it. When I hear talk about illegal immigration it seems that the majority is pointed toward Mexicans. They are not the ones who attacked our country or threaten to hurt our country, all they want is the American dream of a nice house, education for their children. They don't make much money but the money they do have they sure don't go out buying Luis Vitton and mansions. I have faith in America and hope that those who run it will make the right decisions.

I live in Dallas Texas. What boils me in oil is that the new wave of immigrints that is comming to the USA does not want to learn the language. All of the other immigrints have learned the language and the culture. If they truly wanted a better life then they would be like the rest of the immigrints who have come before them.

This is to Kay Stephens from Texas, what are you talking about, "THE LIBERALS," last I checked YOUR PRESIDENT is the one that has allowed this huge atrocity to happen, Bush has no one to blame but himself and his administration. It's like they are the illegals welcoming committee, are you kidding me!!??

If I were a member of the latin community, I would personally be enraged about illegal immigrants - yet, so many are supporting them? The college students in LA parading around with Mexican flags? This is not Mexico - nor is it supposed to be. And signs saying, "Illegals; not criminals." A little reality check here.....As a US citizen in the work force, I cannot imagine that the IRS would let me quit paying taxes. No, if I didn't file, I would be arrested, tried, convicted, and put in jail. "Illegal" is just a polictically correct term for thief - stealing healthcare, evading taxes, and mooching off hard-working law-abiding citizens.

First and foremost, I want to know why these people are not rallying and protesting against their own president Vicente Fox? If it was not for all the corruption in Mexico, they wouldn't want to come to America to live a better life. Why would they disrespect our country and our president for what their own country has not done for them? I don't feel that our country would collapse without them. There are way to many Americans needing jobs. Where I live the Americans are discriminated against on the construction sites and in the resort hotels because the illegals make it hard to work around them. A friend was just denied a bakery job because she was told she needed to speak Spanish. The only jobs that would be taken away would be jobs to feed and house and provide for the illegals. Americans aren't stupid, we can provide for ourselves and clean our own toilets. We give it to them because we can, not because we aren't capable. I say "President Bush, do your job and protect our country, that's why we voted for you to do in the first place, close our borders".

The illegal issue is making a mockery of this great nation. We are made up of immigrants and I have no problem with that. But the millions of illegals in this country are sucking us dry. They are getting food stamps, free medical care, etc. How many Americans are without health care and are living at the poverty level? I guess I don't understand why the elected officials are turning their backs and just letting it go on. It will be too late to do any thing if something isn't done soon to reverse this debacle. And one more thing..why are we (US Citizens) having to learn Spanish? What's the old saying, "When In Rome"...... Let the illegals, being that they are here, learn our language and culture.

Stopping the flow of illegal immigration into this country has to be priority number one. Erecting a fence will not solve this problem unfortunately. In order to stem the flow I think the US will have to invest a considerable amount of money into Mexico to allow their economy to sustain its population. In the long run it will save the US economy and save the US worker who is losing his/her standard of living due to cheap illegal workers. As long as the opportunity appears better in the US, we will not be able to stop them from coming (unless we want to line up the military on the boarder and shoot to kill). They will continue to line the street corners of our small towns looking for work and lowering the quality of life for everyone. I'm sure that if there were opportunities in Mexico a number of the illegals that are here now would go home. For those that would choose to stay, they should be allowed to apply for citizenship but they must go to the end of the line and wait like everyone else who is applying to be here legally. While they are waiting however, they should be made to go back to their country of origin.

Please people understand the system: you want cheap labor, you want others to do what you consider is too low for your, you want to have a certain life style and have your kids taken care of, you want to have a nice lawn, a clean house....... You need immigrants. Otherwise, don't complain and DON'T HIRE THEM. Pay more to Americans willing to do those jobs (if you can find them) Good Luck!

i live in houston, tx. this city is overwhelmed with illegal mexicans. there is a taco/taqueria stand at almost every corner in a vast area here. are they paying taxes on this income? I worked where i was asked to lie on forms (to not claim overtime wages) for "illegal" workers to qualify for healthcare, foodstamps, free lunches,etc. One employees mother in law who never lived or worked in the U.S. qualified for social security retirement benefits equal to my mothers social security benefits. Hospitals have closed their maternity wards here due to too many medicaid cases, not getting paid. A couple of times during my 30+ years of working I was in a situation of not being able to afford much on groceries when laid off, but was told i made too much money (unemployment check) to qualify for any help. These illegals live in my area, buy houses, drive new vehilces, dress better, eat better...how do they get by with it?? Their country is a country of very few values, such as the police/lawmen being corrupt, drug cartels, smuggling. etc. which is well known.. a dollar talks.. Its a broken system that needs to be fixed. Put the money the U.S. legal workers put into our system back to Mexico to build an economy for them to survive and prosper in their own country. I would bet the U.S. would be spending a lot less money. I could go on and on....