GFN wrote on May 17, 2007 10:38 PM:Watch...the local "lawmakers" will weep and wail, but dollars to donuts, they will all vote for it. Each will have a lame excuse for going against what they said, but hey, that's politics! Just ask Wolfowitz, and Gonzales, and Frist, and Cunningham, and on and on and on....

Escondeeter wrote on May 17, 2007 10:40 PM:It's a little hard to criticize the plan without knowing what's in it. Notwithstanding the press reports, the language of the proposed bill is still being drafted, and the word on the street is that public won't be able to read it until after it's been voted on. (Nice representative Government we have, huh?) At the moment, all the public has to go on is a general outline. The real impact will be found in the details.

Frida wrote on May 17, 2007 10:51 PM:Abed's comment is ignorant. Does he want immigrants to wait 50 years? We are trying to change the system and speed of the process of legal immigration, why is he opposed to Amnesity? It would make people "legal." I think "legal" or not, Abed dislikes immigrants, even though he is obviously one. He forgets he's an immigrant.

Mary wrote on May 17, 2007 10:58 PM:Where’s the “Amnestia” For the American People? This year and last, we were treated to the sight of massive numbers of illegal aliens marching in our streets, demanding “rights” from our country to which they are not entitled. “Amnestia” (amnesty) they cried in Spanish, as they held their Mexican flags and Communist Che Guevara posters high with pride. Now our so-called “representatives” appear ready to grant them their long-desired “amnestia.” I want to know – where’s the “amnestia” for tax-paying, law-abiding American citizens? Where’s the “amnestia” for the American taxpayers? – We the American taxpayers who are already groaning under the burden of providing the illegals with “free” anchor baby maternity care, “free” WIC vouchers, “free” bilingual public school education, “free” school lunches, “free” food stamps, “free” Spanish translation services, “free” subsidized housing, “free” infrastructure and, in many states, “free” subsidized college tuition? Where’s the “amnestia” for us? Where’s the “amnestia” for the millions of legal American school children who must suffer an inferior public school education because their school’s resources have been drained to provide “free” bilingual education to a massive influx of non-English-speaking illegal alien children and anchor babies? Where’s the “amnestia” for them? Where’s the “amnestia” for the thousands of American small businessmen who have lost their livelihoods because they were too honest to hire illegals, but were forced to compete against dishonest competitors who DID hire illegals? Where’s the “amnestia” for them? Where’s the “amnestia” for our millions of low-income low-skilled workers, whose incomes and standard of living have been decimated by an endless flow of cheap labor from Latin America? Where’s the “amnestia” for them? Where’s the “amnestia” for the thousands of Americans who have lost their loved ones to illegal alien drunk drivers and criminals? – We hear numerous sob stories about illegals and their fears of being “separated” by deportation from their American anchor babies, although there is nothing stopping them from taking their anchor babies back to their home countries. Meanwhile, thousands of Americans have been separated permanently from their loved ones by illegal alien drunk drivers and murderers. Where’s the “amnestia” for them? Where’s the “amnestia” for the young people of America, who are exposed, at younger and younger ages, to the massive amounts of hard drugs coming over our unguarded southern border? Where’s the “amnestia” for the thousands, perhaps millions, of our young people whose minds and bodies have been destroyed by drugs flowing freely into our country from corrupt, drug-gang-controlled Latin America? Where’s the “amnestia” for our veterans, who receive inferior care at filth-ridden abominations like Walter Reed, while illegals get “free” emergency room care at the finest high-tech American hospitals? Where’s the “amnestia” for our schoolteachers and other public servants, many of whom are losing their jobs after years of dedicated service, just because they don’t speak Spanish – the language of the lawbreakers who have no respect for our laws, our culture or our language? Where’s the “amnestia” for our school teachers and other public servants? Of course, there isn’t going to be any “amnestia” for native-born American citizens and legal immigrants. After all, who are we exactly, in the great scheme of things, to our “representatives” in Washington? We are ONLY the descendents of those who cleared this nation’s forests, planted its farmland, irrigated its fields, hammered its railroad ties, sweated in its sweatshops, picked its cotton and fought and died in its many wars. We are nobodies.

John wrote on May 17, 2007 11:22 PM:What makes our politicians think that those who disrespect our immigration laws will voluntarily come out of the woodwork and pay a hefty fine to become U.S.Citizens?

jayone wrote on May 17, 2007 11:23 PM:Here we go again. Every citzen who came here through Ellis Island, must be rolling over in their graves. My Irish Ancestry came to New York and received jobs going behind horses and picking up Horse S. They were here legally Now the likes of Senator Kennedy who is a traitor to this country announces a plan which rewards Illegal (they are not Immigrants) they are criminals who should all be sent back to where they come from. If you want to come here legally thats fine. Learn the language of this country learn our laws. Otherwise GET OUT I did not fight in the military to have you invade my country. Go home and make Mexico take care of you. Stay there and make your country better instead of running from it. Get an education and obtain a better life. I am sick of rewarding illegal's for breaking the law.

OBSERVER wrote on May 17, 2007 11:32 PM:All the elitists in congress and the senate are just voting for their big corporate supporters. Its all about the money. Sell out our kids future so their pockets can be lined. Time to fight back - hold back your tax dollars.

JR wrote on May 17, 2007 11:37 PM:As the saying goes... If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Our lawmakers who can't sit still unless they are passing new laws, want to make more laws to muddy up the water some more. Sometimes it would be better if they didn't fix anything.

jimbo wrote on May 17, 2007 11:40 PM:And just how do they intend to enforce any of the provisions outlined in this bill? How will they know when someone came here? How will they know how much someone should owe in "back taxes" Their word? The word "undocumented" comes to mind here. Do you have to pay the fine when applying for the visa or just if you wish to pursue citizenship (this has not been accurately reported to my knowledge, some reports say fine must be paid for visa application, others lead me to believe for citizenship application only) Do they really care if they're a citizen, as long as they can walk around nice and comfy with the Z visa still receiving welfare, free health care, etc? Who will check up on these people after expiration of the z Visa (I believe it's 8 years, quite a while for people to just "forget") How will anybody who does not comply with the application for a Z visa, or any other future illegal trespassers be dealt with? Will the border ever really be secured? This whole thing is a big joke and is the first official step of our country submitting to the demands of criminals....this concept smacks of a certain third world country south of us. Write your senators and congressmen now unless you wish to see more nonsense like this in the future. Although sadly, it may already be too late.

DMann wrote on May 17, 2007 11:58 PM:12 Americans a day lose thier lives by the hands of illegals, now thier gonna let the criminals stay. Typical. And if you think after this round of amniesty that our government will finally do its job & secure our borders your mistaken. Who do you thinks been letting em in for 30 yrs? Our government has failed us, isnt their an amendment that covers this? When the government no longer has the American citizens best interest at heart. The North American Union will be the end of America as we know it, and NOT for the better.

American Nationalist wrote on May 18, 2007 12:11 AM:This is getting beyond funny. It is now time for true Americans to start standing up for their rights and fight this corrupt government and their corporate masters.

Chief wrote on May 18, 2007 1:35 AM:This plan ridiculous...Go back to Mexico and pay 5k to come back...Thats id hilarious. Who do you think is going to go back to Mexico. Then pay 5k to come back. Just stay where you are in the same position. Your here...for free. This must have been the Bush plan!

David wrote on May 18, 2007 2:35 AM:This plan is just stupid. For $5000 these people could hire a lawyer and legally get an alien status. Do these fools in Washington actually think for 1 second that an illegal is going to go back to Mexico. Get a clue. They are better off just staying where they are and saving the 5 grand that they don't have anyway.

BUCK wrote on May 18, 2007 2:38 AM:Well I hate to say it...Not really but I'll say it anyway. The illegals are smarter than the folks in Washington. I'll bet that there will not be a single volunteer for this foolish program. Viva La Raza...Bush!

Skip wrote on May 18, 2007 3:16 AM:Every time I drive on the freeways and they are totally gridlocked I feel that the State is already full. I give advice to my younger coworkers who do not have children, to have them now so that they can experience America as it is before it is gone. Gone are the days of going camping or hiking in the mountains without a reservation. As gasoline approaches $4.00, and there are acute water and electricity shortages, and our natural resources seem to be dwindling, I think it is pure insanity not to be addressing the overpopulation issues. There are millions and millions of third world immigrants that just want a better life. No matter how you package it, this amnesty and failure to control our borders is a great expense to the American people.

Molly wrote on May 18, 2007 3:21 AM:When I saw that group of Senators standing up there today smiling and proud that they have found a wonderful way to try to fool us again, while trying to flush our country down the drain. I was totally disgusted...

reptile09 wrote on May 18, 2007 3:24 AM:If Bush and these Senators had gone to the border and signed a surrender treaty with Mexico, I can't think how this so-called compromise could be any worse. If this is ever allowed to be signed into law, America as a sovereign nation is over. My only question to Jorge Dabaju Booch is this: Why do you hate Americans so much? Every thing you say and do is an insult to the citizens of this country and amounts to treason against the Constitution. What have we done to you, that you would force this travesty of government down our throats? You let thousands of innocent American die at the hands of criminal illegal aliens. You let them destroy our schools, hospitals and neighborhoods. You let them drive our wages down to third world levels and all the while smile and give that smirking chimp grin. Why do you hate us so much?

girlygirl369 wrote on May 18, 2007 3:56 AM:The U.S., Canada and Mexico have all but implemented a plan to wipe out borders between the 3 countries. This is not something they are just "thinking about", this is in the process of being implemented...........and George Bush is smack dab in the middle of it. Bush is a madman!!!! And neither congress nor the citizens of this country are going to have a say in it until it is too late.

Syl wrote on May 18, 2007 4:00 AM:According to the U.S. Bureau of the Census, the resident population of the United States, projected to 05/18/07 at 10:59 GMT (EST+5) is 301,867,825. http://www.census.gov/population/www/popclockus.html

Greg in Oceanside wrote on May 18, 2007 4:11 AM:If it walks like a duck, talks like a duck, well you know the rest... This is a watered-down amnesty plan to me. On one hand illegal aliens aren't going to comply with the requirements, plain and simple. They want things handed to them, and won't pay the $5000. Hey, they're cheap, bottom line. On the other, should they comply, they got away cheaply anyway. And, this whole plan isn't going to solve much because free-loading Mexicans will still be running for the border at break-neck speed to get in here anyway. What needs to be done is continued enforcement, which will help push those here illegally to self-deport themselves. No jobs, no licenses, no free medical care, and no public assistanc, sooner or later they'll go back to Mexico.

todum2come wrote on May 18, 2007 4:47 AM:I think your right American Nationalist. Something has to be done. How about a march on washington. Whats everybody doing on memorial day? These elected representatives of ours have to be dilusional to think that there won't be reprocutions for thier actions if they vote anything like this proposed bill into law.

Nicole wrote on May 18, 2007 4:49 AM:I just do not know what has happened to my country. The country that my ancestors helped to build. They came here as immigrants in the 1600s through th 1800's. They were Amercans first and foremost. Land that they helped to farm is now overrun by people who come here to suck off the taxpayers and have no respect for what America is. Their actions are a piss on all the graves of our soldiers who have fought for our freedom and protection. Why do we allow this to happen? Why don't enough people care? Are people that scared to be called a racist? Or do they really not care? Why do liberals hate this country so much that they want it changed so drastically? They really want a third world country as a future for their children and grandchildren? I guess they drank the kool aid and we did not.

Gary wrote on May 18, 2007 4:52 AM:Is there anyone here that honestly believes that this Immigration Bill will slow down the Illegal Alien Invasion? Our government takes us for fools.

Robert wrote on May 18, 2007 4:54 AM:I traveled to Los Angeles recently. I felt like a stranger in my own country as few spoke English. Whole areas have been turned into city-states of foreigners where Americans are not welcome. I might as well have been in China, Korea, Mexico or Bangladesh. All businesses carried their own languages. One store near Garden Grove in Los Angeles, Aztlan Gallery, featured anti American T-shirts, “DECOLONIZE: UNITED STATES OF AZTLAN” and “GO BACK HOME GRINGOS.”

Make your voices heard.........The time is now. wrote on May 18, 2007 5:02 AM:Call your Congressman and Represenitives. Keep it short, sweet and simple today............. tell repubs that they are committing suicide if they support this AMNESTY by ANY NAME. There will be no distinction between Repubs and Dems and we will vote 3rd party from now on - we will pull all support from repubs if they help pass an AMNESTY!!!!!!

Mimi wrote on May 18, 2007 6:09 AM:I don't think any criminal will abide by these rules and if you are illegal you are a criminal. Does Kennedy and the others think they are dealing with rational, law abiding people? Who is going to go back to Mexico and wait and to come back after paying five thousand. Do they get a family discount at 20 thou? If this infact does go through, there should be some hefty penalities for any illegal in this country or anyone helping them. This plan will drain our country of resources. I fear for my grown children and young grandchildren, they will work all their lives to survive and pay for these illegals. We have plenty of hungry, uninsured and sick Americans that could use the resources being sucked up by illegals. I have compassion but that is what our foreign aid is for. I don't know about you, but I don't want 12 million new citizens standing in line for a welfare check and food stamps each month. I bet those cheap veggies and manicured yards don't look so good anymore.

To girlygirl369 wrote on May 18, 2007 6:15 AM:You say that Bush is a madman, how right you are. Bankrupting the U.S. TWO ways, BILLIONS daily in Iraq AND keeping our borders open for those illegal aliens so that they can have amnesty.

If you were wrote on May 18, 2007 6:32 AM:outraged at the CHURCHES offering sanctuary WHILE supporting George W Bush's terrorist occupation of Iraq, saying how he was protecting the interests of the United States, WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR HERO GEORGE W BUSH NOW? He is quite literally bleeding us dry by his continued "war" AND offering amnesty to illegals. Bush is violating his oath of office on both fronts. Amnesty was offered before, Did it stop illegal immigration or did it spur even MORE?? Those granted amnesty, even for a price, know that THEY HAVE WON. They know that it will be OFFERED AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN! COME ONE, COME ALL, FOR A SMALL FISTFUL OF DOLLARS YOU WON'T BE ILLEGAL VERY LONG.

Ed wrote on May 18, 2007 6:45 AM:The $5,000 fine is nonsense. Who has $5,000?

Enforcement? wrote on May 18, 2007 6:46 AM:Lawmakers can put in place all the new laws they want but the reality is that just like the laws we have now, they will not be enforced. Exactly 2 miles of the 700 mile border fence has been built and border patrol agents are leaving quicker than they can be replaced. Thank you for your post Mary-well said

Ed wrote on May 18, 2007 6:47 AM:Mary, when did you clear this nation’s forests, plant its farmland, irrigate its fields, hammer its railroad ties, sweat in its sweatshops, pick its cotton and fight and die in its many wars?

Deborah wrote on May 18, 2007 7:02 AM:I agree completely with Mary and Greg! No one cares about those of us who have been footing the bills for all of the illegals in our country. They have no regard for our laws AT ALL!! Yet our govement and elected officals are going to reward them. INCREDIBLE!! On May 1 when the second protest happened. I took the time to e-mail all of the California representatives to say I was against any forms of amnesty and that the only law that needs to be changed in the anchor baby law, make them citizens of the mothers home country and send them all back. Also, my family was the victim of an illegal when a drunk driving, non-licensed, non-insurance holding illegal slammed into our car at 3:00 a.m. one morning. The cops tell me that's why I have insurance. NO that's why I have to pay higner insurance fees to cover illegal activities by illegal aliens. I'M SICK OF IT!!! SO IS EVERYONE ELSE. WISH THEY WOULD HAVE HAD THE DECENCY TO PUT IT TO A VOTE OF THE LEGAL CITIZENS. When will the Minute Men organize a march for all of us who want to take our country back and stop the invasion?

A Sell Out wrote on May 18, 2007 7:03 AM:Is a sell out. No no no to the Senates amnesty plan. ENFORCE ENFORCE ENFORCE.

Washington DC wrote on May 18, 2007 7:09 AM:OPERATION BACKLASH! Already across the country people are calling for a boycott to taxes. But that isn't illegal, tut, tut, we call it tax reform. After all it is only fair that the tax payer who has been paying all along, enjoys the same privilage as the illegals! And after all the only ones who would feel the bite, would be Federal, State employees, and I couldn't see it going for more than a couple of weeks. After which CIA, FBI, IRS, School Teachers, Prision Guards, Mailmen, National Guard, Military, Post Men, Border Patrol, Retirees etc, stormed the capitals, we would have to put up an emergecy government until new politicans could be sworn into office. BACKLASH, isn't it wonderful?

What Don't You Understand About "Legal"? wrote on May 18, 2007 7:09 AM:What's the problem? They won't be illegal anymore and you guys can start paying attention to the rest of our problems. Face it, you just don't like Mexicans.

Irony wrote on May 18, 2007 7:10 AM:Shoe's on the other foot now, doesn't it just make you want to march in the streets in protest?

At this point in time wrote on May 18, 2007 7:11 AM:you couldn't give me all the money in the world, to be either a politican or an illegal!

12 Million? wrote on May 18, 2007 7:12 AM:I have heard that for years! Maybe they should quit the drugs in Washington, because with the open borders, the count of illegals has to be more than 50 MILLION and growing.

Peter wrote on May 18, 2007 7:32 AM:I like it, Back ground checks and a fine sound good to me. Then they can get their drivers license and ins and make the streets safer.

PendleTechie wrote on May 18, 2007 7:32 AM:I agree whole-heartedly with EVERYTHING Mary said (and most of the rest of you) except for one minor detail. The "anchor babies." Per the 14th Amendment (which they use to argue their anchor babies are citizens and was created to protect the FREED SLAVES) the following are excluded from being considered "automatic citizens" based upon birth: 1) children born to foreign diplomats 2) children born to enemy forces in hostile occupation of US land 3) children born the NATIVE AMERICANS who are members of tribes not taxed. The following are GUARENTEED to be citizens: 1) Children born to US CITIZENS 2) Children born to ALIENS WHO ARE LAWFULLY INSIDE THE US. Those who are here illegally HAVE NO RIGHT TO OUR COUNTRY.

Madam Patriot wrote on May 18, 2007 7:45 AM: Are we ready to rise up yet? This is totally insane. Secure the borders and enforce the laws by punishing the employers who hire these workers. That’s all that needs to be done. Sen. Arlene Specter, R-PA hit it spot on when he stated that there will be anarchy if we don’t support this legislation (which he supports). This legislation will radically change the face of America and I’m not talking about color. This legislation will allow (within 15 years) approximately 30 to 40 million people to come here and literally turn our ‘melting pot’ upside down. These people will not assimilate as millions have done in the past because there will be such a massive influx that in their minds they will feel they don’t have to. They’ve ignored, and even scoffed at our existing laws, so why would they ever want to change? So I ask you again, are YOU ready to rise up yet?

I agree with Abed wrote on May 18, 2007 7:46 AM:Why does our country continue to abuse those who choose to come here through the legal immigration process? These folks wait years and years, and many of them are future businessmen/women and have the family and financial wherewith all to support themselves.They seem like just the type of future citizen that we should be welcoming! Expediting their assimilation should be a top priority under the new law. Other than that, I think that the new law has many hopeful aspects (a point system for skills, an stop to "chain" migration, fines for those here illegally, etc. Of course, the devil is in the details, and unless we control who comes into the country, all of the rest is moot).

Cat Reeve wrote on May 18, 2007 7:48 AM:Our country just sold us down the river.

USA wrote on May 18, 2007 7:51 AM:its about time they do somthing, the status quo is not doing anyone any favors, except the big companys. going after employers is a good start. i think they should go after the Banks next, if they cannot cash checks made out to illegal workers, the criminal workers will go away.

Doing my part wrote on May 18, 2007 7:54 AM:The elitist Senate really does not care about you. You are on your own to solve the issues of your community. Depending on our elected officials to safeguard us has gotten us into this terrible predicament that we now face. Take care of the problem in your own town. Don't wait for someone to do it for you.

Nanchi wrote on May 18, 2007 7:56 AM:Excellent start. We can't afford to wait for a perfect bill. Every month of delay brings another 100,000 illegals. Foolproof worker ID is the answer. No job, no come.

Syl wrote on May 18, 2007 8:04 AM:Who is going to pay for the new agency to process Millions and millions of Illegal Aliens into Legal residents and Citizens. Yup !You you guessed it : The American Taxpayer! meanwhill back accross the border every person who has ever dreamed of living in the United States is now packing his/her bags. IT'S TIME TO MAKE A RUN FOR THE BORDER!

Does this mean wrote on May 18, 2007 8:04 AM:for the next 13 years, we have to pay for their schooling, medical, housing and welfare????

What we have wrote on May 18, 2007 8:05 AM:in Washington DC is traitors that need to be investigated by the FBI!

Joanna wrote on May 18, 2007 8:06 AM:If you are a bad driver you are a bad driver having a drivers license does not make the streets safer. Obeying the laws of the land do. Illegal aliens do not care about our laws. They have found a way to by pass everything just to get what they want. I say recall all those politicians who are self interested. We have been invaded and all we do is complain about it.

I have already wrote on May 18, 2007 8:07 AM:written to the White House asking for Bush to step down in the BEST interest of the United States! Write your law makers!!

Mike wrote on May 18, 2007 8:07 AM:Just another amnesty...It didn't work before and it wont work this time...

Enforce what? wrote on May 18, 2007 8:11 AM:A Sell Out is emphatic to enforce . . what, the law? The law is about to change, and vigilante Minuteman types will reveal that they don't really care what the law is. What they really want is deport deport deport. They won't be happy till the region is purified, white bread and mayonnaise.

Slap in the face! wrote on May 18, 2007 8:15 AM:This whole immigration bill is a slap in the face. 200 million legal Americans oppose legalizing anyone here illegal. Rather Our government are more interested in representing 12 million illegals that shouldn't even be here. This is wrong . Our entire government needs to go and we need to start over.

Pro LEGAL Immigration & Border Enforcement wrote on May 18, 2007 8:16 AM:If there's no infrastructure to deport the 12-14 million illegal aliens in this country, a "reason" we've all heard against enforcing the current laws, where in the world is the infrastructure going to come from to do background checks and all the processing required for these "Z" visas? What a complete joke.

David wrote on May 18, 2007 8:20 AM:Comprehensive = compromise = amnesty = more rights to illegals = government clueless and weak.

How you like me know? wrote on May 18, 2007 8:21 AM:When Bush said he was sending more troops to Iraq, and I screamed, I was told, "Be quiet until you give the plan a chance to see if it works." Now, may I suggest the same for this comprehensive immigration reform proposal?

Building the Democratic Base wrote on May 18, 2007 8:21 AM:Senator Ted "Amnesty" Kennedy over the years: 1965: "The bill will not flood our cities with immigrants. It will not upset the ethnic mix of our society. It will not relax the standards of admission. It will not cause American workers to lose their jobs." 1986: "This amnesty will give citizenship to only 1.1 to 1.3 million illegal aliens. We will secure the borders henceforth. We will never again bring forward another amnesty bill like this." 2007: "Now it is time for action. 2007 is the year we must fix our broken system."

Grandma/Mother wrote on May 18, 2007 8:22 AM:I have had friends that waited 7 years to come here and then you allow these people that broke the law entering, by letting them stay here. What a slap in the face to the immigrants that did it legally. Maybe crime does pay? How do you explain that? Too much red tape"" Jillings would probably want the US government to "give" these illegals a home, medical and free food. She's expects more than their own government gives them, but yet they proudly wave their flag. It is like a child that is abused by their parents, they still think their parents are the best or they deserved the punishment. They don't know any better. As a newspaper I wonder why you give credibility to Ms Jillings. I am almost ready to cancel my subscription to this newspaper.

Write Your Senator wrote on May 18, 2007 8:27 AM:This is Amnesty and wrong. We are rewarding people for breaking the law. Tell our elected officials how you feel so we can stop this dead in it's tracks!

March on your wrote on May 18, 2007 8:39 AM:City Halls, Capitals, demand they obey the law or no more TAXES!

Abed is full of it... wrote on May 18, 2007 8:42 AM:Abed is full of crap, you know someone wouldn't wait 17 years to get here...but I forgot that it's Lebanon, I don't remember Mexico ever attacking our Marines or involved in terrorist attacks...keep waiting...if all that what Abed said is really true...

Former Republican wrote on May 18, 2007 8:48 AM:The passage of this bill will be the end of the Republican party. Bush the traitor in addition to selling out America has destroyed his own party.

Apply for you Z visa wrote on May 18, 2007 8:50 AM:I'm denouncing my citizenship and will be the first in line for a new Z visa. For a small $5,000 fine, I'll be off the hook for any federal taxes I owe. Sounds like a sweet deal to me. Viva La Raza.

Ed wrote on May 18, 2007 8:52 AM:It is far easier to buy goods and services worldwide that it is for human beings to emigrate. We value cheap goods and services far more than we value human freedom.

Nick wrote on May 18, 2007 8:52 AM:If as many people are fed up with ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION and our corrupt politicians, how come none of us are marching in the streets? What if 100 million tax paying American citizens took to the streets in protest(just like the ILLEGALS and their sympathizers did)? Doesn't anyone think our politicians would listen to us? As long as we sit on our butts and do nothing, nothing will get done. We need to march people!

Ray wrote on May 18, 2007 8:56 AM:United States of America Born June 4, 1776 Died May 17, 2007. "Rest in Peace".

Pluto to Mimi wrote on May 18, 2007 8:58 AM:These people aren't criminals, especially now. In case you don't know the difference between a criminal and a person who has merely broken some rule, you don't want criminals living in your neighborhood, cleaning your house, working in your yard, or watching your kids. Most Mexican immigrants are hard working and trustworthy, and millions of us "Americans" rely on them for these important jobs.

Jim wrote on May 18, 2007 9:11 AM:The new proposed amnesty immigration bill will do at the federal level what Prop 187 did for California. As the new citizenships are granted they will mostly join the democratic party. So in the coming years the nation will be under the control of one political party. We all knew how well that works in California (the worst managed state in the nation according to a recent Rand study). California is the laughing stock of the nation and soon the U.S. will become the laughing stock of the world for turning our nation over to Mexico.

We law abiding citizens wrote on May 18, 2007 9:12 AM:have been sold out by Senator Feinstein & Senator Boxer and in fact ALL our representatives in Washington DC. Not to mention our esteemed leader George W. They are destroying America and giving it away to China and Mexico. They should be ashamed. I know I am ashamed of each and every one of them, Democrat and Republican alike.

AMNESTY wrote on May 18, 2007 9:13 AM:is my name and that is what our Senators and Congressmen and President are giving to all the illegal aliens. They should all be put in jail!

your comfort zone wrote on May 18, 2007 9:15 AM:we sure do alot of talking.Letter writing and e-mail those goofs in Washington. Think, really think what are you willing to do? what are you prepared to do? what can we do? we as Americans do have a voice and its time it was heard. As a person who loves America it would hurt me to do an 'real' American bouycott, but seeing that they are not hearing us maybe thats what we need to do. Then pro illegal groups will see what its really like when you bring a country to its knees.Knowingly and purposly hurting our country will be hard to do but they have backed us into a corner, and when your backed into a corner you have to fight your way out. Are you ready to fight? I honstly do not know how to start or how to get the word out , but I'm thinking that it needs to be done.

MAKE THEM PAY wrote on May 18, 2007 9:17 AM:Start jacking up the taxes on the illegals, then they'll go home! Pay a 25% added tax maybe? It's be a good start. We need to disincentivize breaking the laws.

Concerned wrote on May 18, 2007 9:17 AM:What are they thinking. Even if I had sympathy for the plight of illegals, I would think this bill was bogus. Logistically, it is impossible. Do we really believe all these illegals are going to make their way back to their country, pay $5,000, and then wait up to eight years for citizenship? And these are our elected officials! Yikes.

Deport all wrote on May 18, 2007 9:19 AM:Criminals that have broken into our country illegally!

A Liberal Speaks wrote on May 18, 2007 9:25 AM:I respect all human and civil rights. However, I'm starting to feel like I'm in La Colonia when I go to certain parts of San Diego County- Spanish only stores and music and no English anywhere. So, I simply cannot agree with giving citizenship to illegals and their children born here anymore. Go the border and the pregnant women cross to have their children. No other country in the world would allow that. Medical care is one thing but citizenship? Obviously the fine is calculated to prohibit many of these people from applying for a Z Card. As far as going home, I guess we hope many will stay and not try to come back. Still we do need agricultural and service workers. I suggest we add an minimum education component and an English proficiency component for the the rest who may apply. We don't need any more welfare moms and babies who can't work and don't speak English at all; America really needs aliens/immigrants who want to follow the rules, speak English, pay taxes, and work hard. Many, many of the these folks would comply with these rules. In the meantime, start penalizing the employers who hire the illegals. Put them in jail. That will stop another whole batch of illegal entries. And NO amnesty if they have been arrested and jailed. Mexico must work harder to help its citizens within its own borders.

Gig wrote on May 18, 2007 9:27 AM:Try on someone else's shoes for just one second. Where would you rather live, Mexico or the U.S.A.? Why are you making it so difficult? You sound just like NIMBYs!

American to Pluto wrote on May 18, 2007 9:30 AM:I agree so when someone robs a 7-11 he's not committing a crime but is just trying to better themselves. Real Americans don't hire criminals to work for them.

Adam wrote on May 18, 2007 9:31 AM:In my world there are no borders. No piece of paper will tell me who I belong to.

Long-time N.C. resident wrote on May 18, 2007 9:36 AM:Sorry, Pluto, no illegal has EVER watched my children, done my yardwork, or cleaned my house. My family is perfectly capable, believe it or not. Come back with something more intelligent than this drivel.

Dave wrote on May 18, 2007 9:39 AM:Make a difference - contact your Senators and Reps today. Let them know that this is a vote breaking issue for you, that they risk political suicide by those legal to vote if they grant any amnesty.

We Just Got Fooled Again wrote on May 18, 2007 9:39 AM:For Sale: Cheap American citizenship, $5,000 already used illegally comes with all past free services (health, education and social serivices), some education required (Basic knowledge of English & American civics), travel required back to country of origin before taking possession. If interested, please call George Bush at the White House. Only serious inquiries please.

GAN wrote on May 18, 2007 9:39 AM:I suggest that we setup a plan where immigrants have two choices which they must pick in advance. Option one, go home and apply for guest worker program and wait in line. Option two, sign up for fast track by agreeing to maintain employment, stay off public assistance, pay taxes, and commit no ciminal offence for two years. After this two year period, go into the military for another two years. After two years of honorable military service they can apply to become a citizen.

From Grandma and Mother to another wrote on May 18, 2007 9:44 AM:Your analogy makes no sense or maybe it does and it is so defeating. "It is like a child that is abused by their parents, they still think their parents are the best or they deserved the punishment." Is it better for the child to grow up hating his parents and not being able to get past the abuse and use it as way of not facing his or her own failures? That is almost as ridiculous as the every present threat of subscription cancellation. Go ahead and cancel your subscription and perhaps we will not be forced to read your hatefilled posts on this blog. Oh yeah one more thing Mrs. Jillings is credible and I appreciate her tenacity. The difference between her and you is that she says things out in the open and you hide behind your computer keyboard to make your nasty remarks.

To Deborah wrote on May 18, 2007 9:48 AM:The minutemen did have a march for all the so called "legal citizens" a bit redundant but thats okay, back to the subject the march held by the minutemen drew 30 people. Perhaps you should plan a march of the concerned "legal citizens" so they can voice their concerns, hopefully you and your group will not be shot with rubber bullets and attacked like the one horrific scenes we witnessed in L.A. and Chicago.

todum2come wrote on May 18, 2007 9:51 AM:Ok minute men it's your time. you have the national stage and it's you who need to organize for real. It's time for a march of our own. Lets get going on this now! I for one will be there and I believe there will be many many others who will take the time. We will only go so far venting online amongst ourselves. NOW is the time for action

Ron wrote on May 18, 2007 9:53 AM:The rule of law is now over. What this means, if this legislation passes, is that if the law is too hard, too difficult to enforce, we will change it. Well, I have an idea. My taxes are too high, and their too difficult for me to pay each and every year. How about a little amnesty for me? Can I get a chance to "estimate" my back taxes? Fair is fair, right? If I break a law, can I now claim it was broken, and go unpunished? As I think about this... those red-light camera tickets are way too high.. $371? Come on... make it $37 that way all of us can afford one, or three.

To dum 2 come wrote on May 18, 2007 9:57 AM:OMG ray wrote It's July 4th but your right this nation of ours is fading away

To dum 2 come wrote on May 18, 2007 10:02 AM:Bush obviously has a problem with his reasoning skills after all he let Rusmfailed stay for as long as he did.

if I wrote on May 18, 2007 10:12 AM:stole a car, would they say to me "it's okay, go ahead and keep the car and don't worry about jail time" NO. My butt would be in jail. So why are they looking at them and saying "you came here illegally, why don't you go ahead and stay, no biggie!" It has NOTHING to do with hating Mexicans, I don't hate anyone from any culture. I have NO RESPECT for people who do it Illegally, no matter WHERE THEY ARE FROM. But for god sake, do it leaglly, no matter how long it takes, if you want the citizenship so bad, WORK FOR IT and EARN IT!!! Then you can really be proud of it knowing you did it the right way!!

NO AMNESTY wrote on May 18, 2007 10:18 AM:Congress people:: Boxer-619 239-3884, feinstein 619-231-9712, davis-619-280-5353, hunter 619-448-5201, Issa 760-599-5000. Call every one of them and tell them NO AMNESTY period.. & call bilbray 202-225-0508 and tell him thanks for speaking out and to keep it up. American better get organized, and do something NOW

They can not enforce this- wrote on May 18, 2007 10:22 AM:How are they going to enforce this? Are they on drugs, stupid, or out of touch with reality? What makes them think an illegal would come forward and pay 5000, dollars, and then return to his home county and wait. I can not imagine someone who snuck out of China and snuck into USA suddenly paying a 5000 dollar fine, then returning to China while his paperwork is approved! The gov can not even enforce our existing laws!

ChesterDude wrote on May 18, 2007 10:26 AM:This is a totally terrible idea! Enforce the existing laws! Round 'em up and ship 'em out! Every man, woman, child AND anchor baby! Then let them start the process like any LEGAL immigrant!

pay a fine??? wrote on May 18, 2007 10:27 AM:Instead of my last yrs income tax, can I just pay a $5K fine & give me 8 yrs to pay it off??? You know each and every time you do something criminal it is a single crime, thats why you see someone charged with 25 counts of forgery. so if you commit fraud by a false SSN every week when you get a paycheck, thats is 52 countws of fraud, and so on false names, false ID's buying houses with false documents, the list goes on and on. New rules- have to maintain employment- now theres a true American law. Impossible to monitor, if we could monitor that then we could do other things the congress says we can't like remove those who broke into this country ILLEGALLY.

To Peter wrote on May 18, 2007 10:27 AM:What makes you think that illegals with a criminal history will come forward and apply? They sure won't and nobody will do anything about it. Reminder to ALL-Several of the people who were involved with 9/11 were given citizenship during the 1986 Amnesty. We're not talking about just Mexicans here and with this legislation they will be able to bring their families to the US also. Couple that with yearly increased immigration figures and we are talking about millions, upon millions of additional needy people that we will be supporting. As soon as any illegal's presence become legal, that means before citizenship, they are entitled to practically unlimited benefits paid for by you and me!

Ashamed wrote on May 18, 2007 10:30 AM:I think we all should go out and buy a DIXIE CHICKS CD to show that we too are ashamed that Bush and the rest of them call themselves Americans, let alone Texans

Kent wrote on May 18, 2007 10:31 AM:All of life is a precious gift. It is not a right that we can demand at the ballot box. Enjoy your life, but don't begrudge others the enjoyment of their lives. Live and let live. Stop this bitterness from spreading like poison!

Attention Gan- wrote on May 18, 2007 10:40 AM:Serving in the MILITARY? Do you have the faintest idea what our MILITARY does. The jobs are highly techical- maintenance on an F-22 engines, or air aircraft sheetmetal repair-electronics and radar repair. The MILITARY operates satellites in space and also handles classifed and top secret info about nuclear weapons. AND YOU MUST BE WILLING TO DIE FOR YOUR COUNTRY! Why don't you suggest ILLEGALS be put in our POLICE DEPARTMENTS,and serve as POLICE OFFICERS, it makes the same sense!

CRL wrote on May 18, 2007 10:46 AM:You people are all such suckers. You voted for Bush, now you're upset? ... I'm proud that I saw him as a fraud from the beginning. Sorry, but you can't act indignant now. You bought him, you defended his war, he's yours. And Bilbray? All he ran on was your hatred, and now what's he going to do? Nothing. Good job North County, you sure know how to pick 'em.

Sculpin wrote on May 18, 2007 10:47 AM:Again, wishing how it could be, and complaining that it's not that way is purely delusional. This problem is way to complex to solve with "a fence" or "go home". You all sound like petulant little children who dropped their ice cream cone on the playground. Folks, the horse has left the barn and is in the next county! I agree that the present solution is severly flawed, but it is a first step forward. My biggest fear is that Washington thinks its the only step. As a side, I get the feeling that most of these posters would be equally incensed if all the current "illegals" were here legally. I get the sense that the arguement would be "the govt is letting too many immigrants in, and we need to slow the pace down" or some such nonsense. Change is inevitable....if you're not experiencing change, you're dead!

A great step forward wrote on May 18, 2007 10:53 AM:This will help bring 12 million new people to America legally. Thank you congress

Jimbo wrote on May 18, 2007 10:54 AM:When I woke this morning, I felt very similar to how I felt when I woke on Sept 12, 2001....A great travesty has occurred to a great nation.

Bring the wrote on May 18, 2007 10:55 AM:Minute Men in, I am ready to revolt! This is sickening, put all of the politicans, including bush and the ACLU and the crooked judges in prision where they belong! Then we the people will deport, deport, deport!

Time to write wrote on May 18, 2007 10:57 AM:your sons and daughters serving over seas and tell them the time is now to leave Iraq and defend your homeland from the traitors in office.

If we stop wrote on May 18, 2007 10:58 AM:all medical, schooling and jobs, they will out of necessity deport themselves.

sdraoul wrote on May 18, 2007 11:04 AM:Well, well... Senators come up with an answer to the current immigration anarchy and every nut case in North County floods this page with nothing but vitriol and hate. As for those who claim their ancestors came "legally" ask the Indian if that is true. As to the Irish who claim they came legally, not so fast. When they stepped off the boats in Boston, New York and Baltimore, they were lined up and sworn in as U.S. citizens and registered to vote as Democrats. That was illegal as it didn't follow the law. All those Irish running around claiming their families came legally are wrong, they were made citizens illegaly, thus their families today came from illegal "citizens." As for Italians, they invented illegal aliens as we know them. Check out all those Mafiosos who ran the great syndicates of the 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s. They were almost 100% illegally in the U.S. As for the nutcase who declares that his family started coming to the U.S. in the 1600s, sure. Let us remember that the freedom fighters who threw the British out were a small minority of so-called Americans. Less than a third of the colonial population supported the war against Mother England, the rest were traitors to "America." So, those who claim to be Americans because their families came legally are full of crap. At the same time, Mexicans, Cubans, Puerto Ricans and Spanish citizens fought in that War of Independence and people in North County contributed two pesos per white man and one peso per Indian at Sunday masses at the Mission San Luis Rey in Oceanside in total support of the American Revolution, something two thirds of Colonial Americans refused to do. If they were so loyal, how come so many rebelled and fought against the United States of America, 1861-1865?

Hey Ron wrote on May 18, 2007 11:05 AM:I agree with you. Will wonders never cease.

Mimi to Pluto wrote on May 18, 2007 11:06 AM:It is not just a rule, it is a crime to sneak into this country. So what if people trust Mexicans, I have friends that are Mexican and own a restaurant but they came here legal and made it for themselves, I trust them. I have a French friend with a green card, I trust her. I have Muslim neighbors, we may not agree about religion and if they tried to kill me I would fight back, I know alot of different nationalities but they are legal. So Pluto if you are illegal, please leave immediately.

Jimbo wrote on May 18, 2007 11:11 AM:Hey Ed, We value freedom. However, freedom should be fought for in the countries where it is lacking. It is unreasonable to believe that the US can absorb the entire world's population and remain a desireable environment. It just can't happen. If we took just one year's worth of what we spend on illegals, and helped fund a movement in Mexico to revolutionize their gov, it would probably be money better spent. Normally I would not support this type of action, but clearly their problem has become our problem.

Kind of Amazing wrote on May 18, 2007 11:12 AM:Ninety-plus comments on a bill nobody's read yet. What's really worth commenting on is the fact that the bill was negotiated in secret, and we're not going to be allowed to see the text until it's been voted on. If you want something to be outraged about, THAT affront to the concept of open government is a worthwhile target.

dave from oceanside wrote on May 18, 2007 11:28 AM:Time for a demonstration, count me in when and where Minutemen?????????? Have each city march on Memorial Day.

Maria wrote on May 18, 2007 11:30 AM:The Democrats are semi-happy with this because they see it ONLY as more votes for them from the new legal "illegals". They know very few of these legal "illegals" will vote Republican. The Democrats actually want an even more lenient bill, i.e., immediate citizenship for illegals to get their votes. The Democrats want to be back in power in D.C., they want more victims for their expanded welfare state so the more illegals that they can get closer to voting for them, the better. People, people, the current Socialist Democrats in power could care a twit about you. Wake Up!! Once the current bill passes, there will no longer be any illegal aliens. The government is not EVEN going to try and enforce the so-called requirements -- They can't!! This could possibly change the entire culture demographics of the United States and once the Demoncrats get in power, you will definitely see a more Socialist, Big-government, Welfare state. The top rich Democrats (there are more super-wealthy Democrats than Republicans) will govern the rest of us peons. The Z-Visa, it means ZERO-Visa. The illegals don't have to do anything, ZERO, in order to get all the benefits of an American citizen. Bush is the least of our worries now.

To Jaynon wrote on May 18, 2007 11:32 AM:Why did you single out Kennedy? It was Reagan who started this illegal alien mess. It is George W Buxh who has helped escalate this illegal invasion.

Jimbo wrote on May 18, 2007 11:34 AM:Kent, that's great philosophy and all, but it becomes my business when they are living off of my dollars. Sorry, I'm not a sucker.

To Ed wrote on May 18, 2007 11:38 AM:Right, 5000 dollars is peanuts. It should be 500,000.00 for illegal lawbreakers.

LOL Even the Mexicans wrote on May 18, 2007 11:39 AM:Hate the plan! Count me in on the Memorial Day Marches!

Larry wrote on May 18, 2007 11:39 AM:Just think of it, in the future you can order your paper (The NCT) by pressing 1 for spanish. 2 for english. I am so glad it only took Pres.Bush, Congress, and Senators to allow me this great oportunity. And I thought I had a hard time using my ATM. What am I supposed to to do with all these peso's it is now despensing. God I love this country.

Jimbo to Sculpin wrote on May 18, 2007 11:42 AM:Most people would not be (and are not) upset with legal immigrants if given there were enough jobs and resources to accomadate them AND (and this is a big AND) they assimilated into AMERICAN culture by learning English, pursuing education, respecting the law (including immigration laws), willing to prosecute law breakers..regardless of race/ethnicity...paid their taxes and their own way for health care and basic needs. In other words.. weren't dependent on tax payers for everything under the sun. Also, it would help if they didn't wave their Mexican flag around in protest of our laws. The flag is fine in circumstances like celebrations, but protesting American law....not appreciated.

dave from oceanside wrote on May 18, 2007 11:45 AM:Want to protest this AMNESTY. On Memorial Day when you drive to the store, the park, to work, or anywhere, HONK and keep HONKING the car horn in protest of the abomination. That will get noticed.

Fran wrote on May 18, 2007 11:46 AM:I have made my voice heard. I have written, emailed and called my Democratic leaders. I have also contacted the Republican leaders. It will take hundreds of thousands of Citizens of this Country to get through to these pro-illegal alien supporters. I am also up for a march in D.C. for American Citizens and against illegals.

Todd wrote on May 18, 2007 11:48 AM:Impeach BUSH!!!! Come on people,we control OUR country,not the spineless politicians. Count me in to join the demonstration. LETS GET IT ON!!!!

Jimbo wrote on May 18, 2007 11:51 AM:Got to love the comments of guys like sdraoul who justify breaking our laws by bringing up pointless facts about the past. Sorry, the laws that have been on the books for the last 40 years or so that were not enforced properly were broken and as a result we have a society where millions of illegal aliens are being supported by tax payers. Most tax payers are opposed to this. It is not hate. It is a sense of being treated unfairly by the gov and disrespected by illegal trespassers. Those who come here who are willing to disrespect the law and live off of other people's hard work don't sound like people who respect us very much. Yet, we're all supposed to accept this without any animosity, right? Everyone is just supposed to be okay with trespassers and free loaders. Those of us who are not suckers don't subscribe to that way of thinking. We want what is fair, and that would be to deport all illegals who have taken advantage of us. It is not their right, any more than it is my right to steal from anyone else.

Compromise wrote on May 18, 2007 12:01 PM:Can any of you say compromise? Or perhaps incremental improvement? I personally don't see any but a small minority of people supporting the wholesale roundup of anyone that looks mexican to try to deport 12 million people. The fact that both extremes hate this is a sign that it's a good compromise. That is, if (and its a BIG IF), all it's provisions were enforced (the BIG problem with Reagan's solution).

Suzy K wrote on May 18, 2007 12:03 PM:How about just enforcing our current immigration laws and cracking down on the businesses and people (ya know nannies, gardeners, housekeepers, dayworkers, etc.)who EMPLOY ILLEGALS. Geez if we did this we wouldn't need a wall because there wouldn't any JOBS available. Sure would be a lot cheaper to enforce current laws than make new ones

To Jimbo wrote on May 18, 2007 12:07 PM:Freeloaders? Most illegal immigrants WORK (harder than many citizens), and PAY TAXES. Most illegal immigrant children LEARN ENGLISH. Yes they are illegal, and no one feels good about that, including myself. But there is no chance at all that they're going to just all go home, or that the police (or army, or whatever) are going to raid neighborhoods and haul off a bunch of screaming mothers with crying children. It just ain't going to happen Jimbo. Given that, what's the next best option?

LUVUS wrote on May 18, 2007 12:08 PM:JR, are you living on another planet?

dw wrote on May 18, 2007 12:10 PM:This is truly a sad day for America and the two party system. Why would Bush, the leader of his party, want to legalize millions of illegals who will eventually vote as Democrats, finalizing the demise of the Republican party? He is doing it to ensure corporations the short term financial windfall these `guest workers’ bring. He is willing to sacrifice the future of the Republican party for the sake of the money machine. He is an embarrassment to all true conservatives and Republicans. It’s no wonder the Democrats don’t talk seriously about impeaching this guy…he is one of their own!

Write your lawmakers wrote on May 18, 2007 12:12 PM:tell them you want bush and the rest of the losers on the hill tried for treason!

Well to tell the truth Gig wrote on May 18, 2007 12:12 PM:I would rather live at the Bush Kennebunkport mansion on the water, or George Bush's fancy ranch. Will I be given amnesty with 3 meals a day and 500 dollars a month for each of my 8 kids? Do I sneak in the front or back gate?

Conerned-1 wrote on May 18, 2007 12:16 PM:Where's my economic solution?

Ron wrote on May 18, 2007 12:26 PM:The most compassionate thing we can do for ALL is to enforce the laws equally. If we do not, and allow ourselves to "adjust" the laws for certain groups or special interests, the rest of us will never catch a break. This issue is not too hard for us to handle. What we have are career politicians looking to the next election, realizing their own poll numbers are down at 29%, and wanting to do something to get those numbers up, to keep their seats. If they pass this, they have sold out every law abiding tax paying legal American. And I never, ever, again.. want to hear them proclaim "It's about the rule of law." I'm sorry, your done, it's over, and your out-of-here, far as I'm concerned. Time to throw them out, every last one of them. They spend entirely too much time back in Washington, and have not worked a real job, like all of us have, for years, maybe decades. It's time to give them a new career, one where they need to actually work everyday, like you and I, and one where they see the taxes taken out of their paychecks every week, and get nothing for it. Equal justice under law? yeah, I think we owe it to them, for their own good.

Attention Attention GAN wrote on May 18, 2007 12:27 PM:First, did I say they should be in charge of F-22's. That's like saying anyone who works in a hospital is qualified to operate on a patient. If 18 year old kids can join why can't someone from another country. If you are willing to die for this country I think they should be able to cut in line ahead of those who aren't willing to die. Secondly, this is about our aging society. Without more people social security IS GOING to be cut and prices are going to sky rocket. I am against amnesty but if they demonstrate the love for this country via military service why not let them cut in line.

To : To Jimbo wrote on May 18, 2007 12:30 PM:Tell me, how does an illegal alien go about filing taxes without a Social Security Number?

I just wrote on May 18, 2007 12:32 PM:talked to the Border Patrol, they are flooding the borders to get in, thanks to our treasonous pres and the senate.