CNN.com - Anderson Cooper 360° Blog

Tuesday, May 01, 2007

Fear colors immigration rallies

We are back in Los Angeles for the May Day protests. Exactly one year ago today, I was downtown, on the corner of Wilshire and La Brea, surrounded by hundreds of thousands of people. Many of them were illegal immigrants and their supporters. Some demanded sweeping reforms. Others wanted amnesty or a legal road to citizenship.

Their voices were heard. Their faces were seen. And for one day, millions who live in the shadows stepped into the light. While there will be marches today, the motivation to hit the streets may not be the same. Much of that has to do with fear.

Illegal immigrants who choose to speak out could risk immediate deportation. Since last year, more than 200,000 illegal immigrants have been removed from the United States, an increase of 20 percent over the year before, according to the New York Times.

There is also anger in the air, as just about everyone in this debate seems to be upset with our government. After last year's demonstrations, Congress seemed poised to pass legislation on illegal immigration. But nothing happened.

Of course, last year's demonstration came in the middle of the mid-term elections. There was pressure then to act or at least to act like you might act. Now, even though we are in the early days of a presidential campaign, that pressure is not the same -- not yet anyway.

Tonight, we are going to devote much of the program to the immigration issue. I'll be in Macarthur Park, the sight of one of the largest rallies in the city.

Besides covering the protests, we will also have reports from the Texas border, where arrests are dramatically down this year. We'll also have a live report from San Diego, at one of the busiest border checkpoints in the nation. See you tonight.

-- By Anderson Cooper

Posted By CNN: 3:36 PM ET
48 Comments

Let's see.. legalize 12 million illegal immigrants in the US, while the families (husbands, wives, children) of legal permanent residents are still to be separated from their loved ones for 5-10+ years due to yearly green card quotas based on country of origin..

What is the lesson here, if you break the law, you get to skip ahead of hundreds of thousands of legal law-abiding people and be rewarded with US citizenship?

When the last amnesty for illegal aliens went into effect in the 80's, processing times for legal aliens went through the roof as a result of the additional paperwork load.

Where's the logic in that?

Yes, the government needs to implement immigration reform, but not exactly in the way most of these protesters want.

Posted By Anna M, Ann Arbor, MI : 3:55 PM ET

Anderson, Where are the INS buses!! Round 'em up and load 'em up and SHIP THEM HOME!! Hellloooo INS?!? Where are you at these rallies!! Duhhh!!

Welcome back to the CNN AC 360 blog, Anderson!! Good to have you back here. It's *hopping* here today with the marches and illegal immigrants/immigration! Lively debate! Woo-hoo!! Much more interactive and fun than the Podcast, which is one-way.

Posted By Gloria, St. Louis, MO : 4:01 PM ET

"living in the shadows"??????? They are standing in mass on the street corners and outside of convenience stores in N. Virginia begging to be hired.

People do hire them for peanuts because it is cheaper than employing legal labor that is wage controlled and has burden attached like insurance, employment taxes, etc.

Tell the black unemployed that the illegals do the work that they won't and see what their reply is.

There is a big movement to raise the minimum wage - why, when we can pay illegals to work for even less and not pay them benefits.

The only fair and morally responsible solution is to levy big fines on employers that continue to hire them. Their numbers in the U.S. will dwindle via attrition. There is not need to forcefully displace or deport. Just let the market dry up and they will have to do the right thing - take the legal immigration route or suffer the consequences.

Posted By Dave, Alexandria, VA : 4:12 PM ET

Posted By S.E. Gustafson, Indiana : 4:20 PM ET

Bottom line; entering the United States illegally is against the law. No matter the circumstance of entering and no matter the reason, it's still illegal! Sadly for those who came here with the hope to live the American dream, you can dream but just not in the United States, ok. Shame on the individuals who are rallying for rights to stay here when they knowingly aren't here legally. That just proved to show that they were able to elude immigration all this time. The law is the law, break it, pay the circumstance, that is what we "Americans" were raised to do and believe. Wanting leniency for breaking the law is ridiculous, that would defeat the purpose of having it in the first place and would encourage continuous illegal entry. I say enforce Immigration Law and deport illegal immigrants.

Posted By Bren671 Jacksonville FL : 4:24 PM ET

Anderson,

Illegal immigration will remain a problem unless the government steps up and does something against it. But unless votes and victories during election times are at stakes, this government does not seem to be able to follow through on anything.
I think the first to target should be all the companies and corporations that knowingly hire illegal aliens to keep their costs down and their profits up. It is them, who are the root cause of the problem, not necessarily the immigrants themselves. It is often made too easy for them to enter this country illegally and they jump on the opportunity.
I am totally opposing illegal immigrants, being a LEGAL immigrant myself. I had to go through the lengthy, costly and often bureaucratic process of becoming an alien resident and it frustrates me to see people who bypass the laws by the thousands.
Today's May day demonstrations only open up the discussions again, but likely not a lot will happen thereafter and the issue will fade away again for a while until a politician makes it his/her campaign issue. Such is life in the good old US of A.

Posted By Elke, SW Florida : 4:35 PM ET

A mere 200,000 illegals removed? That's not nearly enough. Let's go for a 100% increase, per year, until they're all home where they belong.

Posted By Lisa, Bothell, WA : 4:39 PM ET

There was pressure then to act or at least act like you might act.

Isn't acting like they might act basically the main thing Congress does these days? I expect we'll be seeing you back in Los Angeles for May Day 2008.

Posted By Stacy, St. Louis, MO : 4:40 PM ET

All this talk about the illegal immigrants, what about the people who are here legally??? There are Canadians that I know who are here on visas wishing they can stay permanently, but it's not easy for them to get a greencard. They pay their taxes & do everything by the book, but that doesn't seem to matter. Something is wrong here, don't you think we should reward the people who are here legally doing things by the book?????

Posted By Mel, Houston, Texas : 4:41 PM ET

It appears most American's have forgotten the basis of this country. Unless you are a "card carying" Native American, your family are also immigrants. Maybe a reminder in the form of what is enscribed on the Statue of Liberty is in order....

I say, come one an all

"The New Colossus" by Emma Lazarus

"Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame
With conquering lims astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-brigded harbor that twin cities frame,
"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pom!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddle masses yearning to breath free,
The wrechted refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

Posted By Rochelle Weatherly, Houston TX : 4:41 PM ET

I'm glad all of the illegal immigrants are marching again. With the first march they pointed out that most did not want to adopt our american ways by waving foreign flags. This time they run out the US citizen children to show an error in our laws.

Most countries do not allow you to become a citizen simply because you are born in their country. In this country even if both parents of a child are here illegally the child is a US citizen because he/she was born in the US. This law should be changed to reflect what many other countries have already adopted. At least one parent should be a citizen of this country for the child to automaticaly gain citizenship.

If I steal your seeds, plant them in your back yard and you catch me do I still get to keep the crops? I don't think so.

Posted By Dan - Alexandria VA : 4:42 PM ET

Mr. Cooper –

I am a legal immigrant to this country. I appreciate the issues that legal immigrants face since I have gone through these challenges.

As far as illegal immigrants, let me get straight to the point. I believe that the illegal immigration is a no brainier - Illegal immigrants should be deported!

If we start providing amnesty for illegal immigrants it is an insult for millions of people like me who have abided by the rules. Also, we would be encouraging immigrants to pursue an illegal path rather than a legal path.

There are a lot of challenges that legal immigrants face with the existing system. The focus should be on making it easier for legal immigrants to get their green cards and citizenships faster.

I personally missed out on numerous career opportunities during the peak of the internet boom because I had to work for one employer because of the immigration rules till I got my green card which took me more than 5 years. It took me a total of 10 plus years to become a legal citizen.

I personally beleive that we are diluting our time and focus on a no-brianer issue. We need to be focusing on supporting and providing a much easier, faster and better system for legal immigrants.

Posted By Charlie, Austin, TX : 4:50 PM ET

Hi Anderson,

Another year, another immigration rally. Sad to say nothing has been accomplished since then; unless you care to count the fact that people are even more upset and angry over it than ever. And the fear factor......disturbing.

This is such a deep topic and to be honest I am not certain how I feel about it. Admittedly I feel badly for these folks, and would never want to see families separtated, however, it remains illegal. Breaking the law is breaking the law.

Looking to our government for answers on a issue like this seems pointless at this juncture. Look at the mess it has made of Iraq. I admit, all of this has left me more than a little jaded.

I will be watching tonight to gain more insight on this important issue. Thanks Anderson!

Macarthur Park, you say? Hope no one left the "cake out in the rain". Sorry, couldn't resist! ;)

Posted By Pati McMillan, Camp Hill, PA : 4:50 PM ET

Anderson-
Living in California, I am aware of the realities of our labor needs. Because of this, I am a supporter of a guest worker program. It is the fair thing to do. It would also open the door so they could go back and forth depending on the job availability. Now they are afraid to head back and stay in between jobs. I think once they prove they can be productive citizens they should be given the right to become US citizens. I must tell you though, that these marches really get my back up. I feel it is really out-of-line to demand something from our country when you are technically in violation of the laws of this country. It is hugely presumptous to be marching under these circumstances. I find it irritates me to the point that my rational take on fairness almost evaporates and I would rather enjoy seeing a paddy wagon pull up and take them all back to the border.

Posted By Denise in Los Angeles : 4:51 PM ET

I am concerned about the immigrants that done the right thing and filed the paper work, went to thier counrty for thier interview and when they got there was handed a piece of paper saying they were denied and were barred from the U.S. for ten years. This is what happen to my husband and I am an American citizen. I want my husband back home with me. I am disabled and I need him here, who is going to help him and the many others like him.

Posted By Hermanda Sierra Bristol, Tn. : 5:01 PM ET

Hi AC! I'm not sure how hard the INS is working to solve this problem. They raided a horse show last summer, but left without any illegals. One of the barns was tipped off and everyone was hidden away. I was really surprised that they never came back. Also, the illegal that tried to get back last year made it back in Feb. He said he had to go through the desert at night, but was ok. Until the Government makes up their minds about what to do, I think that this is just going to be a cat and mouse game. As always, I hope for a peaceful compromise! Have a great day!

Posted By Kathy Chicago,Il : 5:11 PM ET

Hi Anderson,
I say let's figure out a way to make these immigrants productive citizens for our country. Most of them are already in our country doing work in our houses, our yards, helping with our children, building roads and buildings. Let's get them legal so they can pay taxes.
We are all immigrants and revolutionaries anyway. If these people can be happy and contribute to our society I say ,"Bienvinedos!"
We all need to learn to work together as a multi~cultural society.
Whatever happened to ,"give us your tired, poor, and hungry"?
Thanks for bringing this controversal topic to us!

Posted By Betty Ann, nacogdoches,TX : 5:11 PM ET

To Rochelle Weatherly, Houston, Tex.

I dont think most Americans have forgotten about our immigrant ancestors. But I think you have forgotten that there is a LEGAL proccess for immigrating to the US.

I think anybody found to be here illegally should be deported immediately, so they can begin their protest on their side of the border.

Posted By Perry, Dallas, Texas : 5:26 PM ET

Hi Anderson, I empathize with the illegal immigrants and admire their courage for holding these marches. There has to be a way to legalize illegal immigrants who are productive, law-abiding, and respectable residents of this country. What's taking Congress so long to act? Can you talk to someone from there and get their perspective? Can you interview some illegal immigrants (while protecting their identity, of course) so we can get an idea on what their daily lives and struggles are like? As a naturalized citizen of this country for over 20 years, this makes me appreciate that I don't have to deal with this issue, but feel sad for those who have to.

I look forward to your reports tonight.

Posted By Lilibeth, Edmonds, WA : 5:26 PM ET

Why is it no one is mentioning that illegal immigrants are BREAKING THE LAW! If I were to break the law I would have to pay the consequences but no one feels illegal immigrants should pay the consequences- leaving this country. And why are we letting illegal immigrants demand rights in a country where they are not citizens and cannot vote? No one forced them to come to this country, they made the choice, they have to suffer the consequences. And regarding breaking up families, you should have thought about that before you had children in this country. I understand my comments seem harsh but I'm sick and tired of stepping around people who are blatantly breaking the law! I fully support any person who legally enters this country.

Posted By Joan Boston, MA : 5:28 PM ET

Hi Anderson,I'm glad to see you back on the blog. My question for all of these people that are out in the American streets in protest today is this, if you can come to America and march in our streets for what you say are your rights then why don't you go back to your own country and take to the streets there and demand that your gov. give you what you want.

Posted By Alice Roanoke,Va. : 5:29 PM ET

Dear Anderson,

Please remember, this issue is not about immigration,it is about "illegal" immigration.

I realize illegal immigrants are not just Mexican, however, they are the biggest part of the problem. It is time to place the blame where it belongs, on the corrupt Mexican government and the Mexican people. Why does the media shy away from talking about their responsibility in this problem? If the Mexican people would place the same demands on their government as they are placing on our government maybe things would change and they would not have to risk swimming across the Rio Grande.

Our government is part of this problem because it has refused to encourage the Mexican government to take responsibility for the welfare of its people and demand that they respect our border.

This is more than just a problem of illegal workers; it is also about the security of our country. I can't fathom why we are wasting so much money and manpower on fighting wars against terrorism and drugs yet so many of us seem so unconcerned with our porous borders. Also, if amnesty is granted to illegal immigrants what message does it send to all of the immigrants who are waiting respectfully in line to enter our country legally?

I believe much of the opposition against the demands of illegal immigrants stems from the fact that they don't appear to want to assimilate into our culture. Case in point, the resistance to learn to speak English.

The "discussion" between Rick Sanchez and Lou Dobbs illustrated the core of the problem. Unfortunately, many of the Hispanics who support the demands of illegal immigrants seem to let their loyalty to their race blind them to what is really best for our country.

During tonight's program please emphasize that this is an "illegal" immigration issue.

Thank You,
Jo Ann

Posted By Jo Ann Matese, North Royalton, Ohio : 5:29 PM ET

Why is it no one is mentioning that illegal immigrants are BREAKING THE LAW! If I were to break the law I would have to pay the consequences but no one feels illegal immigrants should pay the consequences- leaving this country. And why are we letting illegal immigrants demand rights in a country where they are not citizens and cannot vote? No one forced them to come here, they made the choice, they have to suffer the consequences. And regarding breaking up families, you should have thought about that before you had children in this country. I understand my comments seem harsh but I'm sick and tired of stepping around people who are blatantly breaking the law! I fully support any person who legally enters this country.

Posted By Joan Boston, MA : 5:29 PM ET

Anderson: It would be interesting to know that out of the 200,000 illegal immigrants that were deported last year, how many were fugitives caught committing crimes here in the US vs. families being torn apart? Is it really true that these illegal immigrants marching today risk being deported? It doesn't sound like any government agents are over there taking attendance. Looking forward to learning more about this highly debated subject.

Posted By Jolene, St. Joseph, MI : 5:31 PM ET

Hi Anderson,
Let's face it, at the end of the day, will all the Rallies, all the massive opinions really produce results... Or just more endless words falling into a big bottomless pit. As a Californian, I see both sides of the coin. Good people trying to get a better life and a country where not every human being can be allowed to come rushing into it through the same broken gate. What's the solution that will help the most and hurt the least? That's the million dollar question that can't be answered with the flip of a coin. Take Care

Posted By Lorie Ann, Buellton, Calif : 5:37 PM ET

The immigration issue has given light to my views on men running our country.
Women are not the only creatures giving and giving.
I applaud our leaders! We have given so much that now we are in a mess over it.
Good for us for helping. It's nice to know we are doing what we can to help out.
We do not want our lower class growing too large though so some balance is in order.
Tighten boarder patrol, limit incoming immigrants, and focus on treating current immigrants equally.
As far as current illegal immigrants go that we are in limbo over, it's going to take awhile to sort that out on a case by case basis. It requires manpower and money. It would be well worth the investment however.
Lets start getting organized!
Thanx for everything Anderson Cooper. Take Care.

Posted By Karen, Boston, MA : 5:38 PM ET

Look, Anderson, the way I see it, if these people want to be U.S. citizens they need to go through the same channels just like everyone else has. Just because they snuck in and they are here doesn't make them any better than any one else or give them any rights! So these rallies mean nothing to me! They need to be deported if they aren't citizens or in the process of becoming one!

Posted By Cynthia, Covington, Ga. : 5:39 PM ET

My grandparents struggled to immigrate to this country from Eurgope LEGALLY. They would have never considered 1) breaking the laws of this country to get and stay here; 2) faking or stealing ID cards, social security #s, etc. to work here; or 3) protesting against this country for doing exactly what the laws here dictate.

People who compare their grandparents' immigration to immigration today are comparing apples and oranges.

When your grandparents or great-grandparents immigrated to the US, there were no quotas, no restrictions; until the 1920s, immigrating to the US simply meant getting here. Oh, there were cursory health checks at various times at intake facilities like Ellis Island, but people are kidding themselves that their ancestors had any legal hoops to jump through to come to this country. (Nevermind the emotional and financial barriers to leaving one's native land - those exist whether one is legal or not.)

People are also kidding themselves when they claim their immigrant ancestors wouldn't have done anything 'illegal' to get here. Who knows now what people fleeing the pograms or the potato famine would have done to get into this country if they had to?

This debate is pointless without the active participation of Mexico, and until they start doing something about the deplorable conditions their own citizens live in, the US is always going to be too tempting and too accessible, no matter how long or high the walls you build.

Posted By Arachnae, Sterling VA : 5:39 PM ET

It bothers me to have children pleading to let their illegal parents stay. What is this teaching our children if we do let the parent's stay? That our laws do not need to be followed? They are exempt from our laws.

I recently read an article that talked about sin. To God, there is no degree to sin. Lying is a sin just as killing. Each is treated the same. What makes these people believe that their lawlessness is any less than anyone in jail or prison? Let the punishment fit the crime. Heck, what punishment! Reward them for breaking the law!

The laws need to be changed. I believe citizenship needs to be changed such that atleast one parent must be a U.S. citizen in order for a child to be a citizen of the U.S. This would stop the flood of illegals attempting to make their children US citizens.

We have elderly in this country that are attempting to live on less than $1200 a month. I am tired of paying taxes to support illegals utilizes services that need to be giving to our elderly.

Let's stop the insanity! Illegals have no rights. They took the risk of exportation when they broke the laws. I do not feel for them.

Posted By Deb Martin, Wichita, KS : 5:48 PM ET

Anderson, We have marginalized our own society by allowing the un-educated, the poor, and criminals from other countries to illegally enter this country. Law is the foundation of our democracy and our governmnet has failed in its obligation to enforce immigration laws. Now we are in a crisis of our own creation. I believe in compassion and understanding for all humans of earth and I believe that a new comprehensive immigration policy has to have some component of that or the broken families will create other problems.
See ya' tonight.

Posted By Judy Stage Brooklyn MIchigan : 5:51 PM ET

Hey Anderson,

I am for immigration(legal).After all,North America was populated in majority by immigrants.

Altough I can understand the poor conditions that we find in other countries,I don't think entering illegaly is the answer.
Looking back over your shoulder,living in the shadow,that's not a life.
It's not fair for the legal residents also. They need to contribute like everyone else.
As a parent,I feel it is somewhat irresponsible to make children go through such a life.I would do everything to keep my son safe but at the same time,I wouldn't put him in a situation where I would have to leave him behind. Tough choices when your focus is only to survive through another day,but,there need to be laws or it is complete chaos.

Have a great show Anderson.

Joanne R.
Laval Quebec

Posted By Joanne R.Laval Quebec : 6:01 PM ET

Hi Anderson,
It is amazing to see the numbers of people out in force to try to make a change and yet, here we are again, with changes yet to be made. Are there any reforms Congress is looking into regarding immigration? Looking forward to the report tonight!

Posted By Pamina, Pittsford, New York : 6:05 PM ET

This country is founded from immigration. My opinion is that there has to be a way to legalize illegal immigrants who make a genuine effort to be productive and law-abiding citizens of this country. All they want is a better life that they can’t have from their country of origin.

I look forward to the show tonight.

Posted By Lilibeth, Edmonds, WA : 6:17 PM ET

The way I see it, INS missed a golden opportunity today (and with all that media coverage-wow!). I just looked at a copy of my great-grandpa's declaration of intention to become a US citizen in 1926. He immigrated from Sicily in 1902. And no, it might not have been as hard back then legally. But guess what? It still took more guts than being an illegal today and whining on cable news about how evil America is for not making them instant citizens just because their home country stinks. My ancestors at least had the determination to do what was good and right for their time to make an honorable future for their desecendents so that their great-granddaughter could discuss immigration issues in a medium they never imagined would exist. The laws don't need to change. People just need to realize there is no softer, easier way, and deal with it. How bad do they really want to be American?

Posted By Tammy C., Berwick, LA : 6:20 PM ET

Hello Mr. Anderson Cooper thank you for focusing in these issue again because we all know that these issue should be talked about because it's seems that nothing really happens after all the rallies.

we will look forward to your show tonight.

regards to all staff and crew of AC360.

Posted By Jemillex Bacerdo Chicago, IL : 6:47 PM ET

People are also kidding themselves when they claim their immigrant ancestors wouldn't have done anything 'illegal' to get here. Who knows now what people fleeing the pograms or the potato famine would have done to get into this country if they had to?

I have to agree with this statement. My mother and her family came over from Germany at the end of WWII. It was a fact that the US was only letting low amounts of German citizens who were not being persecuted into the country, they were forced to emigrate to Canada.

After staying in Canada long enough to establish citizenship in that country, they then came to America as Canadian citizens. It was a long, hard, process to finally get to California but they did what they needed to do in order to become legal citizens of the US.

Posted By Kelly Breuer, San Francisco, CA : 8:29 PM ET

I agree with Ms. Arachnae on this one:
People are also kidding themselves when they claim their immigrant ancestors wouldn't have done anything 'illegal' to get here. Who knows now what people fleeing the pograms or the potato famine would have done to get into this country if they had to?

I am a first generation American. My parents had came to America thru Canada because of the quota's set on German's emigrating to the US after WWII. They were children and had to spend the requiset number of years to become a Canadian citizen, then they were allowed into the US.

How different is that from the methods used today by people desparate to get into our nation?

Posted By K.S. Irby, San Francisco, CA : 8:44 PM ET

I think that everyone needs to take the time to think about what horrible conditions these people must have been facing to make the decision to abandon their entire lives in hopes of finding better ones. But no, most people say that because they came here illegally they should be deported. I am sure that there are a lot of U.S. citizens that have broken the law but they haven't been convicted of a crime. What's the difference? I'm not saying that it is right for people to enter this country illegally but everyone needs to take a moment before judging them.

Posted By Brittany Pendergraft Jonesville, VA : 9:13 PM ET

For those of us that followed the rules and waited for years to become permanent residents, it’s frustrating to hear that the immigration reform is already talking about “path to citizenship”. I think it is unfair to us, and the sponsoring American companies who paid (and still paying) thousands of dollars in lawyer fees to retain alien employees legally.

Hundreds of thousands of employment-based immigrant applications are still on queue waiting for the availability of a visa number to make their permanent residency official.

Does the government have any plans of finishing what is in the system before they start another program? These professionals are legal, law-abiding, tax-paying people and I just hope that they do not get pushed back further because of this proposed reform.

Posted By kat, chicago, il : 10:03 PM ET

Hey Anderson,

I don’t know if there really is a clear cut answer, all they want is a better quality of life, doesn’t everyone deserve that? Though is it really fair to the legal residents or the ones taking the legal direction to be a citizen?

I do have compassion and concern for the families that are being separated due to this, all I can think about is…what about the children?

Take Care,

Tracy-Marie

Posted By Tracy-Marie, N.S. Canada : 11:49 PM ET

Hey Anderson-
Both yesterday and tonight’s broadcasts have been fantastic- great topics, informed guests, and sharp discussion. I hope you have Michael Ware on the show a lot more often. He's positively incredible.
The discussion tonight was a nice change from what else I've heard on both sides of the immigration debate, too. I don’t buy that the US is “luring” immigrants into the country, though. A piece of cake in a bakery window isn’t making anyone suspend their diet. It’s enticing, sure, but who is going to blame the cake for being eaten? (I shouldn’t attempt metaphors so late in the evening, huh?)
I do agree that the US should make good on our part, though, and readily help people who feel they have no other choice but to risk their lives to get here. Maybe if we weren’t pouring billions into the military we could accomplish that.
And while I enjoyed the various guests… Glenn Beck? Really? I fail to see how he's an informed subject to speak with. It broke my heart a little to see him in your studio. I felt mighty betrayed.
Get back to NYC safely!

Posted By Tim, Tulsa OK : 12:51 AM ET

I was surprised to see how quickly many of your guests shot down the idea of a compromise. I think we- as a nation- have truly lost ourselves when the exchange of ideas is out of the question. That's quite disappointing.
I'm 18 and have always wanted to pursue a career in politics but something very, very wrong obviously happens to those who do. Politicians can't make points anymore- they force arguments.

Posted By Kayli, Tulsa OK : 12:58 AM ET

I have no sympathy for the illegals. They should be deported. In order for my English husband to come to the states, he had to undergo a police background check and a medical examination ensuring that he didn't have HIV, TB, or any communicable disease. What background checks have these illegals been through? How many medical exams have they gone through? How can we ensure that they aren't terrorists or carrying disease? My husband and I have invested thousands of dollars to bring him LEGALLY into the United States. In this day and age, when the leaders of this country are supposedly so concerned with terrorism that they feel free to violate the civil liberties of American citizens, why are we letting these illegals get away with this?

Posted By Pam, Beaver, PA : 7:45 AM ET

30 years ago my uncle was deported back to Colombia because he was obviously here undocumented. He broke the law and he was fairly dealt with. He paid for his violation. Why are 12 million illegal immigrants getting away with breaking the law? Is my uncle inferior to them? Unworthy? Less human? I hate double standards. And it blows my mind how people who break the law deliberately and do not pay taxes have the audacity to go out and protest for their "rights"!?!?! If someone crosses a country's border illegally that individual must make do with whatever crumb of mercy or goodwill the country extends to that individual. I am an immigrant myself, as are my parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles. But we never even considered breaking the law to advance our economic welfare. My uncle came back to the U.S. later, this time documented and legal and has been living here for over 20 years. I entered when I was only 6 months old and at 18 became a citizen. All my family members are citizens now. It was not easy but we chose to be law abiding citizens. How did the U.S. government allow this situation to get so out of hand; how did they just turn and look the other way as millions were violating our laws. Look where we are today. Allowing these people to stay is like a slap in the face to all of us who have followed rules and regulations, pay taxes and as U.S. citizens have lawfully earned our rights.

Posted By Mariela, New York, NY : 9:46 AM ET

THe word illegal in the term illegal immigrant should be enough. this country has laws and they should be enforced, all illegal immigrants should be deported.

Posted By Jason, North Caldwell NJ : 11:55 PM ET

Immigration is a complex issue that the average red neck american likes to comment on but has very little knowledge of. These comments are nothing but racism as we know it exists today. I know because my name is Army SPC Pereia and I served my country for eight years. I was deported for a non violent offence in 2003 and this is the gratitude that I recieved from America for serving my country and this is the same gratitude that veterans in Iraq whom are non citizens should they return to the states after serving their country have awaiting them. Fair? NO, but thats the law! I leave behind a wife and two American citizen children whom the rest of America will support until the age of eighteen, thank you!

Posted By SPC Pereira U.S. Army : 11:58 PM ET

Am I the only one that thinks a good start for our government would be to merely enforce the current immigration laws that are on the books, oh wait that might mean deportation, and that might not get them votes. Anything would be better than the look the other way approach.

Posted By Melissa Springdale, AR : 12:21 AM ET

Congrats, Specialist Pereira! Your entire family should be deported to Mexico as well!

Posted By Sam, Houston, TX : 1:08 PM ET

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