I have seen reports that indicate that about 30% of Mexican/South Americans return home also. And no I didn't forget.
Welfare continues to work its pernicious evil (thank you Mr. Bush). However I see no indication that its existance has completly halted the poor man's rise from poverty.
Welfare should not exist but since it does it should only exist for citizens. Both, I fear are pipe dreams. Welfare, in all its myriad forms, is here to stay for whoever makes it across the border.
I'm not for mass deportations. I see no reason for agents to drag workers out of the fields, off tractors, or cleaning ladies and nannies out of the homes they're working in ---- but many of these people will soon return home --- or eventually will --- so giving amnesty doesn't accomplish much but encourage them to stay.
Just leave them illegal --- then if they do cause problems they can be easily deported. Amnesty doesn't gain much for us.