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For a long time, both the major political parties have allowed the situation to fester based on their own calculations of what was to their advantage - The Rats wanted lots of new Hispanic voters and the Pubbies wanted the cheap labor. Thus, lax enforcement. I really do not know if better enforcement would work or not. I do know that civil libertarians (including lots of conservatives) would go apesh*t if the President suggested a national ID card and giving all police the mandate to check it. Since it is against the law to racially profile, you and I and everyone else here would be subject to police demanding to see our "papers" at any time.

You and Carry_Okie have been beating me up and insisting that all illegals must go home before applying for a guest worker permit. Even if the illegals would go for it, that would be a nightmare to administrate as well as a nasty hit on the economy while all the "undocumented" types went home to get their cards.

This is primarily a Hispanic issue because Mexicans can walk into the country. Asians (who actually are a significant part of the problem) and Europeans need transportation to get here. It is generally easier to catch ships smuggling people than hordes of individuals on foot.

Again, Carry had a really good idea but I think we can explore it some more: How do we encourage these people to go/stay home?

"Asians (who actually are a significant part of the problem)"

I've a need to disagree with ya there, my friend. Mexico's "share" of Illegaliens topped 69% of all illegals in 2002.

"Mexico is the largest source country for unauthorized immigration to the United States. The estimated unauthorized resident population from Mexico increased from about 2.0 million in 1990 to 4.8 million in January 2000. Mexico’s share of the total unauthorized resident population increased from 58 percent in 1990 to 69 percent in 2000."

http://www.illegalalien.net/

Again, Carry had a really good idea but I think we can explore it some more: How do we encourage these people to go/stay home?

JMO, but by pushing reforms in Mexico. That's a tough problem. Mexico should be just as prosperous as Chile, but the Mexican left(who control the Mexican Congress) keeps people down with thier own xenophobia.

s is primarily a Hispanic issue because Mexicans can walk into the country.

I disagree. I think it's primarily an hispanic issue because of politics. That's why this rankles so many people.

I am not "beating you up" on this issue. This is how I feel about it.