[bayourod]

"do you really think that someone who showed utter contempt for our laws can be made a good citizen "

In my experience most Mexican immigrants already are good citizens regardless of their status with INS. They work hard to support their families. They have strong religious beliefs. They have served our country well in times of war. They don't have an anti-American attitude like many immigrant groups.

"Secondly, immigrants, legal or illegal, do drive down market wages and benefits."

And your point is?

[asmith92008]

First, if you think that Mexican citizens in America are a bastion of pro-American belifs, you haven';t been to San Diego where it is as common to see the Mexican flag flying as the American flag.

My point on wages is that the jobs that illegals take used to be the type of labor that poor and lower middle class kids took to gain entry in the workforce or put themselves through school. Now because those jobs have had their wages depressed so low, the government comes in handing out student loans. Do you really think it is better for society to get used to government handouts than honest labor?