For whatever my powers as a prognosticator are worth, I believe that uncontrolled, illegal immigration, and "the border" will be classic wedge or stealth issues in the 2006 and 2008 elections-- the side which best articulates and promotes a way of dealing with these will be unstoppable.
The Republicans ignore this ( or wish it would go away ) at their peril. Most Americans are not all that dogmatic or doctrinaire, and the party which does the best job of finding solutions to this problem will sweep all before it. You have been warned.
What all this complaining is about is simply an attempt to divide the GOP.
Is illegal immigration a problem?
Yes, it is, but it is not going to be solved quickly.
The only way the Democrats are going to regain national power is if the Republicans split their vote.
Some 'hard line' anti-immigration guy will run (who can't get elected) and take enough votes from the GOP to put the Democrats right back in power (like they did with Wilson and Clinton).
Unfortunately, you are completely wrong and I am a good example of why. I'm quite the conservative Christian type but I'm here in Cedar Rapids Iowa and have absolutely no knowledge of the situation at the borders. My impression, as with so many of my conservative friends, has been that they are just nice folks that want to work her in the USA. And that we would be faithless Christians not to be willing to share the wealth. Imagine the liberals at the coasts who have very little experience with immigrants. They don't even know this issue exists and will still vote their liberal principles.
Dubya is gonna fool around with this issue and "READ MY LIPS NO NEW TAXES" will be on the family crest.. Unless its "Vaya con Coyote"...