[MNJohnnie]

http://www.pollingreport.com/immigration.htm

Those of the Hard Right who claim that "Super Majorities" support for their views need to read the above link. This is an issue that has to be fought and won just like any other issue. The Right cannot win on this issue right now because it's spokespeople come across as fringe wackos head jobs. If you are serious about this issue, here is what needs to be done. You need to present, non emotionally, some serious thoughtful ideas on how to solve the problem of illegal immigration. The current vision being offered by the Hard Right of rounding up and deporting all the illegals and putting the US Military on a fortified border is NEVER going to happen. As you can see, the bulk of voters do not support that extremist a solution. So what the Anti-immigration crowd needs to do is present so solid, workable ideas rather then foaming at the mouth anytime anyone points out how fundamentally unworkable their current ideas are.

[axes_of_weezles]

Dont be such a dhimmi dumbass.

Wait till the bombers hit LA, or NY. Then wait to control borders, we cant offend anyone while they are killing us.

Get bent.

If anything happens prior to '06, see who controls the house.
Security first, political correctness last.

I have plenty of Lard for the Muslims.

[va4me]

So what the Anti-immigration crowd needs to do is present so solid, workable ideas rather then foaming at the mouth anytime anyone points out how fundamentally unworkable their current ideas are.

How sad is it that some consider protecting our borders to be an "unworkable idea."

[JustAnAmerican]

Might want to post that Liberal Rag's link elsewhere. PollingReport even had the idiocy to push must undecided voters to Kerry's column before the 2004 election. Rigged numbers do not a poll make.DU might appreciate that link, I do not.

[Aetius]

The polling results compiled there are hardly discouraging to those who hold conservative views on immigration.

Majorities,pluralities, or near-pluralities usually support reducing legal immigration, and putting the military on the border if necessary, while they oppose amnesty and feel a bit uneasy about the overall effects of immigration.

More polls are compiled here, but in the interest of full disclosure, I should point out that since it is a site in favor of lower levels of immigration it only lists those generally favorable to that view;

http://www.numbersusa.com/interests/publicop.html

As to your suggestion that we try to present our side in a non-emotional way, free of fringe-wacko spokesmen: Well, do you really think that is the problem? One can go out of their way to be as dispassionate about it as they possibly can, and cover their remarks with all sorts of feel-good platitudes about immigration, but if they put forth that mass immigration is not good for the country, that the costs outweigh the benefits, then they will be demonized. It is simply easier for the Left, and sadly its allies on this issue on the Right (WSJ), to attack and demonize and demagogue people who dare try to give public expression to the popular discontent over immigration than it is to defend mass immigration on its merits, which are few.

You exhibit some of this yourself with the expression, "Anti-immigration crowd." Most people who favor a reduction in legal immigration, and who favors stronger attempts to deal with illegal immigration, and who oppose amnesty, and who suspect that the costs of immigration outweigh the benefits, are in fact not anti-all immigration, as 'anti-immigration' suggests. They are anti-mass immigration and anti-illegal immigration. There is a big difference. So not only is that generally an untrue characterization, but it is often used in an attempt to taint the message by demonizing the messengers. I mean, sure most people who actually hear what Buchanan says about a specific aspect of immigration will probably find themselves agreeing with him, but then again, its Pat Buchanan! Yuck! Right?

As to how we should deal with illegal immigration. First of all, large-scale deportation should not be taken off the table if necessary, but it probably wouldn't be. Removing the incentives and rewards for illegal immigration would convince many to deport themselves and voluntarily return home. I'm not optimistic enough to think we'll every actually do this, but not trying is not the same as being impossible.