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"Funny how you quote Proverbs 17, a chapter which contrasts individuals' behaviors: it is pointing to the difference between those whose behavior is upright and those who are wicked; this has NOTHING to do with ALLOWING a person to act as a CRIMINAL, to ALLOW a person to break a country's legal and legitimate laws because he takes issue with those laws (which are not immoral laws). Those with an upright character follow and obey laws; the wicked do not, rather, they seek selfish gain. Illegal aliens are breaking American laws for selfish gain. God does not condone criminal behavior. It is disingenuous of you to suggest otherwise."

Sorry if I wasn't clear in my previous posting. I never said criminal behavior should be allowed. I never said that it is OK to break laws. I was saying that in CERTAIN cases where the person broke the law, there should be a chance for atonement that doesn't involve them losing everything they worked for and us losing an economic contributor. You can accuse me of advocating milder punishments ..but I absolutely did not advocate ALLOWING crime. I realize that crossing a border illegally is not the same as speeding or DUI so there should be stiff punishments. But still for certain exceptional cases I am advocating forgiveness, or a reduced punishment such as a fine or maybe a short jail term rather than deportation. This only would apply to those whose effect on the country has been the same as a citizen or legal immigrant since their arrival (that is, not caused a net loss to the economy and society). Is there really any harm in earned legalization to those few (AGAIN NOT MOST) who have spent years here building their lives here without destroying it for others? Again, I am not saying to allow hoardes of barbarians into the country!

Rewarding bad behavior begets more bad behavior, either with the individual or, with the example it sets for others.

We have millions of "others" already in this country, illegally, with no hope of it halting.....why? Because of the bad behavior that has been, and continues to be, allowed.

Threats must be followed by consequences, otherwise they're hollow and empty; actually, empty threats are worse than no threats, as it does not do anything but encourage further bad behavior.

This can be seen in any restaurant. Look at the wild children compared to those who behave. Want to guess which of those children are greeted with consistent discipline, void of empty threats?

Behavior/choices, good or bad, should have appropriate consequences. Rewarding bad choices/behavior further encourages sames.