Trouble is people aren;t worked up enough to elect US Congress persons in border states and in border districts who are willing to forcefully pass tough immigration legislation.
I am a native San Diegan and you'd think ALL of SD's Congresscritters would be strong advocates of tough immigration legislation. NOT so. We have Susan Davis (D) and Bob Filner (D) in two of the districts; and the former Duke Cunninghma (R) and Duncan Hunter (R) in the other two districts.
I used to fish on a bass lake right on the border when i was stationed in San Diego back in 1985.... it was amusing to watch the illegals duck and weave through the bushes and scatter when the green trucks would show up...funny though...these were the REALLY dark skinned indians...not really mexicans per se...not sure where they were from...poor looking people though...i look back now and realize i could have been in a little danger but i was young then and just laughed about it.
IMHO it will be voters in non-border states, who swing the issue to Republicans.
San Diego, and most of southern Cal, are now so far along the illegal immigration curve, that the reconquistas have gained sufficient political power (eg: Mayor of Los Angeles Villaraigosa - former MEChA member, and the speaker of the state Assembly whatzisname, who's a shameless advocate for illegals) to now set the agenda, and elect more allies.
THAT is why the federal government, needs to strengthen border protection. States have already lost all power to do anything. The federal government - the BUSH ADMINISTRATION - need to take the lead. Not by appeasement. By leading.
It really is only Arnold, at this point, who's standing between California, and the abyss.
When the rest of the American public is greeted on national television by huge mobs waving Mexican flags and shouting anti-USA slogans. That's the image which will change the debate.
We need more arrogance and racism, from the "reconquistas". Simple as that. The more arrogant they become, the faster the debate will be joined, and the laws strengthened.
President Bush needs to get with the program, or properly fund the Border Patrol and then get out of the way.