I've already said that simply asking proof of legal residence in this country can be done away from front doors. One can make it much more difficult for an illegal to get a job, rent an apartment and use government services without significant infringement on the rights of legal residents. The trick is to make illegals want to self-deport. Just as it took years of neglect by Clinton for al Qaeda to fester, it took twenty years of poor enforcement and influence by corrupt business interests for this problem to develop. And it is a serious problem. Failing to drive illegals out through some rather basic measures, and instead rewarding them for being here illegally will just make more want to come here - especially with the leftism sweeping Central and South America (with economic decline close behind).
We HAVE TO GET SERIOUS NOW. Unfortunately, I doubt we will. The GOP took their mandate to use their power wisely to fight the war and pi**ed it away with their infatuation over pork and power. With their nomination of Lott to be Senate whip, they have shown they would rather defend a smaller slice of the pig than to reform - so they will be easy pickings for those who wish to further prolong the illegal immigration issue.
Which means that when the crackdown does come, it will be more draconian than what Eisenhower did - just as the Europeans will end up being quite draconian with the Islamists in their midst.
Tell me, Mr. Conservative, just where IS the appropriate place to do that?