"But many of those on welfare don't work because they don't have to. Why? Because they know the government will keep sending them a check anyway. I say make them EARN that check and help eliminate the need for illegals. "
I don't think there is any real *need* for illegals. With all the people out of work in the country right now there is simply a *need* for INS to do their job so more jobs will open up for the actual citizens of the country.
Oh I agree that the INS, border patrol, etc. are all at fault. But there's also a need for cheap labor. Let's be honest. Americans- even those who are out of work, are far too prideful to go work in the fields for minimum wage. Heck, you can barely get people to work at MacDonald's. But if you take all the folks on welfare, put them to work in these lower-end jobs, there will be no need for illegals.
I think the problem with illegals and our welfare society go hand-in-hand. Too many people wanting a hand out, and even fewer willing to get off their butts and do anything about it. Even worse, the federal gov't fosters this dependency. And all of us pay for it.