Who says half the nation is opposed? Poll after poll shows that 75% to 80% of our population thing the borders are a major problem and want stronger enforcement. Illegal immigration is the single area of greatest job disapproval for President Bush with most of his own base in disagreement with his policies. The House just passed a bill which included 700 miles of fence with fairly strong Democratic support.
It is basically only the Open Borders types who are opposed.
When push comes to shove, and policies have to be put in effect, those poll numbers will go out the window.
Everyone agrees illegal immigration is a problem. How to fix it is the rub.