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I didn't contact Sensenbrenner's office. Instead I sent an email to my congressman, Don Manzullo. Here's what I stated:

"As a life-long Republican and American patriot I am thoroughly dismayed at the tack the Senate debate on immigration has taken, as well as our President's stance on the issue. Because of that I am writing to urge you to follow Congressman Sensenbrenner's lead on the issue when it returns to the house. Some recent news:

1. Hispanics in the Southwest have been concerned recently with rumors of further DHS raids in the area, although DHS has stated publicly that no further raids are in the works;

2. The Minutemen have initiated plans for building a partial wall along the border on private property who's owners concur with its building. They have been somewhat successful so far in raising funds;

3. I believe in New York immigrant organizations are soliciting for 'right to work' laws for illegals;

4. Since Congress has been debating the issue illegal crossings have skyrocketed.

How can a nation exist without being able to secure it borders? I have no problem with immigrants coming to America. My family arrived in 1854. They came legally and added to the wealth and diversity of this nation. The illegals come and send much of the wealth they earn back to their homeland while overtaxing our institutions and making for increased costs to every American. Any suggestion at Amnesty, in any form, is an insult to those who make every effort to come to this great country legally.

I see no need to round up illegals to return them to Mexico; an idea poo-pooed by its detractors as impossible. What I would propose is this:

1. Make it mandatory that all current illegals have a 6 month grace period to return to their homeland. After that 6 month period every illegal found within the borders of the United States will be prosecuted and jailed for a period no less than 5 years upon conviction. Those who are found to be in possession of false identification will have 5 years added to that sentence. After their sentence is served they will be deported to their home country;

2. No illegals in America will have access to American healthcare, the privilege of licensed driving on our nation's highways, nor the opportunity to own property within the United States of America;

3. Employers of illegals will be fined $50,000 per illegal employee and serve a mandatory jail time of 5 years upon conviction. The DHS and their ICE division will make investigating such businesses a priority;

4. DHS and their ICE division will also prioritize the investigation and suspension of any and all who provide false identification papers to illegals. A mandatory jail time of 10 years minimum will be imposed on those who practice these illegal operations upon conviction;

5. Build a fence. Detractors have claimed it would not work. We don't know until we try, however Israel seems to be a model from which we can learn. It seems to be working for them. And, no, one is not needed along our Northern border. Once a fence is in place along our Southern border, then more manpower should be able to be concentrated along our Northern border.

The simple fact is, we MUST concentrate on securing our borders before we even begin consideration of how to assimilate these people (if we indeed take up that consideration later). I, for one, welcome them; but only as long as they come legally, and are willing to assimilate into our American culture, learn to speak English, and intend to become proper and patriotic Americans.

Again, I urge you to follow Congressman Sensenbrenner's lead on this issue. The future of our country, the greatest Nation on earth, is at stake. We simply CANNOT allow foreigners to take it away through our carelessness and false compassion.

Sincerely,"

I know that some here may not agree with my views. So be it.