The American Spectator

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Mr. Antle writes, "Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Times reports that stepped up enforcement seems to have caused significant disruptions in illegal immigration: 'Previous crackdowns have served only to shift illegal crossings to new areas, but so far this year there are no signs that the border has sprung another leak. Apprehensions have decreased in every area along the Southwest border, in some places by more than two-thirds.'"

Could someone please tell me how this proves that enforcement in more effective and more vigorous? All this proves to me is that there are fewer illegal aliens being intercepted and arrested. How many Border Patrol agents, with two of their number in jail for attempting to enforce the law, are simply saying that the risk of doing their job is too high, so they look the other way as tens and hundreds of illegals scurry by them.

How many southwestern sheriff's deputies, with one of their number in jail for attempting to enforce the laws, are saying that the risk of dipping their toe into these federal waters is not worth the risk to their health, their jobs, and their freedom. I would not be surprised to find that they are being much more careful about who they stop for traffic violations in their jurisdictions.

I also wonder, if we can lose 600,000 illegal aliens that have been ordered deported, how in the world am I to assume that we even know whether illegal border crossings are up or down, or how many illegal aliens are in the country in total. It is estimated that something in excess of 10% of the Mexican citizenry are now in America. Really? Couldn't it be more like 20%? How many are being harbored on the various properties, commercial and private, of the many members of the Bush clan in Texas, or Florida, or wherever?

p>I applaud Mr. Antle for trying to write an article regarding this problem, but with all due respect, any claims to factual certitude on virtually any aspect of the problem are a very bad joke. br> -- Ken Shreve br> New Hampshire /p>

W. James Antle has it exactly right. This comprehensive nonsense is exactly that.

If strong border enforcement works, keep it up. Impose significant fines on employers who hire anyone without a green card. Oh, and by the way, whatever happened to denying all local, state, and federal services to illegals and their children? That would seem to me to be the best way to lighten the load and lessen the number of illegals who want to stay.

Note to Mexican Immigrants: Come in legally, and we welcome you. Add speaking English to that and you are the perfect immigrant. Otherwise expect nothingâ€"and that includes a job.

p>It seems to me if we enforce the laws we already have, we will be fine. I will vote for any candidate who has it right on immigration and the war. br> -- Judy Beumler

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