It is the policy of the government of the United States of America to encourage illegal immigration for the purpose of maintaining an exploitable economic underclass. Many of these people pay FICA and Medicare taxes which they can never collect benefits on, since they are using someone else's Social Security Number, and that helps keep the system afloat. Plus, by working at low wages they enrich people who in turn support political campaigns on both the left and right.

Common sense arguments about how the border needs to be secured against terrorists and organized criminals are no match for campaign contributions. Money talks loudest.

Nothing will change until we are willing to commit to never re-elect anyone, even if that means closing our eyes, gritting our teeth and voting for someone in the *wrong party*. Politicians lie and then do what they want after the election. It doesn't matter who you vote for because it's all bait-and-switch. So vote against the incumbent, let the new liar mess things up for one term and then send them home!

I agree with the original editorial. Lawbreakers should not be allowed to remain in this country. Legal aliens should be welcomed with open arms, provided that they are hard working, honest people, willing to assimilate into our society and become Americans. This election we need to pay close attention to the candidates' stances on illegal immigration, both on a state and federal level.

"...I am proud to be an American..."

There needs to be immigration reform, however, do not scapegoat those coming here to make a better life for themselves and their families. America's current problems run deeper than illegal immigration.

While I do not favor illegal immigration, I do have one question for the letter writer and those posting: Do you ever break the law? How about when you are behind the wheel of your car? How about when you fill out taxes?

Nobody who ever breaks the speed limit (it's the law) should be allowed to drive.

Remember, when you point the finger at others, there are three pointing back at you. It is possible to be against illegal immigration but have compassion towards the people. Would you give yourself the same hard line that you want to give others?

The real problem are the employers that hire illegal aliens creating the problem in the first place. There are plenty of unemployed and underemployed unskilled workers in Michigan alone to take the place of the illegal aliens. It is just that these employers do not want to pay a living wage.

They claim that they can't get workers for agriculture and food processing plants. That seems to be the same argument that was used by the plantation owners of a 150 years ago. They grow far more cotton today than then. You say that is because of mechanization, well there is much more mechanization today in agriculture than 30 years ago when we had far fewer illegal aliens working in the country.

Our legal/illegal immigration program should not be a foreign aid program, or a cheap labor pool for employers that won't hire and train American workers. For example, we are now finding that high school students cannot get jobs in the fast food industry, because it is easier and cheaper to hire immigrants. It is a pyramid scheme that will eventually, if it hasn't already, overwhelm the country.

I guess we should all just through up our hands and not enforce *any* laws at all because no one is perfect. What kind of nonsense is this?

Also illegal immigration and it's related felonies: identity theft/fraud, perjury, illegal re-entry after deportation are certainly more serious than someone exceeding the speed limit by 2 miles.

I've got an idea for you. There was an incident a few weeks ago were a drunk illegal alien was going 75 mph in a 35 mph zone, driving without insurance or license and he struck a car causing it to plow into a Baskin Robbins restaurant. The two women in the car and a 3 year old boy in the restaurant were all killed. The illegal alien got up and ran away from the scene, but was tracked down a few hours later. This was his 20th arrest in 3 years.

How about doing him a favor and writing a friend-of-the court brief reminding the jury that they shouldn't convict him if they've ever exceeded the speed limit before. I doubt that any would be convinced with your argument.