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Return to Article: Ex-Border Patrol officers condemn immigration measure

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  I know an illegal and he's claiming to be a Puerto Rican. He bought a social security number (card) that was originated in Puerto Rico, yet he is actually a citizen of Columbia. His Visa ran out five years ago and he thinks his girlfriend can sponsor him for US citizenship. What he doesn't know is citizens of Puerto Rico and already US Citizens, nor does he know that PR's don't need Visa's to come into the States. It's only a matter of time before he gets caught. He's never files for federal or State taxes. Even though he's paid into the system. He can't file because he's using the persons name (not his birth name)on the social security card he illegally purchased for $500.00. The most powerful country in the world and our government can't keep track of the millions of illegals. Yet both UPS and Fedex can track one million plus packages daily to all over the world. This is what is turning the United States into a Third World Country.

  Stephen Posted June 2, 2008 6:24 PM
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  Illegal immigrents already had a chance to become citizens once before.They chose not to.Send them back and let them come here like people from other countrys do. Also the Iternal Revenue Service gives illegal immigrent A nine diget Independent taxpayers identification number.With this you can buy a home,business and anything an illegal needs.There are a bunch in Lowell,Massachusetts doing just this.

  Olie Posted June 28, 2007 10:11 PM
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  You can't survive in the US without a Social Security Number and a Drivers Licence. If you want to know the level of commitment on this issue all you have to look at is the number of ways government officials support a slave / underground economy by not cutting off these keys to our social and economic systems.

  Wayne E. Burke Posted June 19, 2007 11:38 AM
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  Another issue would allow millions of Mexicans to return home and still collect US Social Security benefits. This agreement was signed by the Commissioner of Social Security and the Director General of the Mexican Social Security Institute on June 29, 2004. What a rip off! This is a complete betrayal to all legal Americans. We and our ancestors have labored hard and long to get these social services in place and they should not be granted to ILLEGAL immigrants.

  I do not agree with the Senate Bill to fine the head of the household $5000 who must return home within eight years to become eligible to file for citizenship. This will deter illegal immigrants from coming forward. Most of the immigrants are in the low income bracket and cannot afford to pay $5000. How many would want to leave a job after eight years to return home, unless of course they received Social Security benefits? Why would they want to return when they can live very well on the US Social Security system in Mexico?

  I do not agree with permanent visas being based on job skills, education, and family ties to legal residents. 1. JOB SKILLS: Employers are screaming for workers to do manual labor, minimum wage, blue collar jobs with no job skills. This will close the door on many illegal workers already in the US. 2. EDUCATION: Don't grant in-state tuition for illegal immigrants, this is a slap in the face to American citizens. Mexico has free education to the sixth grade. How many of these illegal immigrants have an education past the sixth grade? 3. FAMILY TIES: Children under the age of 18 born in the US to illegal immigrants do not qualify the parents to stay unless the parents apply for the Z Visa the pathway to citizenship. Let family members apply for citizenship like an immigrant from other foreign countries.

  American Taxpayer Posted June 8, 2007 12:07 PM
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  I have not heard whether either house is considering including more ICE Agents and support staff, more lawyers to the U.S. District Attorney offices and support staff, more Judges and support staff, and more resources in the punitive system who are sentenced to jail/prison.

  It is not enough to add more boots at the Border without also adding to the investigative, prosecutorial, judiciary, and punitive punishment systems to handle the outcome from identifying and dismantling smuggling cells/organizations, work place violations, and generally the interior enforcement requirements that exist now and in the near future. Has anyone addressed this, or are we going to enact more law without teeth?

  Charles M O'Herin Posted June 7, 2007 7:53 PM
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  The one thing that I am sure about is that if we are granting AMNESTY (and we are), then why have border control at all? We could contract the border control to the Mexican's and save a whole lot of money... you know, like the contracting out of the rest of the useless gov jobs is already saving us. And if you can't tell this is sarcastic, well it is.

  nolalive Posted June 7, 2007 3:28 PM
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  I have a difficult time understanding how the American citizen, senator's, congressmen justify giving amnesty to people breaking the laws of this nation. How does one reward illigal activity with citizenship. I am sick to death of politically correct, how about for a change stating and doing what is true and right!! It is right to take care of our own poor, our own hungry, our own sick and let mexico worry about hers! I agree with the Former Border Patrol Chief if you take away the reason for them being here and you punish those who hire them or assist them they will leave for what do they now gain?

  Fedup Posted June 7, 2007 3:10 PM
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  My compliments to "one little indian".

  I know no one who has put the outcome of the current mess more succinctly.

  To bad the Neville Chamberlains in the Senate and the media (Except maybe Dobbs and Debbie Schlussel) don't read the blogs after Strohm's articles.

  Jim Kaley Posted June 7, 2007 1:40 PM
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  To Josie Sigl: Native Americans were initially welcoming and friendly. Look where the Native Americans are now. That is where we are headed on our present course as the illegals inundate us.

  One Little Indian Posted June 7, 2007 7:40 AM
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  I agree with the Border Patrol Officers and I don't understand why we are not backing them up with this? Do we need another attack on this country? Do we need more drugs brought into this country and diseases? Any American who doesn't support building a wall along the border is a Terrorist pure and simple. Everyone should go to the website "Center for Immigration Studies" and read for yourselves how the illegals are draining the welfare system in this country and then maybe you'll understand. Big business should be held accountable for hiring them and all welfare should be cut off whether their children are born here or not. The parents knew what that they were breaking the law when they came across the border illegally.

  Glory Posted June 6, 2007 9:55 PM
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  People, People,

  The news is out, all along the southwest border, the spanish papers are reporting that if the illegals are in the United States when the AMNESTY, passes they will become citizens. So you see, we have already lost, and it started along time ago, when we won the Spanish-American war. How you ask, well a famous poet stated that the Mexican people should take back the land they lost by migrating back, peacefully. Guess what they have and continue to do so, and Congress, can't do anything about it, because they have no will to do so.

  As for the amount it would cost the taxpayer, take the amount of taxes you pay today and multiply it by 10 and you would just be hitting the tip of the iceberg.

  Lets face it if we did not put food in the bird feeder the birds would fly by the house instead of camping in it.

  Along the southwest Border Posted June 6, 2007 6:25 PM
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  This is a correction to the comment made by Mr. Mark Simmons. Puerto Ricans are not legal immigrants, they are U.S. citizens by birth.

  MTV Posted June 6, 2007 2:04 PM
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  When we give ILLEGALE aliens amnesty and make them Americans, where are we going to get people to do the jobs Americans don't want to do?

  Andrew Clark Posted June 6, 2007 10:51 AM
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  The frustration and anger expressed by most of the commenters is understandable, but I want to know what happens next. Deport the millions who are here illegally and then what? Pay welfare to their legal offspring who remain? Watch the houses many of them own go into foreclosure to further depress the housing market? Watch another wave of illegals take the jobs left vacant by the deportees? Employers will not raise salaries enough to attract US citizens, because they will be underbid by foreign businesses and because US citizens simply don't want to do physical labor in a society that urges all students to go to college. Meanwhile, please show me jails with excess space to detain these millions and law enforcement officers in search of additional offenders to chase, or any agency with the budget to scale this mountain. I don't like the current bill, but I do advocate common sense. Social problems cannot be cured by law enforcement alone.

  Ted Bean Posted June 6, 2007 9:58 AM
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  I agree with the Border patrol ex-agents. We can live and survive in the US without illegals.

  There is a process for businesses to get temporary permits for workers. It should be used. Also, how do we know we cannot live without them.

  2nd - The US should reverse it policy on anyone born in the US is automatically a US citizen. Most countries are not this way.

  3rd- It is not our responsibility to reward the illegals for breaking the law. I can guarantee if we had 10 million Americans not paying their income tax, the US Gov't would not be thinking about forgiving the debt and not prosecuting anyone. What is the difference?

  Secure the borders first, then set time lines for illegals to return or face imprisonment.

  ron Posted June 6, 2007 9:43 AM
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  I totally agree with the Border Patrol Agents. I believe we have millions of law breaking illegal immigrants is because we have had incompetent, cowardly leadership in the nation for 50+ years. The buck has not stopped anywhere since Harry Truman left office. It is all about corporate money, wealthy friends, and selling out America piece-by-piece for political and personal gain. Leadership has no idea who is coming in, what level of criminal they may really be (they are already criminals for illegal entry, and what else is in their record?). "They do jobs that Americans won't do" is a lie. What "they" do is allow wealthy corporations to obtain cheap labor with no benefits so that they do not have to pay Americans a decent wage with decent benefits. "They" rob the lower and middle classes of opportunity. "They" rob legal American citizens of many benefit pools. Ethnophobia is the other lie. Many of us greatly appreciate the work ethic, friendship, and virtues immigrants bring to this nation. However, we are not helping the anybody by our leadership allowing unknown unvetted unfettered illegal immigrants to come here so that the wealthy can take advantage of them as well as the American working class. This is about illegal immigration from wherever. My personal opinion is that Puerto Ricans, Mexicans, and Canadians should be the first line of legal immigrants due to the connections and history America has with those groups. However, we are getting huge influxes of others who take away the information technology opportunities, other opportunities, and some who even slip in past "leadership", to destroy us. Open your eyes; our foolish line of leadership is now trying to regroup and deal with whacky little cells of ill equipped, underfunded criminals who may have potentially developed the capability to place a nuclear weapon in Washington DC and destroy it. How stupid does leadership have to be over 50 years to get us to that point, to say nothing of the idiocy that got us to 9-11? The answer is "stupid beyond comprehension"! This must stop if this great nation is to see even a 500th anniversary as a great nation. I only hope that a new line of honorable, courageous leadership will emerge to meet this growing crisis and run the keystone cops and village idiots out of elected office.

  Mark Simmons Posted June 6, 2007 8:42 AM
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  To inject a current news note, I was amazed to see the proper credit for this bill attached to the current POTUS and their errand boy, John M., last night during the Republican debate and, notably, by other Republican candidates. While I still have no clue how my vote is to be cast next November, I was grateful to see not all in the GOP have been fooled by political maneuverings. It does bring them back into the realm of possibilities.

  I've noticed in these responses that some consolidated all our woes into one basket, combining immigration and the NAFTA into a common complaint. If memory serves me, one of the pivotal reasons behind the implementation of NAFTA was to aid in the economic development of our southern neighbors; in the hopes that would alleviate their pressure to move north. Most remarks I hear now seem to indicate that did not work.

  The general concept of North American Free Trade is a direct rebuttal of isolationist economics, which I support in theory. But this attempt at social engineering appears as effective as the 1996 Immigration law, and suffers from the same execution flaws. I'm beginning to think that the phrase "stay the course" is becoming an euphemism for the military's "fire and forget".

  One of the pundits last night did outline a plan that rang of possibilities. I.e. he said (and I paraphrase), "First we must secure the border, then identify and track the illegals, and finally remove the undesirables." Seemed like a plan to me, even reasonable.

  But that last step seems open to interpretations. Who are the "undesirables"? Certainly the criminal elements, probably the unproductive, but then the line gets fuzzy for me. I've heard questions of fairness to other nations. Should we worry about fairness when our security is at stake? Should we implement quotas on those current working here for the purpose of bringing those numbers in line with applicants from other nations? Or should we consider granting a slight advantage towards those of North American origin in the hope that continued relations between their ex-home and their new could benefit economies on both sides of the border? Would that not make a stronger North American alliance and gain us local and loyal partners in the war against terrorism?

  Just wondering ...

  Tip off Posted June 6, 2007 8:37 AM
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  "Show me the money". Remember that line from a recent movie? Nobody proposing this illegal infiltration bill has even come up with an estimate. Why? Because they can't/won't tell the American public the truth, they don't know. Illegal infiltration is not immigration, it's economic slavery, just like the Romans and antebellum South had. Another point; how do they arrive at the 12 million estimate, since these people are sneaking in to the USA? Third, factor in the criminal element, and you have probably at least a million more felons/terrorists here, collecting some benefits in California. Welcome to the Divided States of America. The Big Lie has worked again!

  Christmas Tree Posted June 5, 2007 6:21 PM
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  Congress must start governing in the name of the American people and not American corporations - such as the large agrarian interests who depend on cheap illegal labor rather than developing new and innovative mechanized equipment. All but 12 to 15 million people in this country emigrated legally or are descended from those who did or from Native Americans. It is flat wrong to reward unlawful behavior as the currently proposed amnesty bill does. Congress may not have the stomach to enforce existing U.S. immigration laws in the face of potential lost campaign contributions from corporate agriculture, but the vast majority of voters have other, higher priorities and do have the stomach for it. There will be a far higher price to pay than merely the loss of campaign funds for members of Congress who vote for this sell-out of America's vaunted "rule of law." This is a VERY important, VERY fundamental issue. Sympathy for the less fortunate is understandable and often commendable, but not when it directly conflicts with the integrity of our national borders and our reliance upon the rule of law.

  Desert Dweller Posted June 5, 2007 5:14 PM
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  Josie, I agree my words may seem harsh, but they are not heartless. My view is that while it is possible to make the current situation worse, it is already pretty bad. I understand many newly arriving people do pay taxes and work hard. Taken as individuals, few immigrants, even illegal ones, are really a problem. This is not a problem that lends itself to solution by solely looking at individuals and ignoring the cumulative effect. As a public policy issue this is an arithmetic problem, whether people enjoy seeing it that way or not. Any country, including the US, can absorb only so many people in a given amount of time without dramatic negative social upheaval. Because the tide of immigrants is so large and growing and poverty and population pressure and medical resources, particularly in Latin America, Asia, and Africa are so bad, the US government will have to act at some point or simply abandon borders as a concept. That is where we are currently headed if we do nothing but what we are doing now. Because certain members of Congress wrongly create the illusion that family members receive priority, (and they might sometimes, but the process is clearly so protracted and unpredictable), the government has exacerbated the sense of ill will between the government and the immigrant community. Again the problem here is not that there are immigrants. We need immigrants and will always likely need them. I have to say it again, it is the volume of immigrants that I see as the problem and measures need to be imposed to reduce migratory pressures before the problem is completely out of hand and some person, with a lot less heart than you give me credit for, moves to unreasonable draconian measures. Just for the record my ancestors came here in ships and therefore had to effectively abandon contact with their homelands and family. Their reasons for coming here were starvation and religious persecution. If my grandmother was correct, neither of which necessarily stopped on arrival here. Lastly, and sadly, pretty much nobody asked the "Native Americans", anymore than as Mr. Oakes points out, Congress cares a whit what either you or I think, for the reason Mr. Oakes describes.

  Jim Kaley Posted June 5, 2007 5:01 PM
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  The Border Patrol agents are on target with their measures to address illegal immigration ... but the American people do not have the stomach to implement them, measures, the Congress will not fund them, and American business wil fight them.

  When denial of social services/medical care" causes pregnant women to lose their babies, increases the spread of contagious dieseases that simple vaccinations could prevent, and results in the death of innocent accident victims, we will relent.

  When a small number of the children idle in the streets because they have been denied public education get into trouble people will demand to know why these children are idle on the streets instead of in the classroom learning to become productive workers and citizens.

  When masses of illegal immigrants spend months in substandard "detainment facilities" waiting for deportation hearings that the govenment cannot provide in timely fashion, American judges say that justice delayed is justice denied and they will order them releases.

  Americans like strawberries at $1.95 a pound and chicken for $.59 a pound. They love the crew of Mexican roofers who show up at 7:00 AM and work without a break until sundown. Much of the "good life" that we enjoy is affordable only because illegal immigrants do good work cheap. When a reduction in the supply of cheap labor and causes the Consumer Price Index to rise, the mass of American people will lose their enthusiasm for tough enformcement of immigration law.

  Cheap labor equals big profit for the the businesses (large and small) that employ illegals. For years, those businesses have sent an effective messge (written on the back of the envelope than contains the campaign contributions)to elected officials. They don't want current immigration laws enforced. New laws full of tough talk will not change K Street's message to congress.

  The politicians scoring points these days with tough talk of "comprehensive immigration reform" bills will be silent when it is time to cut the funding for pork barrel projects and raise taxes to enforce tough new laws.

  Walt Kelley and Pogo were right ... "We have met the enemy and he is us." In November 2008 we will re-elect 90% of the congress that serves us so poorly now.

  John Oakes Posted June 5, 2007 3:55 PM
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  Excellent points made by my former Customs/ICE colleague from NJ, as well as the former BP officers. What's sad is that only retired officers and agents feel free to speak out on this issue, without fear of retaliation, while those of us still on the job have to post anonymously, for obvious reasons. The emperor truly has no clothes, and this nation is going to pay a heavy price for the mismanagement and incompetence that led to this fiasco.

  ICEd Posted June 5, 2007 2:48 PM
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  In response to Mr. Kaley's comment, I have one thing to say. I can not be more astonished to see how people like Mr. Kaley have absolutely no heart. What he prescribes as a solution is absolutely heartless given that these people have been paying into the system and will never cash out their money into social security, workman's compensation, tax refunds, etc. that I'm sure go to keep up our lifestyles. I wonder what he would have thought if the Native Americans would have offered the same treatment to his ancestors. Clearly, they were much more human.

  Josie Sigl Posted June 5, 2007 2:47 PM
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  Illegal Immmigrants are Mexico's major source of income. Our dollars flow relentlessly out of the US to Mexico. I, for one, will not vote for any politician who approves the amnesty bill.

  Art Schefler Posted June 5, 2007 12:41 PM
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  These gentlemen from the BP are so right on the mark on so many different levels. I would just like to point out one area where this new plan ignores the reality of our currently overwhelmed DHS resources.

  A key feature of this bill is the issuance of a tamper proof ID to the 12 ? (really 20?) million illegals in the US. Not to mention their soon to arrive spouses, parents, and children who will have to be issued the cards also.

  In August 2004, Presidential HS Directive 12, all federal civilian agencies were required to issue a uniform ID card to all federal employees as a national security priority. This card would be somewhat similar to the ones issued to the military. 2 ½ years later, less than 1 per cent of federal employees had these cards. In DHS, other than the CG, these are all but unknown. If DHS cannot get 150,000 or so cards out to its own employees, what hope is there for getting CIS to issue between 20 and 30 million of these new IDs? I think the answer is obvious. It is not going to get done given current DHS resources.

  No, we cannot round up 20 million people. By denying employment, welfare, education, particularly post secondary education, driver's licenses, and treating the medical expenses of uninsured illegal aliens as a debt of their home nation to the medical provider, we can slow the rate of entry and encourage people to leave. By placing ad personam sanctions on employers of illegal aliens and applying the average federal tax rate as a tax withholding on private money transfers out of the country, we can provide powerful disincentives to come here or to stay here illegally.

  As to the non-sequitor argument that immigration enforcement breaks up families, please put your liberal guilt on hold and dry your hanky. The family is split when and because the alien decides to leave his home country. Emigration breaks up families, not immigration. The alien makes the choice. The alien should accept the outcome.

  Jim Kaley Posted June 5, 2007 12:04 PM
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  I have supplied several members of Congress with a plan that would require all illegal aliens to report(within one year) to a federal site and provide full background & employment info. Aform just like the tax forms would be available. Another year would be used to evaluate each alien. Temporary IDS would be issued to those reporting with no immediate action taken. The best and most needed will later have a chance to get temporary status. Those not reporting and without ID would be subject to immediate deportation, no hearings etc. They will have been given their chance to come forward. All cannot be explained here.

  Charles J McCollum Posted June 5, 2007 11:35 AM
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  We've heard from a number of what appears to be knowledgeable sources from the audience. I can not dispute their statements and understand their sentiments. Personally, I look at the implementation side and tend to agree with "ConsDemo ".

  However the most telling tale to me, and I hope to Mr. Acton, is my wish to give credit where credit is due. I've heard so very few, normally Republican, voices in this forum weigh in on the fact that this bill is the same legislation proposed by Dubya back in his initial bid.

  Why Ted is doing him this favor sponsoring a bill few want is a question I've very interested in having answered. Without additional input, I can only guess that somehow the benefits outweigh the determents; but for whom? Mulling that over, I remember Hispanic people are the fastest growing segment of our population. I remember their recently exhibited unity of purpose in demonstrations, and think that impact was not lost on both parties. I can foresee, if only in my own mind, the increased vying for votes to this vocal demographic. I WILL watch Dubya after his departure to see to where and whom he attributes the passing of this legislation. After all is said and done, I believe he will take the credit. Simply put, I believe the Democrats have offered this initiative up in trade.

  Folks, those of you who saw Dubya as the staunch standard bearer of American ideals, morals, traditions, and beliefs ... I ask you watch and see how much pressure he exerts on his own party to accede to the opposition on this, his last "hurrah". I request you ask yourself if he is truly your champion. I question what he, and the opposition, will reap from this bill. I wonder how many will come to see the lengths he and his cronies will go to get votes and stay in power. I think I can already foresee the impact this action will have next year.

  Perhaps it is bad, perhaps not, only time will tell. I do believe it is a compromise; in more ways than we can imagine. And I think, everyone should be watching this most blatant cultivation of favors being conducted on a discrete but national stage.

  Tip off Posted June 5, 2007 11:01 AM
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  Is there not enough political support in congress just to fix the border?? Do this alone and do it well. The solution to this problem starts at fixing the border! We can discuss other immigration issues after. Do you love results or more red tape?

  Aaron Gillette Posted June 5, 2007 10:41 AM
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  This immigration bill is nothing but a disaster. Every ILLEGAL immigrant is a criminal, deport EVERY ONE! There is a legal process to become a citizen, these people dodn't adhere to it. No compassion from this voter, kick them out, NOW!

  Richard McGrath Posted June 5, 2007 10:13 AM
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  Get real, we aren't about to uproot 12 million people. It would require a police state akin to that employed by the former Soviet Union. Earned legalization is far more humane and FAR more realistic.

  ConsDemo Posted June 5, 2007 9:42 AM
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  I've lived near the Texas/Mexico border for the last forty plus years. Granted most the illegals want only the change for a better life. It should not be the policy of the US to allow an theif to work and send money home without a penalty. This proposed bill is a copout for the congress and the administration. Its against the people.

  William Parnell Posted June 5, 2007 9:32 AM
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  Get this story to the main stream media. They probably won't print it, but these border patrol professionals are telling it like it is and have offered a sensible and just plan that must be implemented lest we further endanger our lawful citizens and dishonor the memories of those who died to protect the freedom and laws of this nation.

  Ben Posted June 5, 2007 9:31 AM
• 24853
  

  Agree with all the Amens - the very idea that Congress would even entertain the idea of this level of amnesty is ludicrous. Let them wait for a visa like people from other countries do.

  Anne Posted June 5, 2007 9:30 AM
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  The article could have listed the six points. Otherwise, consider that if a person is caught shoplifting a jacket, goes to court, pays a fine, and returns to the store to buy the jacket that is not amnesty. An illegal immigrant who pays a stiff fine, applies for residency, and goes through a lengthy process to get residency is not getting amnesty either. If you think that anyone who goes through the naturalization process is getting off light, try it sometime. That Byzantine process is the reason that many people are illegal in the first place.

  Ted Bean Posted June 5, 2007 9:26 AM
• 24844
  

  Amen, Amen, and again Amen! This proposed infiltration bill is nothing less than the "selling of America". It makes NAFTA, CAFTA, and all the other alphabet soup trade agreements small potatos. Listen to these experienced officers. E-mail, write, cand call your elected reps every day! Wake up America, 'cause we're still losing!

  US Customs Senior Inspector (Retired) Posted June 5, 2007 8:46 AM
• 24831
  

  Finally! Someone who knows the illegal immigrants first-hand. This so-called amnesty will only encourage more illegal immigrants to enter our country. I am one American that definitely agrees with the association. One more thing should be added. Children born in this country to illegal immigrants should NOT be granted American citizenship. Instead, the entire family needs to be reported to Immigration and deported back to their home country.

  Jo Ann Posted June 5, 2007 7:57 AM
• 24830
  

  I agree completely with the border control six point plan and all the other facts listed in this news article. Why isn't this information being widely released and discussed in the national news?

  Diane Pierce Posted June 5, 2007 7:52 AM
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  The border patrol immigration analysis is reality. The Clowns in Washington, that no longer represent American people, are in a revolting disconnect to bond with special interests. Their stampede for a so called comprehensive immigration bill is not needed and will surely further damage our country.

  Wm Scrivner Posted June 5, 2007 7:50 AM
• 24827
  

  I heard on the new last night that some congressmen are asking that their vote on this bill not be recorded. If the congressmen can not stand up and be counted, then they obviously have a problem with the bill. Their responsibility is to work this bill into an enforceable law; I would suggest that they humble themselves and listen intently to the Border Patrol personnel.

  Richard Sylvain Posted June 5, 2007 7:36 AM
• 24824
  

  I concur completely with the stated position. Those who believe that only right-wing fanatics oppose illegal immigration and the provisions in the sentate bill that would allow the status quo to continue are out of touch with reality, and are in for a rude surprise come the elections in 2008 if this bill passes. Most Americans like me are fed up.

  Michael Tokar Posted June 5, 2007 7:23 AM
• 24799
  

  The border patrol agents are telling like it is. The government should make every aspect of the illegals life difficult, and then they will leave voluntarily.

  jwe Posted June 4, 2007 10:42 PM
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  I agree whole heartedly with the National Association of Ret BP Agent's assessment of this bill. It is a joke, a sellout of our Immigration Laws and a slap in the face of every officer and Agent on the front lines enforcing our Immigration and Nationality laws. Any bill with Ted Kennedy as a co sponser should have been a tip off that this bill was an amnesty bill first, with a formula for failure in regards to any of the safeguard or enforcement provisions.

  Mark J Acton Posted June 4, 2007 9:24 PM
• 24784
  

  Interestingly enough, portions of this plan "also clalls for...", "...training and job relocation for legal U.S. workers." Funny how that works, when Border Patrol Agents can't get relocated when they ask of management.

  John Holmes Posted June 4, 2007 7:29 PM
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  They could have trained a much larger number of Agents if they hadn't moved the Border Patrol Academy to Artesia, NM. The old facility in Charleston, SC is only being used to 1/4 its capacity since BP left in 2004. Why not bring the basic training back? Incidently, per diem for lodging in Artesia is $156.00/day and still no field Agent wants to go there on a detail to instruct. It's a pit.

  Hammerin' Hank Posted June 4, 2007 6:56 PM