The real challenge of immigration reform: Making the punishment fit the crime
At nightfall, the chase began. Technology is much better now, but what I remember was not the chase — sometimes successful, sometimes futile — but the poignant human drama of each move to the fence and over.
As agents explained to me, the border crossers knew nothing of what lay ahead. Once their feet hit the American side, they would have to do the following: run through the blackness over terrain they’ve never seen before, navigating bushes and small gullies without so much as a flashlight, running in panic a distance of at least a mile — longer if they get lost. If they make it to the highway (Interstate 5, in this case), they have to find a car or van they have never seen before (only heard described) driven by someone they’ve never met before. They then climb in, sitting with people they don’t know heading to a place they’ve never seen. If they arrive safely, they live in a house with many others, hoping upon hope that they find work.
On the two nights I rode with Border Patrol agents, some crossers made it — becoming instant and daring criminals.
Others were captured. Some immediately burst into tears. Others practically hyperventilated with fear and anxiety. Still others walked grimly with the agents, certain they would soon try again.
This is the crime. What is the punishment?
Blowback
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here’s a fitting punishment: nothing you sire, nor anything sired by your seed, will ever be permitted to be a citizen.
SHAZAM
Jeddite on January 31, 2013 at 1:22 PM
What does current law say?
Bishop on January 31, 2013 at 1:26 PM
This is very dramatic, but what does it have to do with E-verify and tracking down overstayed visas?
John the Libertarian on January 31, 2013 at 1:37 PM
After whatever punishment is metered out, criminals cannot be allowed to keep their ill gotten goods. Giving a jewel thief, bank robber or illegal alien a slap on the wrist while letting them keep the jewels, cash or granting them citizenship will only promote more wrong doing.
FloatingRock on January 31, 2013 at 1:59 PM
They then steal identities and destroy the lives of others so they can work. Many steal the labor of others through welfare, medical care, schools they send their kids too, and lower the average working wage for those who are in the nation legally.
Many bring drugs and weapons across the border with them. Some bring terrorists with them for money. Some plan terrorist activities. Some are running from their criminal past in their home country. Many come here riddled with disease they pass onto our children.
But hey, the only crime this guy sees is the crossing of the border…
What should be the penalty?
Deportation with the threat of a life sentence in a hard labor desert tent prison camp where if they do not work and earn their way they are then sentenced to death, where if they try to escape the guards do not give chase, they just simply aim and fire until you stop moving.
astonerii on January 31, 2013 at 2:15 PM
Fun fact: The Berlin Wall was constructed in 1961 and the opening of the borders between East and West Berlin began in June 1990. In almost 30 years, only 5,000 successfully crossed the wall.
Call me crazy but I would call that securing the border.
TxAnn56 on January 31, 2013 at 2:15 PM
Contact Mexico for some guidelines on how they handle illegal immigrants.
trs on January 31, 2013 at 2:22 PM
You got hate in your heart? Let it out. As McCain said “they are all God’s children.”
Seriously, we kid around but why does a problem both parties have let fester for fifty years have to be solved overnight? And, since we tried amnesty 86, let’s try secure them effin borders 2013.
arnold ziffel on January 31, 2013 at 2:23 PM
All God’s children, as are the islamist’s who want to kill you. So feel free to tell me when you decide to go live with God’s children over in the middle east.
astonerii on January 31, 2013 at 2:28 PM
read again. Sarcasm is my friend and can be yours too, all for $19.99.
arnold ziffel on January 31, 2013 at 2:50 PM
The Mexicans are building a fence on their Southern border.
First – being sent back to your country of nationality IS NOT A PUNISHMENT.
Second – Eisenhower didn’t just drop illegals off at the border – he sent them all the way to Tampico, which made it a bit more difficult to try again the next day.
Rebar on January 31, 2013 at 3:13 PM
If Texas goes “blue”, the country will be RED– as in communist !!
KenInIL on January 31, 2013 at 5:36 PM