A guest worker program wrote on Apr 5, 2007 10:32 PM:is a cop out by an elected official, Brian Bilgray who was supposed to enforce our laws and stop the maddness of illegal immigration. No Amnesty, no guest worker programs until most or all illegals are rounded up and sent home and come back the LAWFULLY WAY. DON'T SELL OUT MY COUNTRY!!!!!

James wrote on Apr 5, 2007 11:51 PM:No one is selling out your country, so stop the bad drama. He, unlike you and your minute men friends, understand that the U.S. economy runs on immigrant labor and this debate is not as simple as people like you make it out to be....

To James wrote on Apr 6, 2007 12:14 AM:Maybe you are not old enough to remember the labor pool before the invasion of those illegally from the South. There was no problem filling the fast food, gas station and construction jobs with eager White High School graduates. Build the fences and send the illegals home, the economy will survive.

Dave Of The Desert wrote on Apr 6, 2007 12:45 AM:James, it's simple. Illegal equals ADIOS!!!

TO JAMES wrote on Apr 6, 2007 12:45 AM:In your dreams this country runs on immigrant labor- this country belongs to Americans, not Mexicans or any of the other opportunistic border jumping people who come here to avoid making their own home nations decent places for their families. I'm sick of them breaking our laws with impunity and I'm sick of people like you who argue to support the law breakers.

TO JAMES wrote on Apr 6, 2007 1:59 AM:Actually James is a lot more correct than you'd really like to know. Our country runs on cheap labor; that's one of the basic tenets of capitalism. I think the real problem is most U.S. citizens are living in denial of this fact. We want the argument to be simple, but it's way more complex than we realize. We want everything to be cheap, easy, and convenient, but we take it all for granted instead of asking ourselves how it's all possible. And it's all possible because of poor, unskilled laborers under the exploitation of rich, greedy tyrants. Not in America, you say? Think again. The first step in overcoming Illegal Immigration is to make every single U.S. citizen aware of its existence and its impact on society. Frankly, most Americans don't really want to confront that truth, so we've got quite a task ahead of us. By the way, I personally feel we should use the best military-grade equipment to seal and monitor the border, export the illegals already here, and get ready to re-define life in America. This will be a lot of hard work, but it will be worth every ounce of energy.

Press 1 for English, Press 2 for Deportation wrote on Apr 6, 2007 2:34 AM:James, I grew up in San Diego during the 60's and 70's. High school kids mowed the lawns, staffed the fast food places, and cooked the food in restaurants. Some of my female friends made a good living working as maids at the local hotels. Lots of the guys did yardwork. I remember that it was almost a mandatory rite of passage that all high school students worked at Jack in the Box or some other fast food place. As has been stated before my post, this country is not "addicted" to illegal aliens; it is just that illegals have replaced high school kids (among others) since you have to pay US citizens minimum wage (and frankly, I liked placing my order with English-speaking people rather than having to rely on my Spanish to avoid getting carne asada in my vegetarian burrito -- seriously James, isn't it pathetic that a US citizen has to order his food in Spanish so that the person taking the order has at least a 50% chance of getting it right?). You pro-illegals make it sound like the entire nation will end up in the Betty Ford clinic to combat our supposed addiction to illegals if we ever get a president, Congress, and local governments who would actually enforce the law on illegal invasions. This is simply not the case; were all the illegals to get the boot, we would have some temporary, minor price and employment fluctuations as high school kids found they suddenly were desired as workers, welfare slouches started to consider getting off their butts as the wages started looking better, and the border partol and police departments could focus on protecting US citizens from other US citizens. Our crime rate would drop, our population would stabilize (hey Sierra Clubbers, why don't I see you out there protesting illegal immigration?), there would be a decrease in unlicensed and uninsured drivers, and we wouldn't have to wait 4 hours to be seen in the ER. Wouldn't that be nice?

Caustic wrote on Apr 6, 2007 4:48 AM:Jut wondering how the posterchild for the hate mongerers comes off looking to them this morning?

Bilbray Shows His True Colors wrote on Apr 6, 2007 5:23 AM:I hate to say I told you so, but I TOLD YOU SO.

El Guero wrote on Apr 6, 2007 5:50 AM:The starting point for immigration reform isn't a guest worker program; it's abolition of the birthright citizenship provision of the Fourteenth Amendment. This gaping loophole in the law is arguably the single most damaging part of the illegal immigration problem. Bilbray understands that, so it's troubling that he would not insist on making abolition of birthright citizenship an unconditional precondition of any guest worker plan. But in any case he's getting ahead of himself. Deporting 20 million people must take precendence over anything else.

John wrote on Apr 6, 2007 5:58 AM:of Course if your read your bible, it can tell you why America is the way it is. America is plague by a lot of illegal immigrants and nothing can be done about it.Search your bible and you will see what will happen to a country who forget about their God. Eventually an amnesty will pass and the borders from Canada and mexico will be removed. Mark my words, we peole do not have control over that because is the hands of God involve.

History wrote on Apr 6, 2007 6:48 AM:TO JAMES wrote on April 06, 2007 12:45 AM:"In your dreams this country runs on immigrant labor- this country belongs to Americans, not Mexicans or any of the other opportunistic border jumping people who come here to avoid making their own home nations decent places for their families. Yes, you are correct. The English, Irish, Germans, Italians, Spanish, Chinese, Polish, Russians, etc. had no part in building this country. America is what it is today because of those who were here first. Just ask any Native American and they will tell you. Actually, you can even count the African immigrants into the whole equation, but at least this time we aren't forcing them to come. The fact is that our immigration policies are much more cumbersome than they were 100 years ago. If they weren't, then these "illegal" immigrants would be able to come here within the context of our laws.

Susan wrote on Apr 6, 2007 6:48 AM:Mr Sharry has it wrong. Bilbray is not in denial-he is actually a Congressman that is representing the majority view of the US Citizens that elected him. I agree with him 100 percent! Especially on the Guest Worker program. Yes, we need one for agriculture but it stops there. Keep up the great work Brian!

Stealth Blogger wrote on Apr 6, 2007 6:53 AM:As baby boomers begin to retire, the U.S. will need guest workers to replace them. Maybe you are unaware that Colorado recently booted their workers. Colorado's proposed solution: Have prisoners pick crops for 60 cents a day!

Robert24 wrote on Apr 6, 2007 7:16 AM:"Frank Sharry, executive director of the National Immigration Forum, an immigrant rights advocacy group..." Frank, you need to get something crystal clear: Illegal immigrants have no rights! Legal citizens have rights, which they have earned. Illegal aliens do not, will not and can not. Who appointed you executive director Frank? Guess there wasn't anybody with a clue running for the position, huh?

Bill wrote on Apr 6, 2007 7:37 AM:I agree with "Press 1 For English" We don't need the illegals. They are lower wages and our standard of living.

Indeed wrote on Apr 6, 2007 7:47 AM:'...but Bilbray said it created economic opportunities for poor Mexicans.' Hey Brian, I thought your job was to create economic opportunities for Americans! Start updating you resume, because you'll be gone next election.

Before you talk wrote on Apr 6, 2007 7:57 AM:about guest workers, SEAL THE BORDER!!! And NO AMNESTY!

Has anybody wrote on Apr 6, 2007 7:59 AM:noticed, how the politicans are staying away from the ICE raids? Political suicide?

Secure the Borders wrote on Apr 6, 2007 7:59 AM:Nothing will work unless the borders are secured and immigration laws are enforced and made enforcable. We can't even track overstayed visas so how do we track temporary workers. Our system needs to be fixed. If we have 2 million legal immigrants coming into this country each and every single darn year then why and the heck do we need more. Bilbray is one of the few elected leaders that has been trying to really get something done about illegal immigration. Perhaps a real Temporary Program that can really be monitored and controlled would appease the rest. Senator Kennedy's Bill would not only give amnesty to the millions of illegals but would bring in their families. What kind of jobs will these temporary workers do?? Is it just for agriculture? What happens to all of the illegals that are already here? There's more to this article then what has been written. Bilbray is on Lou Dobbs regularly fighting to deal with the influx of illegal immigrants. People need to look up the North American Union with Mexico and Canada. It's not some fantasy. It is already in the works. Is this what you want for our country?? If not let your leaders know now. If you vote for Hillary, Obama, Edwards etc. then be ready for amnesty. Congressmen Tom Tancredo and Duncan Hunter are about the only two candidates that would really secure the borders and deal with illegal immigration. The rest are selling our to big business.

Bracero wrote on Apr 6, 2007 8:00 AM:To Susan - and do you still believe in WMD (weapons of mass destruction)?

What? wrote on Apr 6, 2007 8:17 AM:Mr. Bilbray, I voted for you because I thought you were the right man for the job. Now you seem to be talking like Francine Busby, this is very disappointing. To top this story off you talked to Edward and that is even more despressing.

Sorry, depressing wrote on Apr 6, 2007 8:18 AM:Mr. Bilbray, I voted for you because I thought you were the right man for the job. Now you seem to be talking like Francine Busby, this is very disappointing. To top this story off you talked to Edward and that is even more depressing.

hmm... wrote on Apr 6, 2007 8:20 AM:Immigrants hadve NO rights? What fascist country do you live in? Obviously not USA. Let's beat up on James since we don't want to beat up on Bilbray who will be just as ineffective on immigration as everybody told us! Yay! Lets beat up on Sharry for pointing out the truth that no one outside of the 50th hates immigrants like the 50th and Congress will pass comp. reform! Yay!

Ray wrote on Apr 6, 2007 8:22 AM:See even your mostt extreme elected officials are starting to notice, do not fool yourselves "Patriots" we need migrant labor force unless you want to do what they do?

pablo wrote on Apr 6, 2007 8:31 AM:In the two hours the NCT editors questioned Bilbray why didn't they clarify if Bilbray's proposal is applicable only to agricultural workers? If yes, how would he ensure they would go home? How would he ensure they would not be joined by their families? If the answer was no, then the NCT editors should have asked Bilbray how does he justify supporting bringing more non-citizen Guest Workers in? Unasked, unanswered questions leaves me to believe Bilbray's plan is to make sure the supply of hard working poor is always plentiful and cheap for unscrupulous construction, restaurant, hotel, etc. employers? Absolutely incompetent job by the NCT editors. Perhaps they are the ones who should be replaced with guestworkers.

Mexicans Did not replace teenagers wrote on Apr 6, 2007 8:41 AM:Proof of that is In-And-Out, it is almost exclusively teenagers, and white ones. Why? because that chain pays a little more. OUr teenagers will not work for the wages at other chains. Love to see you try to deport 20 million illegals, that will be hilarious to see it attempted!!!!

Recall Bilbray wrote on Apr 6, 2007 8:43 AM:We might as well have elected Francine Busby, at least she was honest about her agenda. Brian Bilbray, what a disappointment.

Indeed wrote on Apr 6, 2007 8:45 AM:It's Susan that has it wrong. Brian Bilbray no longer supports the majority of the people who elected him who want to illegals deported and the borders sealed. A guest worker program was Busby's issue. If I had wanted one, I would not have voted for Bilbray. It looks like it is Susan who is in denial.

karen wrote on Apr 6, 2007 9:04 AM:out with bilbray, send him to mexico too

Mary wrote on Apr 6, 2007 9:04 AM:Even though English is the official language of the United States, our country has become bilingual -products-signs, etc are in Spanish/English. Why? Because corporate America is selling out. We are not a bilingual country! Let's revolt against corporate America! Write letters to every corporation that has bilingual packaging, signs, etc. They are accommodating Spanish speakers for the almighty dollar. This is the United States of America - learn/speak English!

Bracero Protests wrote on Apr 6, 2007 9:06 AM:Cesar Chavez protested against the Bracero Program and he was instrumental in getting it ended. ...

Concerned-1 wrote on Apr 6, 2007 9:09 AM:Susan has it right, Mr. Sharry is totally wrong about Billbray, among other things. First, Billbray certainly represents my thinking on both illegal immigration and the war. Second, I don't think I'm alone in those thoughts.

Do it right this time wrote on Apr 6, 2007 9:09 AM:All of us share in a very large problem. We have so many people who are not here legally. It is virtually impossible to tell the difference between real and counterfeit ID's. There is nothing short of eliminating the good with the bad which will correct the situation. I agree with many people who have said that the worst gap in the laws is the birthright part of citizenship so that anyone who is born here becomes legal. That should be eliminated ! The other area which bears thinking about a solution is the people who are already here. They have families, many of them have deep roots in the community - we need to address them as an issue. Maybe we need to have something similar to the amnesty program of the 1980's but with very strict laws surrounding the new program. Paying taxes, abiding with all laws. being 'documented' (which can be withdrawn if they break ANY of our laws), but not being granted citizenship unless each and every person follows proper procedure to do so. We cannot merely shove everybody out of the United States. We neeed to figure out the proper legal procedure for the people who are already here. Again - if they EVER break the law, they lose the rights ! There should be a real BORDER between Mexico and the United States. A physical border, not just a line in the sand or on the map .

Concerned-1 wrote on Apr 6, 2007 9:14 AM:I worked in restaurants when I was 14 and delivered papers before that. As a teen, it was a right of passage to work at a McDonalds or 31 Flavors. But, I'm afraid those days are over. The illegal cheap labor took the jobs away. Let's face it, the kids of today are just not going to take those jobs. Especially now that there's a stigma attached.

Not Just Mexico wrote on Apr 6, 2007 9:14 AM:The US should open a program for workers from Guatemala, Honduras, Columbia and similar poverty stricken countries that do not have the oil wealth and economic mismanagement of Mexico.

Concerned-1 wrote on Apr 6, 2007 9:19 AM:Sorry to post so much, but I've been away...I just wanted to say that Sifuentes' reference to Sharry as an "immigration rights advocate" is once again wrong. Immigrants, real immigrants, don't have an advocacy group. They stand up on their own very well.

I Picked Fruit wrote on Apr 6, 2007 9:23 AM:This American picked fruit as a teenager. Oranges in Riverside County. I was happy to do it and the pay was really low. My main complaint was that it lasted only a few weeks out of the year. My teenage children have problems finding work at fast food or a box boys. Their main job propects have been in higher end retail positions dealing directly with customers. A Bracero program is not needed, particularly if the economy slows down.

The Oracle wrote on Apr 6, 2007 9:30 AM:I predict that ICE's efforts to return 'temporary Bracero' workers back to Mexico at the end of their guest time will be met by rabid activists screaming 'racism', 'racial profiling', 'privacy' and the same stuff going by the illegal immigrant crowd. A new Bracero program will turn out to be another Reconquista trojan horse just like Reagan's 1986 amnesty, Clinton's NAFTA, and Bushes south of the border family values.

Reardon wrote on Apr 6, 2007 9:51 AM:Once we have the illegal problem under control, a guest worker program makes sense -- if, and only if, the guest workers are not permitted to bring family with them. It is not the workers who cause the problems, it is the accompanying families who clog our schools, join violent gangs, and destroy our emergency rooms with non-payment. Every day our military deploy around the globe without their families and if it is good enough for them, it is good enough for guest workers. A guest worker program has the advantage of being regularized...it can be increased or decreased as needed, instead of the flood of the poor of the world seeking the streets of gold about which they have been told. We will never get to a guest worker program by deporting 50 a day while 5,000 a day arrive...we must first reverse those numbers for a LONG period of time and seal the border. .We need some guest workers, just like most other countries, but what we have is lawless chaos.

Amazed wrote on Apr 6, 2007 9:53 AM:I'm a teacher and I always get the "why are kids so screwed up?" Look at yourselves the way you speak to each other. There is something called "reasoned debate." Issues are discussed with information and facts - not personal attacks and name calling. Attacking the person just shows that you little to go on except your "reactionary self" - Adults used to model reasonable discussion and behavior for kids - now I often find the kids are more reasonable than the adults out there -

Irony of Democracy wrote on Apr 6, 2007 9:53 AM:Just yesterday there was an article in the NCT about how Baby Boomers are not retiring because they cannot afford to do so. Many of our kids cannot afford college and are competing with illegals for jobs. High tech jobs are being filled by importing highly skilled workers from other countries. Don't you see a squeeze ocurring to the middle class? Circuit City literally just let all of its retail employees go only to offer them rehire at lower wages. What our greedy corporations don't realize is that as the middle class is not able to be highly compensated and cannot even be hired for interim positions doing unskilled work, there is not cash to fund the consumerism that provides them their profits. The bank of the homestead is closed, health insurance costs eat up a large percentage of household budgets, people have to work longer, the handwriting is on the wall for the middle class. We are being outsourced and thought to be too expensive to compete with labor from other countries. Extrapolate these conditions into the future and see that the middle class no longer exists.

The main problem to me wrote on Apr 6, 2007 9:58 AM:I think the problem here is there is no mention of what to do with the "guests" we have here now. Sure secure the borders and if he really thinks we need more workers, send the "guests" home. Not mentioning deportation bothers me. I am not surprised to see so many anti Bush writers in these blogs, since I am one also. There are very few citizens of the U.S. that support illegal immigration. I feel the supporters have personal issues and not the U.S. citizen best interests in mine. Actually I have never run into a supporter of illegal immigration, that's counting my foreign born husband. Our government is doing a huge immigration to it's people!!!

Re: Concerned wrote on Apr 6, 2007 10:03 AM:I have teens and young college kids (all have worked because we are working class and have instilled work ethic): they state that their "white middle class" friends will NOT take these jobs because they have been lead to believe by parents and society that they should make nothing less than 15.00 an hour (to start)- and for that they just have to show up - not really work or produce - this is the "entitlement ethic" that ... patriotic, soccor moms, middle class has passed to their kids. In high school, parents told their teachers that their kids shouldn't have to take a test because they had been up all night before at a concert. Illegals have little to do with it - our kids are spoiled rotten.

Irony?? wrote on Apr 6, 2007 10:09 AM:Please enlighten me as which jobs our middle class kids are competing against illegals for??? Strawberry picker? Dishwasher? Yard cleaner? Heavy competition for those jobs-may the best worker win.

READ WHAT MARY WROTE.... wrote on Apr 6, 2007 10:11 AM:on April 06, 2007 9:04 AM... the corporations are who 'sell out'. they use the cheap labor wherever and whenever, then they market to anyone who has a buck... you can blame small business' too who use cheap labor to boost their bottom line...it is a sticky situation, as soon as we kick all the immigrants out prices for everything will go up sinc eit will cost more to have your white kid do what is currently a mexican's job. then we will hire illegals to make it cheaper... right back to square one.... face it people, the USA is all about imbalance, imbalance in the favor of the USA... we live off making the poor, poorer..... wake up.

Sorry Mary wrote on Apr 6, 2007 10:13 AM:English is NOT the "official" language of the United States, as much as you wish it were. I challenge you to offer proof of your statement, or a retraction. It is misinformed people like you who add unnecessary hate to this problem.

American woman wrote on Apr 6, 2007 10:21 AM:I like Congressman Bilbray. He is a thoughtful, intelligently realistic representative of the American taxpayer. In a perfect world (hahaha), I believe the majority of us would ultimately insist on the complete removal of all foreign illegal intruders found in America. Even with a change in leadership, our nation is too overcome with corrupt and/or inept politicians for us to expect anything approaching perfection. Before we attempt to bring reason and fairness to the issues of open borders and illegal immigration, the borders and ports of entry in this country MUST be secured as well as is humanly posssible! Then, if we could start the Bracero program again, concentrating on field/farm workers, I can certainly see a place for an organized foreign labor-program. Birthright citizenship makes it impossible to include entire families in such a plan, so husband/wife, male/female teams would not be permitted. Unless there is a proven need for their continued presence, workers would return to their countries of origin during some part of the year, on a nation-wide basis, especially where there are pronounced growing seasons. Specialized (biometric) id. would be required for each worker, and transportation back to their homeland provided by either the government (Commerce Dept.?)or the growers themselves. Any work outside of farming would be awarded on a basis of need. In other words, we would set a minimum wage for U.S. construction, gardening and domestic workers, etc. and at a point of NEED, look at a database of foreign labor. If a need for foreign workers is evident to fill these jobs, it would be based on specific time frames, which would provide a rotation of known, thoroughly vetted and identified workers to enter the country to fill those jobs as needed. I could live with that! Ending birthright citizenship for the offspring of ILLEGAL ALIENS is mandatory, no matter what we end up with! I have asked many, many politicians and government officials to convince me of any genuine need for birthright citizenship. Not one has been able to accommodate me. Brian Bilbray impresses me as more of a citizen than a politician.....so far.

Come on wrote on Apr 6, 2007 10:45 AM:We should have figured this all along. As soon as Bilbray got this job he changed his tune. Are there any honest politicians out there? You need to look out for the U.S. not some third world country.

Maybe I can ansew that one wrote on Apr 6, 2007 10:45 AM:Try roofers, tile setters, carpet layers, pavers, painters, ect. From the looks of my city (Escondido) the best workers have not won!! By the looks of things, the cheapest workers win!! To take these jobs and afford housing they pile up in apartments and single family houses. Defend how a slum lord can allow 18 people to a 3 bedroom and 15 people to a 2 bedroom apartment. If they wanted more people than that in their unit they had to pay $50.00 extra for each person after for their water. I know, I lived there and knew the policy. Luckily I moved and took my 4 people and got out!!!

Mark wrote on Apr 6, 2007 10:47 AM:What's the difference between Bilbray and Busby? Busby was honest with us from the beginning.

Common Sense wrote on Apr 6, 2007 10:49 AM:Everything in nature gravitates towards and equilibrium. It is impossible to build a fence big enough to separate a country that is such a great place to live as the US and a country that is so poor as Mexico. They tried to separate East and West Germany, but the futility was readily apparent in hindsight. We can debate the merits - as both sides have their points. I personally have been impacted very positively by friends and associates that came here illegally and have contributed to making this country a better place. I have also been concerned and upset when I see people like the one that killed officer Zapatella. I think the reason that this is such a heated debate is that there is not an easy answer, it is not a question of yes or no. It is a matter that needs to be worked on and addressed and refined. Our goverment has a history of being very slow to respond, which can be good or bad. It was not very long ago that Women and Blacks could not vote, and this seemed normal and was accepted at the time. Today we could not comprehend this mindset. I am hoping that we are able to continue to work on this issue and make a process that is better for everyone. I do think this is an uphill challenge, especially in light of the fact that major legislation like the Patriot Act, and the Digital Millenium Copyright Act is so terrible and will take another 10 years to fix. I think we can all benefit from a higher degree of understanding, patience and overall dedication to keeping this issue open and addressing it.

Good Reasoning Brian Bilbray wrote on Apr 6, 2007 10:54 AM:40,000 cross our southern International Border on a DAILY basis to work at SoCA USA JOBS. This has been ongoing for years. Nothing to do with BB. Be assured that these DAILY LEGAL BORDER crossing Citizens do NOT WORK in the FIELDS. They are educated (IN OUR SYSTEM of HIGHER Education)and ENJOY the BEST of NORTH and SOUTH of the BORDER worlds! They have neither the NEED nor the interest to live amidst OUR river-bed reeds. Their DAILY commute to a variety of upper-middle socioeconomic jobs provides them an affluent/upscale lifestyle South of the Border. A GUEST WORKER Program that REQUIRES each PERSON TO CARRY ON THEM AN ID. that bears FIRST and LAST name with BI-NATIONAL addresses. Each member of that family should be required to do likewise. Let's be realistic(if not honest) what USA citizen in their right mind would choose to work in the Hotter than HELL fields of EL CENTRO, CALEXICO, or for that matter VALLEY CENTER?

Amazing wrote on Apr 6, 2007 10:54 AM:Even though Bilbray has done a complete aboutface regarding the guest worker program, there are still those who defend him. Keep living in the clouds and have a nice day. And next election, PLEASE do not listen to what people say, but instead look at what they do. It would save us a lot of aggravation down the line.

To Recall Bilbray wrote on Apr 6, 2007 11:01 AM:Where do you get your facts? Busby wanted amnesty for illegals. Bilbray does not. If you want to eat, we must have our crops picked.

To Irony wrote on Apr 6, 2007 11:05 AM:When my son was a teenager in Escondido he worked at Taco Bell and Little Ceasers. He now has a college education and a good paying job but he needed to have some work experiance as a youth. Today, he could not get either job.

Dubya wrote on Apr 6, 2007 11:09 AM:Well, there it is. Bilbray the Beltway Bandit finally comes clean. He isn't against illegal immigration at all. In fact, he wants to legalize illegal immigration! According to the govt's own rather conservative estimates, there are at least 12 Million illegal immigrants in the US. And also according to the gov'ts own figures the unemployment rate among American citizens is 4 - 4.5% which is roughly equivalent to the number of illegal immigrants in the US. With at least 12 million Americans unemployed, and at least 12 million illegal immigrants taking jobs they might otherwise have access to, someone please explain to me what sort of imbecilic logic dictates a necessity to import workers from other countries??? "...Bilbray said it created economic opportunities for poor Mexicans." And once you come up with an answer for that first one, please explain to me why ANY elected US representative needs to concern himself with creating economic opportunities for poor Mexicans when Millions of Americans are struggling just to get by in this country; when at least 12 Million US citizens are unemployed and 45 Million Americans don't even have health insurance? The fact is Bilbray coudln't care less about poor Mexicans or Americans. The ONLY thing he cares about is driving wages / benefits for US workers down even further by flooding the US labor pool with millions more low-wage workers in order to increase profits for the big business interests who bankroll his re-election campaigns. And anyone who doesn't understand that is whole idea behind these so-called is truly an idiot who should not be allowed to vote. Bilbray needs to go. NOW! Don't wait for the next election. Recall him. I've said it before and i'll say it again - the Minutemen are wasting their time harrassing Day Laborers. They should be storming Bilbray's office, demanding his resignation and refusing to leave until they get it. Bilbray and politicians like him are the real problem. 12 to 50 million illegals wouldn't already be in the US if the the double dealing sell-outs like Bilbray didn't want them here to erode wages for US workers in the first place. All his tough talk about "securing the border" is nothing but a smokescreen he used to get himself elected. Every single politician in Wash. needs to be taught a lesson on this subject and I'd say getting rid of Bilbray now, before they get a chance to ram this abomination through Congress would be an excellent place to start.

El Guero wrote on Apr 6, 2007 11:24 AM:To 'Do it right this time': Have you ever heard the expression, 'Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me'? This applies to your 9:09 post. In 1986 the government amnestied 3 million illegal immigrants. The immigrants got amnesty, but we got NO enforcement. Do you really trust that this time the government (a wholly owned subsidiary of Big Business) will deliver enforcement along with another amnesty, this time for 12-20 million illegal immigrants? The best way to deal with the illegal immigrants already here is now, finally, being reported in the news: ICE raids of businesses on the East Coast, in the Midwest, and here in CA (Golden State Fence Co.). Your media-fed observation that illegal immigrants have families with 'deep roots in the community,' was belied by millions of marchers last Spring who took to the streets across the country waving Mexican flags. Do you remember? The vast majority of them do not wish to 'assimilate' and have no interest in becoming Americans, even if they're offered amnesty and citizenship because their 'community' is Mexico, not the United States. If the ICE raids continue to disrupt the black market labor practices of Big Business, illegal immigrants will get the message that they can no longer stay and will start to self deport, hopefully in droves. This is the only part of immigration 'reform' that's needed.

DJ wrote on Apr 6, 2007 12:00 PM:I support Brian Bilbray for the most part but feel we have so many of our own poor and otherwise disadvantaged citizens who could be put to work picking fruit.

That program DID work wrote on Apr 6, 2007 12:11 PM:well and while the standard of living wasn't what Americans considered high it was a HECK of a lot better than they had in Mexico and we paid them and they went HOME.

American woman wrote on Apr 6, 2007 12:12 PM:Jeeeeeez, some of you can't seem to comprehend what you read! Or do you read? To Amazed...I think you taught my son. No offense, but your grammar is nothing to write home about (no pun intended). There are truly some badly educated folks on these blogs. Everyone makes a mistake here or there, but an awful lot of the errors are originating from poorly educated writers. If nothing else, can we say, "Proof-read your work?" To Mary...Ok, Mary! You start writing, and we'll see you in the next life. English, unfortunately has yet to become the official language of the United States of America, thanks to a whole bunch of Congressional representatives who, by the way, are re-elected, time after time by Americans who feel compelled to vote their party line. Too bad! How 'bout we vote intelligently for a change? What did 'Caustic' say? Re: Concerned, you just keep smoking the substance of your choice! Some kids are spoiled, that's a fact...but, if you think that illegal immigration is having minimal impact on the lives and times of the American people, you need a brain overhaul. American kids have lost a lot of their education to illegal alien's childrens' need to monopolize teachers' time in the classroom. John...who are you to judge a person's relationship to God? Somebody always have to throw religion into the pot! I am comfortable with my Christian teachings, John. Cesar Chavez did not believe in illegal immigration!

To: to Recall Bilbray wrote on Apr 6, 2007 12:13 PM:Where do I get my facts? From Francine Busby's website: "Implementing a Comprehensive Immigration Policy. Toughen Penalties for Businesses Who Don't Play by the Rule and Continually Hire Undocumented Workers, Create a 'Smart Fence' That Utilizes Proven, 21st Century Radar Technology to Detect and Prevent Unlawful Border Crossings, Create a Demand-Based Guest Worker Program that Addresses Our Economic Needs, Oppose Amnesty" Where do you get your facts?

Monica wrote on Apr 6, 2007 12:22 PM:To James wrote on April 06, 2007 11:47 AM:"Maybe you are not old enough to remember the labor pool before the invasion of those illegally from the South. There was no problem filling the fast food, gas station and construction jobs with eager White High School graduates. Build the fences and send the illegals home, the economy will survive." ---------------------------- Wow, I had to stop reading the posts after this one... "eager WHITE High School graduates"??? Hmmmm, Seem as though in your view, whoever you are, there aren't any other races who may have eager high school grads!?? Why not just say 'High school graduates, period. Do you seriously believe that there are no other eager high school students and grads besides white students? That only white people can have a work ethic? Wow. It amazes me the things some of you post, how far into your mouth your foot can actually go. People say racism is dead -- I say yeah right.

Monica wrote on Apr 6, 2007 12:41 PM:On other issue: Why isn't any one posting here angry about job outsourcing? Anytime I wish to call Sallie Mae about my student loan, I am connected to someone in India (with a heavy Indian accent) named Scott or some other Anglo name. I can't understand what's being said and I'd love to speak to someone here in the US, but doubt that will ever happen. Mind you, I've nothing against Asian Indians or India as my family includes Asian Indians from South America, my family is South American black, white Asian etc, so I've got nothing against anyone. I am upset that jobs are leaving America and no one seems to care. Everyone here just picks on one set of people and doesn't look at the broad view of the problem -- Our jobs are leaving the country. Corporations could care less. As I stated previously, I called my loan servicing number and information was taken incorrectly, I'm still waiting for the forms I requested. I've got a sinking feeling that they will not be coming. I honestly don't wish to call back again. I already had to call back to correct the incorrect info that was taken. I wanted to try to find someone here in the US to speak to, but I don't believe I will be able to. If I call to complain, since I don't know the real name of the person named "Scott" I doubt the problem will be addressed. Our boarders are a big issue, yes that is true, but while we fight over this the big money corps are taking jobs elsewhere and service gets worse.

Swizzle Stick wrote on Apr 6, 2007 12:56 PM:American woman and others please note:"The 14th Amendment completely controls the status of U.S. citizenship and prevents the involuntary cancellation of citizenship. All persons born in the United States are citizens of the United States. This applies to children born to legal and illegal residents." Amending the U.S. Constitution to repeal the 14th Amendment will never happen. Period Bilbray and others must know that Congress alone cannot change the Constitution!

It seems to me wrote on Apr 6, 2007 1:22 PM:The fast food bussiness is looking for Bilingual help not high school graduates. The problem we have all been pointing out is that the service they are providing has suffered. I have also noticed that in other businesses but mainly fast food. I went to three different fast food Restaurants one night, I finally thought the last one got it right,until I got home. Having that said, maybe we should get back to illegal immigrants and the guest worker program. How do we have a need for a guest worker program when we have so many here without jobs now? Is there a mention in the article about what to do with the people standing on the corners looking for work?

You guys don't read... wrote on Apr 6, 2007 1:49 PM:you listen to talking points from both sides, and you simply repeat them. Bilbray has said from the gate, that he has always believed in a guest worker type program for "agricultural workers only." When he ran against Busby she was for the Senate version comprehensive reform which coupled the two programs together. Bilbray has consistantly stated they should be dealt with as separate questions. Go back to his August comments about an agricultural "carve-out."

White??? wrote on Apr 6, 2007 1:55 PM:Why is everyone saying white kids are spoiled...white kids won't work at those places, white kids this, white kids that...Ummmmmm its AMERICAN kids...white, black, asian, hispanic etc....I'm WHITE oh my gawd...and guess what ...I worked fast food, at a carwash, and as a maid. I know I know, don't faint. Ok I have another thing to say that might actually floor you. My AMERICAN friends, white, black, asian etc...guess what...they all worked WITH ME! HOLY COW!!!! And 80% of the kids I went to high school with did the exact same jobs we did! And guess what....my parents were and still are upper class Americans. So get off the topic of White kids. Stop pulling out the race card and saying none of us AMERICAN kids will not do that type of work. Because we all did it, and kids now a days continue to do it. It was fun to work in the fields when we were kids. We worked hard and messed around! I'm so tired of hearing we as AMERICANS will not do that type of work. My husband is black, my grandparents came here LEGALLY from Germany. We all had english as our first language.And they learned english. And proud to do so. My husband and I both paid our way through college while we worked full time. So take your AMERICAN/RACIAL won't do that type of work comments and start talking about something you may know a little about! And here is another thing you can add....since all of a sudden being against illegal law breaking people is considered being racist..... I'm white, not only am I white, I am full German which steriotypically is as white as they come. My husband is black, and about 90% of my friends are asian. And I am against illegals. ANY RACE. So all of you using that race card can put it back into your deck of nonsence. My family struggled here legally with NO assistance, my friends familys came here legally and struggled with no assistance. People here illegally are basically slapping AMERICANS and my LEGAL immigrant friends in the face. Its time we hit back!

To Recall Bilbray wrote on Apr 6, 2007 2:05 PM:Busby is one of those Democrats that calls amnesty something else, but it is Still amnesty that she supports along with 99.9 percent of all Democratic Senators and Congressman. Your candidate lost-get over it!

BurningAtlanta wrote on Apr 6, 2007 2:06 PM:Another typical lying politician. Who did all these jobs before the flood of cheap, illegal, labor? I worked as a construction laborer, carpenter's helper and mowed plenty of lawns. Business wants a steady supply of cheap labor and these traitorous politicians want to keep them happy even if they have to lie like hell to the American people. We have many "guest worker" programs including the H-2A for ag workers, and it doesn't have a cap. Business doesn't like it because it's easier and cheaper to hire illeglas off the corner. Also, "guest" implies they'll leave, but one of the many problems with the Bracero Program was that about half just used it as a menas to get into this country then, "poof" took off. And don't try that "they only take jobs Americans don't want" crap. Plenty of illegals work at all sorts of jobs. just read about one that was whining because, after years of making about $20 an hour driving a truck, the ywere cutting off licenses to illegals. Ahhh, too bad.

Re: American Woman wrote on Apr 6, 2007 2:08 PM:Well don't you just have the answer for everybody! Actually I have published works and am the person others go to edit their works - am fought over by students and parents. . .didn't realize we were writing for the Pulitzer here - just getting thoughts out in a small space - thank you for being an example of what I am talking about - you're like a rabid dog ready to attack everything to keep the control and superiority you think you have - PS which dictionary has 'bout in it??? And I do think I taught your spoiled brat. I was so busy with his need to be the center of attention I couldn't get to the other kids.

HA HA HA HA wrote on Apr 6, 2007 2:10 PM:Thats right senors, senoras y gente. One small step for guest worker thing and one big leap for Mexicanos. Now we got foot in door we gonna take over Alta California y all other southwest. Get all back for Mexicanos what got stole from us way back there. HAHAHAHAHA All you rednecker guys will go all back to dustbowl. You eat turnips and skunk soup again then senors. HAHAHAHA

JIGSAW wrote on Apr 6, 2007 2:12 PM:From what I heard, Bilbray is in favor of work visas without amnesty. I see nothing wrong with that. Work visas already exist, thinking about increasing the number of visas is not amnesty.

Who is that masked woman? wrote on Apr 6, 2007 2:13 PM:I don't know who "American woman" is, but she seems to have a better handle on reality than most of the bloggers. In fact, some bloggers don't make much sense at all!

Bobby wrote on Apr 6, 2007 2:16 PM:Monica, quite simply, it is our own American citizens that have sold you out. They are either on dope, too stupid, or profitting from illegal immigration. Otherwise, no nation of sane citizens would allow their whole country to be sold out. SEND OF FEW BUCKS,EVERY WEEK, TO TEAM TANCREDO, AND YOU WILL SEE A CHANGE ON THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION DEBATE,IT WILL MOVE INTO HIGH GEAR, AS HE FORCES HILLARY, OBAMA, ROMNEY, AND THE REST OF THE CORPORATE BOUGHT OFF CRETONS INTO TALKING ABOUT ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION, AND THUS EXPOSING THEM FOR WHAT THEY ARE.

El Guero wrote on Apr 6, 2007 2:16 PM:To Swizzle Stick: Changing (amending) the Constitution is Congress's job. And we're not talking about eliminating the whole 14th Amendment, just the birthright citizenship provision, which has been obsolete for over 100 years and grossly abused for the past fifty.

Pablo wrote on Apr 6, 2007 2:17 PM:To "you guys don't read", no it's you who doesn't read. The NCT article clearly says Bilbray likes Bush's guest worker proposal but not the legalization. Bush's guest worker proposal is not for "agricultural worker only." Go back to today's article, re-read the article and concentrate on the 12th paragraph.

American woman - ya baby! wrote on Apr 6, 2007 2:23 PM:I think I know you, I recognize the sk--reeeeeeed! The rest of us will need to visit the ear doctor for the ringing in our ears! Man, I hope someday you find out that who you really hate is yourself. And you might try checking your own post for grammar, since you are so into it. You just may be the poster child for whacked white woman. Oh, oh - I be-ter watch what I'm smok-in according to your incisive wit.

San Diego wrote on Apr 6, 2007 2:48 PM:(Think cute white girls in teeny little outfits, flashing lots of skin and orthodontically enhanced perfect white smiles; with pom-poms) Give us an R; give us an A; give us a C; give us an I; give us an S; give us a T; what's that spell? SAN DIEGO! Yeah racists!!!

Thank goodness for "Common Sense" wrote on Apr 6, 2007 2:51 PM:Finally, a writer with a truly balanced perspective. Folks, as "Common Sense" points out, this is a complicated issue with tons of gray area...there is NO silver bullet for the immigration problem. We need a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach to solve this issue, because it didn't get this bad overnight, and it can't be solved that quickly either. In my opinion, we need: 1. a truly secure border, with a giant fence if necessary 2. Harsh penalties for employers hiring illegals 3. A fair guest worker program. If fewer illegal workers means higher prices (read: 3 times higher or more) for lettuce, then so be it. Growers will have to pay what it takes to get enough labor. That's what a free market is all about, right Republicans? This is going to take time and a lot of effort to correct, so let's start working together for a change.

To masked woman wrote on Apr 6, 2007 2:57 PM:American woman writing to herself to make herself look better - now that's rich! By the way, this is not a blog and we are not blogging here. It's called posting. Bloggers would truly be offended by such superficial content.

Bren wrote on Apr 6, 2007 2:58 PM:Illegals out---no amnesty/guest worker program---no rewards for the law breakers----while those millions who have tried to come into our country through the legal, proper process are sent to the back of the line. If the illegals have children born here, they have every right to take them with them---nobody is trying to keep them from their children. Or, they can leave them with LEGAL family and/or friends. Bilbray is a backstabber if he tries to push any form of amnesty/guest worker program through. The MAJORITY in this country do NOT want it. The 14th Amendment needs revised ASAP---no more automatic citizenship/anchor babies. This is OUR country----no more sympathy, support, or giving in to the wants and DEMANDS of the illegals and their supporters. ICE PLLLLEEEEAAAASSSEEEEE increase the arrests and deportations so that we can have our country back!!!!!

Surf Sandals wrote on Apr 6, 2007 3:17 PM:...also known as flip flops.

ruby wrote on Apr 6, 2007 3:18 PM:We don't need that many fruit picker's here. Enough are here already. Tell Bilbray no more illegal's or perks. No guest worker program's either. Get out of office and move to Mexico. American's are tired of lame politician's. Who try to cater to the law breaker's. He needs to live and work in the real community. See what really goes on. In these community's filled with illegal's.

James wrote on Apr 6, 2007 3:19 PM:It sad to say, but 90% of you on here are straight racist. You hide your prejudice with bad logic and vague notions of national identity. You all are not real Americans, real Americans are not hateful. It is no longer in vogue to admit one's racism so you all post comments sounding like concerned Americans...what a lame joke.

ceasar Chavez wrote on Apr 6, 2007 3:27 PM:JOB ONE: Enforce EMPLOYER SANCTIONS & CLOSE the BORDER. Call me in 25 YEARS to discuss your brasero program.

Bren wrote on Apr 6, 2007 3:28 PM:HR 133 Will Eliminate Birthright Citizenship!...... Virtually every other nation requires that at least one parent be a citizen or permanent resident for a child to automatically become a citizen. The Citizenship Reform Act of 2007 introduced by Elton Gallegly (R-CA) would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate birthright citizenship.......... HR 133 would remove incentives for foreigners to enter the United States illegally and would bring fairness to federal immigration laws. Our current policy results in over 300,000 additional citizens from anchor babies per year. The demographic impact is far greater because their families stay and bring in additional relatives. Moreover, taxpayers pick up the tab for the medical costs and subsequent welfare outlays because of the child's citizenship status........To learn more.........

Back to White wrote on Apr 6, 2007 3:40 PM:Ahhh. . . no one goes off like that honey, unless some nerve has been touched. Let me get this - you are white, upper class - and it just happened all on its own; having nothing to do with the fact that your parents were white when they got here! Being married to a black man doesn't exclude you from your own PARTICULAR bias!

Blogger to April 06,2:57PM wrote on Apr 6, 2007 4:02 PM:Now there's someone with all the answers to serious problems. Yeah, right. Trys to point out the difference between bloggers and posters. Tell it to the NCT. For a little help, go to the home page, opinion, blogs.

Concerned-1 wrote on Apr 6, 2007 4:19 PM:To American Woman...what? My implication was that times have changed and because of the recent history of fast food, our teens probably would not take those jobs. Actually, I quite agree with many of your posts, although you are a little myopic about the North American Trade thing. Anyway, ease up on the school nanny stuff and read for content.

Native daughter wrote on Apr 6, 2007 5:05 PM:I think I can solve some of this. I am a native American. I am a native Californian. I am a native San Diegan - so the rest of you are all "immigrants" to me - all aliens - all squatters. Kansas is waiting for you. There are no illegals there. Go be happy. Be surrounded with clones of yourselves. Emancipate Kansas - make up your own constitution and laws. I am making a new law for living here. You have to have an IQ over 120. You must know that all of life is lived in the shades of gray. You must know that only two year olds and 14 year olds think the world is black and white; good & evil; legal or illegal.

Concerned-1 wrote on Apr 6, 2007 5:08 PM:Back to the point: Bilbray is on target with his approach. As much as I'd like to see us get on with no guest worker program, others won't agree. This is called compromise folks, and a major part of politics and legislation. I definitely settle for a guest worker program with no families and no amnesty. Of course, an ammendment to the 14th Ammendment would also go a long way in solving our issues here.

Native daughter wrote on Apr 6, 2007 5:40 PM:stick to your reservation and your casino. We'll call you when we need you.

Concerned-1 wrote on Apr 6, 2007 5:44 PM:RE: Native Daughter. Gee, wouldn't it be nice if we could turn back the clock to the 15th Century. Then things might be different for you here in California. Actually, they might be a lot different, dear. Think about it.

I'm amazed too wrote on Apr 6, 2007 5:52 PM:when I you got the Mexicans thinking that this their land and the Indians thinking that this is their land. In case you haven't noticed both of you lost the land. There are no European immigrants here. There are only European victors. You should get down on your knees and praise us for taking over this land and turning it into the economic power house it is now. If not you would still be living in teepee's, squaller, poverty, and under the corrupt governments we see south of the border today. You didn't build anything around here. You were simply the cheap labor force we used to do our dirty work. Indians weren't even useful for that. Just like today. So get on back to work and we'll let you know what your rights are. If we think of any.

To HA HA HA HA wrote on Apr 6, 2007 5:58 PM:Learn how to talk and spell man!

WOW! wrote on Apr 6, 2007 6:03 PM:Native daughter is me and I'm white, as white as you can get: WASP white, - a white native American; born in America - get it? Think about it dear. And thanks for the casino idea, but I don't gamble, or drink - and the reservation - I guess it's not just Mexicans, San Diegans hate. How quickly you step up to the hate plate. It is startling and nothing much surprises me anymore. Amazing!

To "To HA HA HA HA" wrote on Apr 6, 2007 6:19 PM:He's not mentally capable due to reasons that are obvious.

He'Not mentally capable?? wrote on Apr 6, 2007 7:08 PM:Ha Ha is playing you! Playing right into your pathetic stereotypes!

He'To Not mentally capable?? wrote on Apr 6, 2007 7:51 PM:Sure thing...whatever you say.

Wow wrote on Apr 6, 2007 7:55 PM:You people are just lovely. I feel like throwing up.

Scared wrote on Apr 6, 2007 7:57 PM:Um, if you people are an example of evolved human beings, we are in big fat trouble.

Support Our Oops wrote on Apr 6, 2007 8:56 PM:All you minutemen types elected this opportunistic Bilbray one-issue clown, so you have no one but yourselves to blame for his turning his back on you like this. Live with it. Oh, and thanks a bunch.

Ugliness rears it head wrote on Apr 6, 2007 9:36 PM:It appears several of you confused native daughter to mean an "Indian" - let's take a tally: she was told to go back to her reservation, get on her knees, live in squaller and beg for her rights. You all said this board was not about racism - it was about illegals. When the "monster" appears it's really scary - but better to see it than have it in hiding. It's not just racism. It's European victors!! That's called white supremacy. There are not words despicable enough to describe a person who says what "I'm amazed too" said to native daughter. The fact that he/she was totally confused about native daughters ethnicity makes it all the more more disgusting.

Native USAmerican wrote on Apr 6, 2007 11:20 PM:An illegal alien is not an immigrant. An illegal alien is a foreign national and not "subject to the jurisdiction thereof". Ambassadors and other