George,

Obviously these people are coming here either to join family or to make enough money to support their familes back home. Thus, what they need are better job possibilies back home. I don't think a hugh wall will stop the flow; but it will make the journey into the US even more hazardous. Instead of spending billions for the wall, why not use the money to help set up some kind of infrastructure/job possibilites back home. I realize that is easier said than done. I would have Americans hand out the money and help with the development of their areas (to better prevent graft and corruption).

A temporary work visa would be necessary so as to control who comes in and screen out, if possible, drug pushers, and these temporary workers could be fingerprinted and photographed. We need to address the problem of low minimum wages in the US versus the obscene salaries/bonuses of CEO's/officers of companies. Why isn't there exposure of the low wages & terrible working conditions of migrant workers, especially those in agriculture & meat processing plants?

It is hypocritical of the religious right, who wear their religion on their sleeves, to be for severe punitive actions (including making felons out of those who try to help these people out of humanitarian concern). These people are not terrorists. They may be an economic burden to many communities, but in the long run I think the US benefits. Many of them are hungry for better education and become constructive members of society. Jesus said, what you do unto the least of your brethren, so do you unto me. Guess the radical religious right are oblivious to that!

- Sallie Kate Park (electronic mail, April 10, 2006)