How can it be constitutional? He is picking and chosing what laws are followed, enforced and on who. American citizens dont get that same choice.

We live in CO. Our legislature has 6 times defeated in state tuition for illegals. One of our colleges decided to do it through their board of trustees 2 weeks ago starting this fall. That means each illegal saves $4534 per semester if its allowed to stand though the AG is now reviewing it as CO has in its constitution; no state benefits to illegals. Thank God he is an R so it should be ruled unconstitutional.

There are some issues which really should be handled through legislation and not through executive orders.

JM - it would be a good idea if it weren't so obviously a power grab for votes. Why do you think he won't go through congress? The rule of law has meant nothing to this president. There's a place for executive orders (time of war maybe?), but he has a thing for abusing power. We do need a good comprehensive overhaul of immigration policy, but it needs to go through proper channels.
Immigration reform is a long overdue thing to be looked at. If Rubio becomes Romney's VP, he has many good ideas and personal experience to draw from.
Right now, anything we do should be viewed through the eyes of how it will affect our economy, not how it will bolster the voting rolls.

Pure and simple pandering............

Republican President Ronald Reagan gave 3 million Hispanics citizenship in 1982. I suppose a Democratic presdient can do something far less 30 years later with Republicans goinjg crazy. Uhm, maybe Republicans just say NO, because Obama is not a Republican? Why didn't the current complainers ...complain when Presdient Reagan went much further for the undocumented in 1982?

I'm perfectly in agreement that this is something that needed to be done - just didn't like the method - don't care if a Republican or Democrat did it. My opinion - it should be overturned and done the right way, as soon as possible. I just fear that if we give a president, any president, too much power we run the risk of heading toward a dictatorship. For one man (or woman) to decide to change the law based on their own personal vision is a problem. The correct way is by negotiation through Congress for something to be acceptable to the majority of the country. That is what we elect congressmen for - we don't need them otherwise. We could get by with just a president.

U talk about illegal immigrants coming here,and taking us citizens job,how about white folks standing on the corner begging for money,because they wanna b crack heads,and lazy to work.while illegal ppl Wanadoo work for a better life,and we as illegal ppl work hard for our future and kids.

This is an issue about which most people have made up their minds years ago. Nothing, no one, will change things for them.

It intrigues me that most of the push back against President Obama's very narrow proposal to grant temporary, two year visas (not citizenship) to undocumented students is but a ti y spec when placed against Republican President Ronald Reagan's TOTAL amnesty for 3 million Hispanic adults and children in 1982, uhm, his name is shouted from the highest rafters when Republicans run for office, siding LNG side memories of him as the perfect example of Republican polices....but Virtually ALL current Republicans run for the hills at the mere mention of Reagan's great act of compassion to hard working Hispanics who process chickens, harvest and plan crops across the US, clean restaurants, roof houses in August heat, mow countless yards. Maybe it isn't about faulty memory of the Republicans greatest 20 th century, perhaps ut is about ones culture and skin color? After all, my state was the leader of Jim Crow laws in the 1950s, and once again leads the way in excluding promising young minds. Maybe it is about skin color?
Dr. Stafford

"We do need a good comprehensive overhaul of immigration policy, but it needs to go through proper channels. Immigration reform is a long overdue thing to be looked at."

I agree with Tammy. This issue HAS to be addressed. It has been a point of contention for too long.

I am so tired of politicians not addressing real problems in America — a defense of marriage act? Really? How about we punish ADULTERERS with a prison sentence. THAT is a real defense of marriage and might get some of those idiots out of D.C. — and I'm more than annoyed by the divide between Republicans and Democrats. What I think is important is that we are AMERICANS.

I want to see my elected officials WORK. Oh, look, there's a problem/issue/situation in our country, state, city? Assess the situation objectively, call in experts, learn what might work and what probably won't, then set aside this stupid Republican/Democrat divide and vote your conscience, not your party line. Oh, wait. THAT might be the problem. Too many politicians don't appear to have consciences.

Stepping off my soapbox now and getting back to the issue of illegal immigration — the government needs to DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS. END OF STORY. Now can we please get on with it?

President Obama's act of compassion for students is NOT ab11tg hour political trick. He was upfront about it three years ago during his I agural address, and has attempted to get Athens Dream Wct passed in Congrss. It DID pass the ahi use and got 55 votes in the Senate, five short to stop a ate publican filibuster (60 votes required).
My question about this...what would Jesus say about extending a hand to people who provide so many service jobs for the rest of us?
Uhm, funny how quickly Christian. Principles vanish from the lips of the Christian far right when things like immigration, capital punishment, and forgiveness is brought up for a vote.
Oh ajesus would. E pissed at these pseudo -Christians.

I heard one of the leaders of the illegals say that this was the Moral thing to do, First look up Moral and tell me that Moral and illegal can go hand in hand. If these parents brought them, it was their choice and their responsability in doing so, let them go back and come here legally. We can count their time and perhaps welcome them in the country sooner, but they still need to go back and come here legally. We have enough problems with legal Americans getting jobs and the illegals have taken many jobs like construction that many of hardworking Americans were doing for years. Like it or not illegal means against the law and the President is not representing the Constitution and the laws that it contains.

By the way Jesus would say that we are to obey man's law, that's Bible. Look it up.

Interesting comments.
This president swore to uphold the Constitution. He publicly announces that he will pick and choose what he will and will not uphold.
Clearly unconstitutional pandering.

What does the legal process for citizenship entail? If we knew the details, we wouldn't be so quick to decide whether children who are brought here by their families are allowed to go to school, earn degrees and contribute to our society rather than hurt it. It sickens me that a country built on immigrants turns their backs on those seeking opportunity. Our ancestors left their birth countries, the countries they love, to seek safety and tolerance. Stop casting stones. In God we Trust.

First those who came here sought citizenship. Most of those here illegally do not and continue to raise the Mexican flag and go back and forth to Mexico. I have friends that are illegal and they return to Mexico to get medicine and dental care because it is cheaper, at least that is what they are telling me. I have one family I know that only came here to make enough to buy a house in Mexico, they have three children and get peachcare, which our tax money pays for. Casting stones, no, because my ancestors came here and became Americans and Mr. Z if you check out what God says he says we are to obey man's law so don't use the in God we trust when we are talking about breaking the law. I am sorry for those who came with their parents, however we all make decisions for our children when they are young we are responsible as parents for our decisions. Now when you give an American a job who is out of work and legal that is the right thing to do. Otherwise no one illegal deserves a break when they are breaking the law and taking from those who have worked their entire lives. To do other than that is discrimination against those who are here legally. If you wanted to be a citizen seems to me you certainly would not send your money back to your country, if you really wanted to be here. We are being used and many Americans are being killed by these less than thirty year olds, this will make the gang problem worse. It is also not a racial issue, although some want it to be.

Please enough twisting of the Bible quotes....

Where are all those screaming for separation of Church and State when you need them!!!

The verse you refer to means they are to be treated like natives, SUBJECT to the SAME laws and that is ALL that has been requested, the SAME standing under the laws NOT a preferred class. This isn't racist either, but basic common sense.

Mr Z, this is why we now have the new testament, we know longer live under the law in the old testament, but by grace in the new testament. If Obama really read his Bible he would know giving his blessing on same sex marriage was against what God teaches in the new testament.

By the way my friends do know how I feel, and the only reason she has not gone back, is her visa expired and instead of the three years she was suppose to be here it has now been twelve, now she is stuck here. However her only reason for being here was to make enough money to move back to Mexico and buy a house. Just because I feel the law should be followed as to our constitution does not keep me from having friends of any culture.

Just quoting the book that was used as a resource to help create this country. I didn't know the Old Testament was made invalid by the New one, thanks for that bit of knowledge. I guess can't teach old dogs new tricks.

First of all, the President hasn't granted immunity to anyone and the there is no executive order here. This is simply a matter of prioritizing resources when it comes to deportation based on American values of fairness and justice. Woodall is the one grandstanding and playing politics. The Dream Act had wide bi-partisan support before Obama was elected. Perhaps you should actually listen to what the President said:

"Now, let’s be clear. This is not amnesty. This is not immunity. This is not a path to citizenship. It’s not a permanent fix. This is a temporary, stopgap measure that lets us focus our resources wisely while giving a degree of relief and hope to talented, driven, patriotic young people. It is the — it is the right thing to do."

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/16/us/transcript-of-obamas-speech-on-immigration-policy.html?pagewanted=all

http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/20120612-napolitano-announces-deferred-action-process-for-young-people.shtm

This is one of those issues that truly has me perplexed without a solid suggestion for a solution. I am a Christian. I am a liberal. I believe in sharing and affording others the same opportunities afforded our ancestors. Still, I am unable to get jobs in the local school district that require complete bilingual fluency - jobs that are funded by state and local taxpayer dollars. I borrowed money from the federal government to get a college education, and have great difficulty finding work. I have always worked to support my family and am almost finished with a graduate degree, but will face the tough economy when it is time to find work in my field next year. I cannot imagine how it must be for those who are less educated, have more children, and a more narrow skill set, facing this economy. I know that those who argue for deporting all illegals have valid points. Still, illegals support a lot of corporations who don't pay a dime in tax dollars. Illegals shop at Wal-mart, buy gas, and other goods and services and yet the corporations who reap the profits get by without tax liability like the rest of us. It seems that the finger should be looking at the big sharks instead of the minnows.

Athens Mama, I agree with much of what you say here. I have known companies, some personally, who have had to close because by staying within the law and only employing legal workers, they cannot compete with those companies who don't. However, those who don't claim compassion for the people who "need a job and are here anyway." I feel that compassion too. It appears that those who should know what to do to fix the problem either don't know - or don't want to.

Again Brian we are to follow man's law and the constitution says the federal govt is suppose to uphold the laws of the land, instead they have done little to combat this issue. This is why the states took it on. The illegla immigration problems has cost the taxpayers entirely too much. While we struggle as a middle class, they send money home. They burden our hospitals, our police, and our schools. They indeed take away jobs for those who are here LEGALLY. I do not have an issue with anyone who comes here legally, however many people have been victims of crimes near the border from those crossing illegally. We are the land of the free, however with freedom comes responsibility. I for one would not get in a car and drive illegally, however they have no problem doing so. That is also breaking the law. So many things that follow the first steps across the border, have other illegal things to follow. Not paying income tax, is another. So right away they break three laws without thinking anything about it. Does this need to be fixed of course, but with the President constantly using his authority to bend the rules it just complicates the issues more. Congress should be making these decisions, and if not congress than a vote by the American people.

Here's my thing on this, and what it boils down to. Has to do with the word: "illegal." It's really not a tough concept. They're not undocumented, they're here illegally. Neither this president nor any one before him has the right to decide what laws to ignore or not to ignore. I find out immigration system to be a mess, and agree that it needs to be overhauled, but ignoring the parts that make us uncomfortable, or just deciding not to enforce the laws that we have is a ridiculous way to go about it.

Amnesty is not the answer either - why in the world would we want to reward people for breaking the law? And that's what it all boils down to - the people that are here illegally are criminals. If it were up to me, I would completely overhaul the system and make it so it would be easy to come here, just make sure you sign the log when you cross. And get out now, because if you're caught here being illegal, you will never get the chance to become an American, or even to get a work visa. You have 1 month to get out and come back in the right way, time starts now.

I agree we need to make this an easier process. God knows pretty much none of us would be here if the immigration laws were the same then as they are now. But do it the right way, send it through Congress and change laws the way they were meant to be changed. And let's not reward criminals. It just makes no sense.....

Well that is his take and Janet's, ask any border patrol person and the poor ranchers and property owners along the border and they will differ with the President. He along with the rest of his appointees are in the crapper with socialist and communist. Right after his election I started looking up for myself bio's on his appointees. Most are members or connected with the socialist party. They were listed in books and stories by the parties. This is a man who had NO experience and hardly worked a day in his life. He bragged about blowing coke and the alst two years of high school being high and a fog. If your boss knew this about you, would you get the job? Again NO work related experience and he is running the country? What has he done Brian? Because if you ask most people we are not better off than four years ago. Even the black race have been unfriended by him, they got nothing he promised them including jobs. He fails to uphold the constitution, yet promised to uphold it. Come on Brian tell us what he has done?

Last two years (correction)

Karsten... if the laws then were like they are now, the rest of the world would have joined us here a long time ago! :-)

It shouldn't be easy to become a citizen. You must have the desire and determination to share in our freedom in this country and the easier you make it, the less valuable it becomes.

Oh and as far as reaching across the aisle, the first year in office Mr.Transperncy met behind closed doors with the Dems. Many republicans called and sent letter after letter to a President who failed to answer them. Maybe you should check out their interviews that first year. I am sure MSNBC and CNN did not cover it. However many repubs are totally ignored by this President over and over. Kinda hard to agree or come to a conclusion when the head doesn't talk to the neck.

Brian:

You seem to be forgetting reality. The Dream Act failed due to several D Senators refusing to go along with the rest of the party. One of them was Jon Tester of MT who knows better and he is from a red state and the lady Senator from LA who feared if she voted for it she wouldnt get re-elected.

Being anti illegal immigration draws all people from all parties as it effects most of us so please dont act like its all the Republicans stopping reform from happening.

This is also year 5 of a hard recession and jobs are not being created fast enough yet we have enough to give illegals and also legal immigrants before we take care of our own citizens and the legal immigrants we already allowed in? 2 million per year; 50 % of them have work visas coming in; the other 50 % are chain migration people and they mostly will want to work too. The American people are not stupid and both parties are to blame for nothing getting done.

As for making money off of private prisons due to them; we are all for shipping them home to spend their prision time there providing we are assured from their own country they will spend all the time given to them in prision. (That way too the American people arent paying the bills for them)

Brian: There was a story on NPR about the parishes in LA taking advantage of the numbers of illegals who are jailed there; to fill up their own jails; pay for the costs to run their own jails; upgrade their equipment, unifomrs, etc so its not just private prisons profiting from illegals.

Frankly though they committed their crimes here; it would be nice to have a way to ship them back and make their own countries pay to feed and house them while they serve their time.

This country gives citizenship papers like its candy to just about anyone.

1. Born here as long as parents are not diplomats. (they could be here on a temporary visa including a tourist, student, etc.)

2. 5 years of working here on a work permit visas.

and if you are a relative of a ciitzen; you get in through chain migration eventually. If you are a spouse; you could be working straightaway though you are not given a green card straightaway; you just work illegally until you get it.

No other country is as generous and you wonder why the citizens are mad about this? There are at least 2 terrorists that were born here due to this though they are not living here now; they hold US citizenship. Its very hard to lose it too; you have to renounce it and pay a fee.

I bet many of you do not know that the members of the Republican party set out to ruin Pres. Obama on the night of his inauguration. The party of NO were privately meeting and were determined to kill any measures that were put forth before Congress with a no vote. This lead to executive orders, recess appointments and the like.

Here's a good read from NPR on how the private prison industry is driving anti-immigrant legislation:

http://www.npr.org/2010/10/28/130833741/prison-economics-help-drive-ariz-immigration-law

Immigrating to the U.S. is not easy - I can certainly attest to that. However, it is what it is - like becoming a surgeon. If it was easy, we'd all do it. That being said, it has many flaws and needs to be corrected. But the U.S. is not the only country with immigration laws. Many years ago when I still lived in South AFrica, I had a friend who had to return to the UK from SA because of immigration laws. Her husband was an auto mechanic and when the economy tanked, putting a whole lot of auto workers back out on the streets, they had to leave because their visa had been based on his employment with the auto industry. We were upset, had become friends over the 3 years they had lived in SA, but they were told there are fewer jobs and it is the birthright of citizens of SA to have the ones that were available. They returned and were able to make it permanent a few years later when the economy picked up.

Brian, that doesn't mean we want illegal people in this country!!! How hard is that to understand??? THEY ARE ILLEGAL. We lock up illegal people. We have a justice system to deal with illegal people.

Why do you insist that coming here illegally is OK with us because it's not?

@ JM Fay- re: your response to me. We agree more than you think. Immigration reform would START with sealing of the borders. As far as Romney being better or not- Romney showed in his state that he was willingto do the will of his people. He is under a lot of pressure to prove justthat if he becomes the next president. I promise you, the republicans will hold him accountable. That's what the TEA party was about. Regardless of what people thought it was about, the first thing they did was fire REPUBLICANS not doing their jobs. So, he is definately the better of the two. Otherwise, we have a sure thing of going down an unrecoverable socilist landslide. Sure, we have the 3 divisions of power, but Pelosi and Reid showed that they could do whatever they wanted unncontested by their own, so it is possible.

Also, I never understood the premise that illegals do the work Americans don't want to do. I think that's a democrat talking point if I ever heard one. My son had a hard time getting a job in construction because of the people who would work cheaper. On that note - we have laws that keep us from working children (aka slave labor), and a minimum wage, yet we seem to think it's ok to hire people that'll work for $4 an hour. Talk about USING people!
Call me strange, but I don't think it right that a person can steal a social security number and no one has a problem with it. What about crime? Someone kills your loved one and hey! We can't find them or trace them because they aren't on our roll books. I could go on and on. I love the idea of what our country was founded on, we're a beautiful melting pot! So, all the more reason not to put people in the position of having to hide and work for low wages. let's respect freedom loving people and fix our system so that they can come in and enjoy the true fruits of their labor. The bible tells us in the epistles to obey the laws of our land (and in that obeying God), so given the premise of our founding, we should receive people with open arms, but start by teaching them to respect the law so that they themselves can become law abiding productive citizens.

Brain, I think our conversation here shows that we're almost at a consensus as to what should be done, just not how it was done. One man (or woman's) choice is not the way to go. This one might work for you, but what if it was something you and the majority of the country was against. We don't know who might hold the office in the future and what they might think it is OK to impose. The system was set up to prevent that. Do it, but do it the right way.

What happens when the 800,000 people who are now going to stay (and all within the childbearing years) have 3 kids each? Are we going to foot that bill like we do now? And then we'll say "oh, let's grant them amnesty now since their kids were born here."

It never ends.