[Texasforever]

Our message needs to be: Close the borders first, then we can talk about the other stuff.

That is far easier said than done. Troops are not the answe because they cannot be stationed forever on the border. They could have a short term effect but nothing lasting. I guess a honking big wall would help but I have a real problem living in a walled in country. The only thing I can think to do is strip away all non-work related incentives to come here. Welfare, anchor babies etc.

[Oliver Optic]

Good thoughts ... troops might be a good stopgap, but probably not a long term solution ... I don't share your aversion to a fence, though I understand it.

Maybe the complications you mention are the reason the Beltway folks think we need a "comprehensive" solution.

I still think it will simplify the debate if we can focus on one half the problem at a time.

[mthom]

The problem is that mexico and its citizens have severely abused their unsecured border privileges and will continue to do so unless we do something to stop them. Seal the border or make it legal for any mexican to come at any time. Do one of those two things or illegal immigration will continue.