The immigration debate is beginning to get on my nerves. I mean really, it is. Over the past few days the Mexicans have been marching in this country, having rallies, stopping traffic and causing a wee bit of havoc to be managed by the police. There are some issues that aren't being addressed here. This is how I see it.

• The illegal immigrants don't deserve any rights in this county beyond decency and international law. They are here illegally. I invite you to take a gander at what happens to people who are in Mexico illegally. 
• A large problem for Mexicans is literacy. A lot of Mexicans cant even read and write Spanish let alone English. Unfortunately (for them) to come to this country legally (and to get into Mexico for that matter) requires literacy to fill out forms and deal with bureaucracies. Houston (or in this case Laredo) we have a problem
• If they want to be in the United States so bad, why not wave the American flag, instead of the Mexican flag while screwing up traffic. They might even get a little sympathy.
• They are putting a strain on everything from our socialized (government provided) health care to the prison system. Unfortunately they money spent on them is not being repaid in taxes. A lot of them are being paid in cash.
• Mexicans aren't the only people affected by this bill. They are simply the largest group. Ireland and China (which come to mind, but there are many others) are doing the same thing. They however because of distance, use safer more reliable means of transportation. Demographically they are better educated and, use literacy as a tool (by filling out forms) to get here by obtaining tourist visa's and never leaving.

Its time for this mess to stop. Its time for tough legislation to stop the flow of illegal immigrants into this country. Its also time for the Republican Party to stop pandering to them, mining them for votes in close elections.

The solution is simple:      

First, the easy part:

• Start jailing and sending back the illegal immigrants regardless of where they come from.
• Mechanize the policing of the borders with drones, radar, cameras and other security technologies.
• Build a wall to discourage illegal immigration where necessary.
• Use the army bases near the Mexican and Canadian borders as a source of personnel and equipment until INS can be properly staffed.

Now comes the hard part:

• Restore, modernize and re-open Ellis Island and start living up to the slogan sign that welcomes people to this country. If you are yearning to be free, this (the United States) is the place to do it.
• Start up the mass-processing of people, get them documented and get them to work. We as a country should welcome all who come here to be productive. I personally embrace them. But lets do it right.

In reality the vast majority of Mexicans and others here have come to work and provide for their families, risking their lives to do so. For that, these people have my respect. If only other minorities in this country would consider risking their lives to get a job instead of Spreewells.. I wonder what life would be like for them if they did?

Now there is something else to think about.