Poll results: Send illegal aliens back

http://www.baxterbulletin.com/apps/pbcs ... 14/OPINION

Most Baxter Bulletin Online Poll respondents think all illegal aliens should be deported. A smaller percentage think they should be able to apply for citizenship, but only after first returning to their native countries.

Immigration has been a hot-button issue among Americans, although it appears to have been put on the back burner in Washington. Various alternatives have been suggested, from sealing American borders to granting amnesty to those already in the country. None have been acceptable to all.

Tuesday, thousands of people took part in demonstrations across the country asking for immigration reform and a way 12 million people in the country illegally could become American citizens. That prompted the Online Poll question:

# Which, if any, of these alternatives for addressing illegal immigration would be more acceptable to you?

— Deport all illegal aliens

— Give illegal aliens amnesty

— Allow illegals to apply for citizenship if they first return home

— An immigration moratorium until the issue is resolved

There were 425 responses. Of those, 275, 64.7 percent, said all illegals should be deported. Eighty-eight respondents, or 20.9 percent, thought it would be acceptable to allow illegal aliens to apply for American citizenship if they would first return home.

There were 48 respondents, 11.3 percent, who favored granting amnesty to the illegal aliens. Only 14, 3.1 percent, indicated they favor a moratorium on immigration until the issue is resolved.

This is not a scientific poll. It is an opportunity for you to indicate your opinions and comment on the issues.

Here are some of the comments that were received:

# "This is a very clear issue. You are either in the United States legally, or you aren't. If you are here illegally, obviously you have no right to be here and should be deported."

# "At the big rally they had the other day, a comment was made that they are hard working people and not criminals. We Americans are hard working also, and some of us are in prison for breaking the law so why don't they understand about being an illegal alien?"

# "What would be wrong with these folks obeying the law and applying for a green card?"

# "I feel the first step is to secure the border. Build the fence with many contractors working on three-mile sections and finish it in a few months. Then look at what to do about the illegal immigrants currently in this country."

# "Unfortunately, we have let this situation get way out of control, and there will be no answer that will meet with the agreement of everyone."

# "Deport illegals. My ancestors had to enter this country legally and became legitimate citizens of the United States of America. They learned English, (though spoken with their distinctive accent); established homes; worked hard; made sure that their children took education seriously; served in the armed forces; and never got a government handout."

# "Mexico has a serious problem, and that's what needs to be addressed. A good Mexican economy results in little or no illegals coming here. Sound harsh? See what happens to you if you sneak into Mexico."

# "The reason most of them are here is better employment and higher wages. If we cut that off, plus cut off free services, there will be no magnet to attract them anymore."

# "First, the Bush administration must enforce the law concerning employers' responsibility to document the status of employees from outside the U.S. Then it must fully fund the Border Patrol to secure the borders. Anyone who has seen the poverty in Mexico will understand they will continue to come here illegally until the employers follow the law. Until the law is enforced, the problem will continue, and the questions are irrelevant."

Thanks to everyone who participated in The Bulletin's Online Poll and for your comments. We encourage readers to take part and express themselves on the issues raised in the polls.

If you'd like to submit a letter to the editor expressing your opinions on these issues (or others), feel free to do so.

You also are encouraged to take part in the StoryChat forums at our online edition, www.baxterbulletin.com. You can discuss the stories, editorials and other subjects and take part in community-wide conversations.