Dallas News

What Nerve


08:52 AM CDT on Wednesday, September 5, 2007

Ask Rep. Jeb Hensarling what's on his Texas constituents' minds these days, and he'll respond without hesitation: "Illegal immigration, illegal immigration, illegal immigration."

It's a hot-button issue that is testing Americans' patience like no other, which is why we were shocked when Mexican President Felipe Calderón used a speech to harshly criticize U.S. treatment of illegal immigrants.

He issued "an energetic protest against the unilateral measures taken by the Congress and the U.S. government that exacerbate the persecution and vexing treatment against undocumented Mexican workers."

He lamented the "insensitivity shown toward those who have contributed to the U.S. economy" and asserted that "Mexico does not stop at its border. ... Wherever there is a Mexican, there is Mexico."

This newspaper's approach toward illegal immigration favors a balance between humanitarian compassion and respect for law and order.

American compassion already includes free public education for the children of the estimated 12 million illegal immigrants residing here. Apparently, that's not enough.

What we find so galling about Mr. Calderón's remarks is his apparent disregard for the enormous political and demographic impact that illegal immigration is exacting on America.

Instead of urging his people unequivocally to respect the law and sovereign borders of the United States, Mr. Calderón has suggested that the border is a trivial matter. Moreover, he asserts that the United States should not enforce its own law, reinforce its border or send illegal immigrants home without first winning Mexico's consent.

Mr. Calderón clearly was playing to his audience. But he must remember that we also are his audience. In this country, the immigration debate is exactly about where Mexico ends (which is at the border, Mr. President). The debate is exactly about the application of U.S. law and the fundamental requirement that all who work and live within these borders respect that law.

Mexico's failure to help stem the flow of illegal migrants leaves America no choice but to take unilateral action. And if Mr. Calderón persists in using the ill-considered language he used Sunday, he can rest assured that our future action will be even less to Mexico's liking.

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Only one thing wrong with this writer's assessment. Mr. Calderon knows that the Bush administration and the Clinton's want open borders. Not to mention a North American Union. So, to think they are coming to our rescue is naive. What's more, few people in our government have any respect for our constitution or what the American public wants. It's time for a radical overhaul in Washington. But, that won't be with the current front runners.

Finally, why should Mexico or any other country "respect the law and sovereign borders of the United States," when our own government does not? Their unwillingness to secure the border, rid out streets of illegals, protect American jobs or families ... speaks volumes about their intentions.