Hello All...I just received this from a contact of mine:


KNSD-TV - San Diego [POLL ON PAGE]

Bill Would Make It Crime To Live In U.S. Illegally

POSTED: 4:49 pm PST December 14, 2005
UPDATED: 7:19 pm PST December 14, 2005

SAN DIEGO -- One of the toughest border security bills in a decade is expected to clear the U.S. House of Representatives by the end of the week, bringing the controversial bill one step closer to becoming law.


Currently, immigrants in the U.S. without a visa or green card are breaking civil law and often left alone if they make it past the border. The proposed new legislation would make it a violation of criminal law -- making it a federal crime to live in the United States illegally -- that is enforceable anywhere and at any time.

The security bill is setting off a heated debate

"There's always going to be an opening," a man at the U.S.-Mexico border told NBC 7/39.

Former U.S. Attorney Pete Nunez said that he has been asking for a bill strengthening immigration laws for almost two decades.

"It should serve as an incentive for some illegal aliens to depart because they now can be prosecuted," said Nunez. "Prosecuted easily."

The new law would effectively turn an estimated 10 million illegal immigrants in this country into felons, preventing them from ever being in this country legally because felons can't apply for citizenship.

"This measure is a very shortsighted measure," said immigrant-rights advocate Pedro Rios.

Rios told NBC 7/39 that the bill doesn't take into account the impact a mass exodus of illegal immigrants would have.

"I think it's a measure that would have disastrous affects to not only the state's economy, but also to the country's economy, because it's doesn't contemplate how migrants contribute economically, culturally and politically," said Rios.

Those factors include the low wages paid to illegal immigrants who do the back-breaking working that fuels the agricultural industry, as well as the workers employed in housekeeping jobs in hotels and homes.

Rios also said that logistically, the proposed law could not be enforced by the United States' already-overwhelmed system that is processing illegal immigrants. Rios questioned if the bill would really deter those who are desperate for a better life.

"It's worth it for the people with a yearning in their hearts," said Rios.

http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/5538302/detail.html


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