LITTLE ROCK — A bill that would have made it illegal for a person to knowingly harbor or transport an illegal immigrant was voted down 2-5 Monday in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

House Bill 2779 sponsor Rep. Jon Woods, R-Springdale, thanked Judiciary Committee chairman Ed Wilkinson, D-Greenwood, for agreeing to hold the last-minute special meeting of the Judiciary Committee at the request of him and Senate sponsor Sen. Bill Pritchard, R-Elkins.

"This bill would make it a crime to commit an overt act to shelter someone. Opening a door to let someone in who needs help is an overt act," said Sen. Jim Luker, D-Wynne, who voted against the bill.

House Bill 2779 is a short version of something that is already in federal law and which has exemptions for charities and charitable acts, Pritchard said. The bill would have made harboring an illegal immigrant a Class A misdemeanor, which would carry punishment of up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. The bill would not apply to those who employ illegal immigrants.

The issue of illegal immigration has reached "a fevered pitch in each of our districts," said Rep. Mark Martin, R-Prairie Grove, referring to four fellow Benton and Washington county lawmakers who came to support the bill.

"If we don't do something incremental and take steps toward addressing voters' concerns, the voters do have the power to move the issue for us," Martin said. "They don't always consider the compassionate issues we're talking about today."

Rep. Eric Harris, R-Springdale, also spoke for the bill. He said that illegal workers have become so open in Springdale, workers from the same car will apply at his dry cleaning business one at a time, using the same set of identifying documents. "We have big front windows. You can watch this," he said.

Committee member Sen. Robert Thompson, D-Paragould, said that "the federal government has made a mess of immigration policy and is not enforcing the law. However, what is this going to cost? My concern is about the financial impact. I was a prosecutor for five years. There is a cost to laws like this. The federal government can't do this with a budget of trillions of dollars."

Passing the bill would lead to racial profiling, said committee member Irma Hunter Brown, D-Little Rock. "The only way you're going to find out who's harboring an illegal immigrant is to go on a witch hunt or start going after people who don't look like you," she said.

Speaking a language other than English is not a crime and mentioning that as a reason for the bill raises the issue of whether supporters "are trying to pick and choose who we let in," Brown said.

Patricia S. Hoolihan, director of Catholic Immigration Services for the diocese of Little Rock, said the bill would have a chilling effect on, for instance, abused wives whose would have to reveal their illegal status to seek help.

Holly Dickson, staff attorney for the Arkansas chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, said Woods' bill would likely be unconstitutional if it became law because immigration issues fall exclusively under federal jurisdiction.

"It is one of the powers specifically reserved to the federal government in the U.S. Constitution," Dickson said. "Immigration is the federal government's domain whether the national government is doing their job well or not," she told the committee.

Jimmy Simpson wrote on April 03, 2007 1:23 AM:"Senators voting no: (are any of these toads up for re-election?)Ed Wilkinson, D-GreenwoodJim Luker, D-WynneSue Madison, D-FayettevilleRobert Thompson, D-ParagouldIrma Hunter Brown, D-Little RockSenators voting yes: (Thanks!)Ruth Whittaker, R-AlmaBill Pritchard, R-ElkinsBy the way, Jon Woods is a Republican. Where are the editors?"

Diplomatic way !! wrote on April 03, 2007 9:33 AM:"For those Senators that Voted " YES " on this i commend you whole heartly because it shows that you are for the people of State of Arkansas and Not just in there for there prestige and/or money. Thank you. As for those who voted " NO " we as Arkansans know where your true heart really lies now and come the next Election, this is one thing all through the election that your Opposition can use against you and probably will, so before you cast a vote the next time remember one thing are you thinking of the " BEST INTEREST of ALL of ARKANSAS " or are you just a vote. Sincerely, Ronnie Breland "

2nd ammendment wrote on April 03, 2007 10:24 AM:"JA JA JA....and all illegals like them, show why we should electTOM TANCREDO in 2008.I don't care really what his stance is on anything else. He has the backbone (unlike bush) to stand up to millions of illegals who have infiltrated our country and do the right thing. If he is that kind of man, I TRUST him to do what is right for the USA. Remember the Alamo"

JESSICA wrote on April 03, 2007 10:25 AM:"CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE PEOPLE OF ARKANSAS!! ONCE AGAIN...THIS IS A CHRISTIAN ISSUE: ALL HUMANS ARE THE SAME, GOD CREATED US EQUALLY...!!GOD BLESS YOU!!"

ashley wrote on April 03, 2007 10:53 AM:"You guys are going over the line. You don't respect the human rights. I know WE all have ancestor who were immagrants. And those who are laughing look they not yet have lost. "

14th ammendment wrote on April 03, 2007 11:25 AM:"Hey Jessica,All humans are equal, and created the same. Chemicals got mixed. However, this is not a Christian issue, but a culture issue.Some cultures say, " No matter how poor you are, or what your place is on the food chain, go ahead make three, four, five kids, you'll figure something out. The Catholic culture is one of those. Just look at the Latin American economies, which are all a product of Catholicism.Just calling it like it is, no need to get offended.Answer me this Jessica, should poor people make more people if they can't feed them?"

1st ammendment wrote on April 03, 2007 11:36 AM:"Next question,Why is Roger Mahoney joining efforts with Ted Kennedy on amnesty? He actually traveled to Washington to speak about a bill Kennedy had authored. What happened to conflict of interest, separation of church and state?Wait.....Roger Mahoney hid and relocated priests that were homosexual pedophiles....a crime worse than the crime. Then he FOUGHT THE COURTS of this nation to keep the records sealed from the public. Anyone really believe that the Catholic church has the interests of our nation at heart?"

amazed wrote on April 03, 2007 12:26 PM:"I guess my name says it all. I am amazed at the stupidity that has taken place. We need to get a grip and control all of the illegal things that are going on. Not just the people, but the meth, drugs etc. What the heck is this world coming too when we just sit back and let it happen. Stand up to the Catholic Immigration Services or the American Civil Liberties Union. If it is against the law, then change the law."

Deacon wrote on April 03, 2007 12:47 PM:"What amazes me is that they keep saying that the illegals are a Federal issue and the local law enforcements hands are tied. Does that mean if someone robs a bank or a post office that the local police can not do anything about it, since they both fall under the Federal jurisdictions ? If they have local laws to enforce the bank and post office robbers then they should have local laws to enforce the illegal issues."

JESSICA wrote on April 03, 2007 12:54 PM:"DEAR DEACON,THE IMMIGRATION LAW IS SO COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT TO UNDERSTAND THAT ONLY IMMIGRATION JUDGES AND IMMIGRATION COURTS CAN HADLE THEM..AS FAR AS I KNOW THE NEAREST IMMIGRATION COURT TO ARKANSAS IS IN TEXAS..!!HAVE A GREAT DAY!!"

lawsuits wrote on April 03, 2007 1:00 PM:"I believe we now are witnessing an unprecedented gap between those elected that create legislation, laws, and ' we the people '.Groups that use lawsuit abuse as their tactic, ( ACLU etc.) have learned how to stall things in American courts indefinetly.AMAZED, no less than fifty townships now have passed city ordinances that deal with illegals, gangs, and crime. Every single one has been sued by the ACLU, LULAC, or similar illegal rights groups.What would good ol' George, Alexander, Ben, Thomas, and the Founders do? Take up arms.They were willing to take up arms over 8% tax rates.In fact they're rolling in their graves over our current tax rate. Not to mention the drugs, gangs, pedophiles, rapists, etc. I would love to be able to tell Thomas Jefferson that the local convenience store sells Hustler, and it's legally protected under 1st ammendment freedom of speech rights. You know he'd get a rope and some buddies, but we the people allowed so many laws to be passed, now everyone has all these rights. "

JESS, I'm waiting? wrote on April 03, 2007 1:06 PM:"JESSICA, got an answer? Why do the poorest people in Mexico and South America believe it's ok to have more than one child?Did their church maybe tell them it's what God wants? Maybe their church told them birth control is morally wrong?I'd love your wisdom on this."

Lets see wrote on April 03, 2007 1:11 PM:"what an oustanding comparison you make about the forming fathers, taking up arms for what going on what would they say let me see, for starters most of them where probably married to underage girls (not uncommon during those times), Second they were slave owners (disregard for human life especially american citizens, well they didn't think of African American as humans back then but as livestock), and gangs (i've heard rumors that they were masons World wide Gangbangers That control the world and) wow how oustanding."

Must of been wrote on April 03, 2007 1:17 PM:"the reason is that they still have the farming family mentality, look at the depression picture of all the arkies and oklahomans during that time there must be atleast 15 people living in a house of all ages. "

amish farmer wrote on April 03, 2007 1:44 PM:"Funny,The Amish kids don't really immigrate to other countries now do they. They also feed their own kids, teach them to respect the law, and they're never involved in murders, drug trafficing and kidnappings.The question still stands.Should poor people make more people if they can't feed them?"

OneifbyLand wrote on April 03, 2007 2:13 PM:"Certain countries have by design abused,gamed and overwhelmed the world's mostcharitable and wellcoming country the USA.Those who focus on the individualstories of poor ignorant people who arebeing urged to leave or driven outof their own countries are totallymissing the point and are living in a bubble of ignorance themselves.We muststop this invasion.Please do some reading and research and don't be blinded by those who are American in Name Only! "

American Citizen wrote on April 03, 2007 2:43 PM:"Like I said before,these elected officals have forgotten they are supposed to represent us,not the illegal invaders in this country.I see a civil war coming in the near future."

BRAVO!!! wrote on April 03, 2007 3:06 PM:"You people need to stop your hate tours toher humans, like it or not it is inevitable that immigrants will continue to come to the U.S. and so educate your selfs in knowing a different culture, i welcome anyone who wants to come to the U.S. to offer a better way of living to their family illegal or not. Bienvenidos..."

jason wrote on April 03, 2007 3:20 PM:"Es verdad Bravo.Es no problema, legal o illegal? Yo conozco la cultura en la valle de Rio Grande de Tejas. Yo soy un hombre de Tejas, mi toda vida. La cultura aqui es malo. La lingua es malo. You want to talk about hate? I grew up the only white kid for blocks in any direction. I didn't speak Spanish, I didn't understand why everyone was racist towards me. I was voleo, gringo, whitey.........Tu vida es nada. Tu pueblo es nada. En el futuro es el fuego de guerra, raza. La raza es nada."

arturo flores wrote on April 03, 2007 3:23 PM:"everyone knows this land was stolen from MEXICO!!!!!We have every right to attack you, but we don't. All we want is to come here and work. Why can't we all just get along."

American Citizen wrote on April 03, 2007 3:33 PM:"Hey arturo,We won this land fair and square.You go ahead and attack and see what these hillbillies can do."

Glory wrote on April 03, 2007 3:59 PM:"Enough is enough. They broke the law and must pay the consequences. Americans have to so why the "double standard". As someone else posted earlier, if it was an American citizen who robbed a bank (Federal offense) the authorities automatically step in, so what is the difference? They (Illegal Aliens) broke the law, and are continously breaking the laws with little or no consequences. The time is now to act."

Deacon wrote on April 03, 2007 4:05 PM:"NOW HERE IS A COUNTRY WITH SOME TOUGH IMMIGRATION LAWS: Only professionals or investors can immigrate to their country. No unskilled laborers will be allowed in. Investors must be able to invest at least 40,000 times the daily average wage. If they can't they are not allowed in. Immigrants may purchase property, BUT locations and availability will be limited. Oceanfront property CANNOT be purchased by immigrants. It is exclusively for citizens born in that country. Immigrants CANNOT vote. Nor can they be elected to any public office. They CANNOT collect any type of government assistance and CANNOT protest the country's government, policies or President. Immigrants CANNOT display a flag of a foreign country. Those who have illegally entered the country WILL BE FOUND AND IMPRISONED. These immigration laws are currently AND strictly enforced. If YOu Haven't Guessed By Now, It's.....MEXICO !!!! "

Glory wrote on April 03, 2007 4:09 PM:"Arturo - what is past is past, recognize and understand, Mexico lost and America won. Your country already fought ours and lost, accept it and go on. Instead of trying to deplete our American citizens benefits dry, why don't you try to implement positive benefits for your own country. Americans have had it with paying for Illegal aliens and their anchor babies, and war is a strong possibility. Do you really think you can win?"

Glory wrote on April 03, 2007 4:11 PM:"Thank you Deacon - Makes our American current Laws and Enforcement look like a candy store doesn't it? "

JESSICA wrote on April 03, 2007 4:27 PM:"TO DEACON:NO, THAT IS NOT THE WAY.!! YOU CAN NOT JAIL ENTIRE FAMILIES WITH KIDS, OR DRAG THEM OUT OF THEIR HOMES..BECAUSE OF THE "INTERNATIONAL LAWS" AND MANY OTHER INTERNATIONAL LAWS WE HAVE SIGNED..IF YOU DO SO, MANY AMERICAN TOURISTS TRAVELING IN MEXICO OR ELSEWHERE WILL BE JAILED AND PUNISHED THE SAME WAY..JUST BECAUSE THEIR VISA HAS EXPIRED, OR THEIR PASSPORT HAS EXPIRED. JUST IMAGINE THAT!!"

Info wrote on April 03, 2007 4:35 PM:"http://redtape.msnbc.com/2006/03/hidden_cost_of_.html This is from MSNBC on Identity Theft. What do you know, it has primarily undocumented workers. To Arturo, Arkansas if I remember correctly was never owned by Mexico. California was purchased and most of Mexico's debt was forgiven. Just a couple of examples."

Threeoaks wrote on April 03, 2007 4:37 PM:"Mr. Flores, no this land was not stolen from Mexico - it was stolen from the American Indians. Arkansas was the home of the Caddo, Osage, Quapaws, the Tunicas, and later Cherokee groups. Mr. American Citizen, this land was “won” by illegal European immigrants through genocide, theft, and broken treaties. I believe that even “hillbillies” - who normally consider a man's word his bond - would have a better sense of justice than to say it was won “fair and square”. "

Abuse wrote on April 03, 2007 4:40 PM:"what it means to be an american nowadays, obesity, drug abuse, alchol abuse, smoking abuse, fast food breakfast lunch and dinner, jobs being shipped overseas since american think they deserve to do it for 20.00 an hour. China Has all your industry the day they want to punish you all they have to do is boycott you all the products your so accustomed to using, that includes guns bullets, and everything else. "

The lingering question wrote on April 03, 2007 4:43 PM:"is did Rep. Harris call the cops to report that illegals were coming into his business looking for work? If he didn't, I think he should go to jail for suggesting such a law pass and that he not do anything about it when illegals were in his presence. And, for the record, just because you can't speak English doesn't mean you're illegal."

To the 14th and others wrote on April 03, 2007 4:48 PM:"Should poor people make more people? The answer: No. But that is my opinion and it doesn't mean it should be forced onto others. Do you think you should be able to regulate who gets to have children? Because if so, I would like people of certain political parties not to reproduce. And, since you brought up reproduction, I bet you are a man who is against abortion. If you're against poor people having children, then you must be for contraception and pro choice. If not, then you make no sense. Kind of like an unfunded mandate."

To: Jessica wrote on April 03, 2007 4:52 PM:"Go to www.mexico-trade.com/citizen.htmland read Your Countries laws especially the section under Immigrant. "

To Three Oaks wrote on April 03, 2007 4:53 PM:"Who do you think Mexicans are? They're descendants of Native Americans, who happened to live south of the imaginary "American" border."

JESSICA wrote on April 03, 2007 5:06 PM:"TO 3 OAKS: YES...!! THE AMERICAN INDIANS ARE RELATED TO ALL THE OTHER INDIANS GROUPS IN CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA...!!AND PROBABLY TO THE PACIFIC ISLANDERS (POLINESIANS)"

Jessica READ wrote on April 03, 2007 5:12 PM:"Lessons we should remember: Quote : In the first place we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the man's becoming in very fact an American, and nothing but an American...There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag, and this excludes the red flag, which symbolizes all wars against liberty and civilization, just as much as it excludes any foreign flag of a nation to which we are hostile...We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language...and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people." Theodore Roosevelt 1907 "

Jessica READ 2 wrote on April 03, 2007 5:14 PM:"Jessica I question your allegiance to America, which are you ? American or MEXICOAN... But this is predicated upon the man's becoming in very fact an American, and nothing but an American...There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag. "

GO HOME wrote on April 03, 2007 5:31 PM:"I don't see them waving the African flag, the African-Americans are stating their heritage not their allegiance. Illegal Aliens come here and have no respect for America. They wave the mexican flag, won't speak English and act as though they are entitled to everything we have built up for over 2 centuries. WE OWE YOU NOTHING, GO HOME. See I know where capsloc is too Jessica. I also know how to turn it off."

Tolerance wrote on April 03, 2007 5:39 PM:"I Think that some people are just mean. They are poor and want to have a better life. Nobody belongs here we are all immigrants. The Senate and Congress should come up fast with a bill where they can adjust their status and be here legally. They can do background checks and give the honest one and their families a chance. Also if we study and get a higher education we don't have to worry about them. Also remember what God has reserved for you nobody can take if no matter what!!!!!!"

Glory wrote on April 03, 2007 5:41 PM:"The problem here in America is "ILLEGAL" entry from 12 + million people, no matter what other country they come from. Mexican Illegals are the highest percentage to make their so called demands known, which was pretty stupid on their part. Many Americans were not aware of how bad the situation had gotten until last spring when many of us saw our American Flag being desigrated on National TV by people carrying Mexican Flags. They , the Mexicans, brought attention to themselves and brought the Illegal Immigration issue to the forefront. Do they really think they are going to win? We have fought Mexico before and won, do we have to do it again?"

GO HOME wrote on April 03, 2007 5:48 PM:"Evidently we are going to have to fight, our government through their greed has given us no choice. We have not even begun to fight yet. I don't think they know what they are up against. You are right "Glory" no one noticed until they started making demands for things they have no rights to, burning our flag and flying theirs. But now they have opened up a hornets nest, and any politician that is not for sending them home is going to be voted out very fast. TANCREDO FOR PRESIDENT!"

Tolerance wrote on April 03, 2007 5:51 PM:"I Think that some people are just mean. They are poor and want to have a better life. Nobody belongs here we are all immigrants. The Senate and Congress should come up fast with a bill where they can adjust their status and be here legally. They can do background checks and give the honest one and their families a chance. I believe that if some of us were to give to the rest of the world and stop wasting what God has given us, they would not need to come here and look for wealth. Also if we study and get a higher education we don't have to worry about them. Always remember, what God has reserved for you nobody can take no matter what!!!!!!"

Glory wrote on April 03, 2007 6:13 PM:"Tolerance - you must not have children in school, or family members who when they were "down and out" denied OUR government benefits because most of the funds are depleted from the Illegal Aliens. Note - they are ILLEGAL ALIENS not Illegal Immigrants. There is a big difference there, which is clearly defined in Websters dictionary, that is if you can read English. There is no such thing as an "honest" Illegal Alien because they committed a crime just by crossing OUR border illegally."

Seriously wrote on April 03, 2007 6:16 PM:"Is it mean to expect your country to enforce immigration laws. Is it mean to expect the same medical services the illegals get ? Is it mean to have our own car insurance and expect the same with everyone ? Is it mean to worry about our social security number ? Is it mean to worry about new diseases that have been brought into our country ? Is it mean to be concerned about more drugs in our country ? I think not !!"

Yay! wrote on April 03, 2007 6:20 PM:"I'm glad this bill didn't pass. And with all due respect, this is not a Christian issue, it's a biological issue. Also, there should be extra History classes in every American classroom so that our children learn that our country was built by immigrants, both legal and illegal immigrants. Sorry, can't spin history and genes, just can't."

GO HOME wrote on April 03, 2007 6:20 PM:""Tolerance" we give more than any other country in the world, and what do we get for it? a slap in the face and everyone hates us. I think we should start giving more to our homeless and our veterans who fought for the rights we take for granted. You are so right "Glory" American citizens can't even get benefits anymore, try asking for help if you lose your job and you will see. It's all being given to the illegal aliens. Most of it fraudulently."

Threeoaks wrote on April 03, 2007 6:21 PM:"To unsigned and Jessica, please read Mr. Flores's comment. He wrote that the land was stolen from Mexico. Mexico is a country that received independence from Spain. There is a difference between “Mexico” and the indigenous population of that county. Although there might be an ethnic connection between some North and South American Indians, and a similar background as far as destruction by illegal European immigrants, each group of North and South American Indians have their own individual histories, cultures, and traditions. One cannot lump all of these into one stereotyped melting pot. All Mexicans are not descended from American Indians, there are Mexicans of European, various Asian and African descents. In any event, the European population of the U.S. is now experiencing the same migration that they callously thrust on the indigenous population of this continent - but with far less intensity and damage. "

felon wrote on April 03, 2007 6:23 PM:"what do ya expect? there is toooo much $$$$$ at stake here. stand up and fly the red,white,and blue upside down. to let this government know where u stand. i got the flag, i just need a pole. then everybody will know what i think. this country is in trouble and we the people have to pay for it. put your guts where ur mouths are. fly the flag upside down! it's not dis-respect it is a call for help. "

14th ammendment wrote on April 03, 2007 6:31 PM:"You'd lose that bet. I have no problem with abortion, women's choice, and let 'em choose. I have chosen to not have any kids, even though I am over thirty, own my own business, and could easily afford one.I see the rate that our cities are growing at, traffic congestion, the changing culture and fabric of our values and way of life.I was raised to revere God and country. Military service was expected. The schools we attended didn't stand for kids talking back, much less filing lawsuits.A healthy dose of my English teacher is just what these kids need now days. Our way of life seems to be over, due to the process of law. Anyone can sue anyone now, over some perceived slight. It's not the American way. Why anyone would want to have kids is beyond me. Three Oaks, my people ruined this land they stole from your ancestors.Making peace with your people was impossible for us, because we didn't understand the ways of nature and paganism. Our karma that we reap is millions of poor Catholics, using our own laws to do us like we did you."

Jessica wrote on April 03, 2007 6:33 PM:"Oh yes we could throw entire families in prison, and if they don't wan't that then they should stay in Mexico or come here legally. It simple, come here legally and stay out of trouble and no one will bother you. "

CheshireCat wrote on April 03, 2007 7:25 PM:"If you are interested in effecting immigration policy on the national level, then you should participate in www.HoldTheirFeetToTheFire.org Go to DC April 22-26 or participate in the telephone and blogger back up.Amnesty Alamo will Hold Congresses Feet to the Fire to Stop guestworker amnesty or should I say shamnesty. We need immigration enforcement in this country and no more far out guest worker programs, which just don't work. We need to stop the flow of illegal aliens at the border but we must go to Washington DC to do it. Help lobby congress and sign onboard.Visit this site to find out how you can help.www.HoldTheirFeetToTheFire.org Ches."

Chefgun wrote on April 03, 2007 8:19 PM:"To ( Abuse ) Get you facts right before you talk, We can not, and have not bought bullets or ammo from China since 1986, Thanks to Slick Willie clinton!, I cant even bring myself to use capitol letters in his name. And as far as these illegals go, They all need deported along with their kids who are illegal too and distroying our school system."

JESSICA wrote on April 03, 2007 8:20 PM:"TO GO HOME:THE LAST TIME I WENT TO "OLIVE GARDEN" (THE ITALIAN RESTAURANT), I SAW THE ITALIAN FLAG EVERYWHERE, INCLUDING THE RESTROOMS..!!!, SO THE ITALIANS SHOULD BE DEPORTED TOO? , WHAT ABOUT "OCTOBER FEST"? THE GERMAN FESTIVAL IN TULSA? THE GERMAN FLAG IS EVERYWHERE..!!WHAT ABOUT "ST. PATRICK'S" DAY? THE IRISH FLAG IS EVERYWHERE!!, HEY KID..IS TIME TO DO YOUR HOMEWORK, OK?"

JESSICA wrote on April 03, 2007 8:30 PM:"TO 3 OAKS:I AGREE WITH YOU..!! THE SAME WITH THE CAUCASIAN RACE (WHITE IS NOT A RACE), THE CAUCASIANS CAME FROM CENTRAL SIBERIA AND EXTENDED TO EUROPE AND THE MIDDLE EAST."

GO HOME wrote on April 03, 2007 8:33 PM:"Jessica, they are not being disrespectful in showing their flag in an Italian restaurant, this is called a "theme" for the restaurant. October Fest is a holiday they celebrate once a year. St. Patrick's day is also a holiday celebrated once a year. These people are celebrating, not being disrespectful. They are also here LEGALLY. Something that you will never understand because you have no respect for the very country that you are invading with your bad manners and criminal behavior."

GO HOME wrote on April 03, 2007 8:41 PM:"Jessica, if the illegals would go home and apply for legal citizenship we would welcome them also. We already have legal hispanics here celebrating Cinco De Mayo. What we will not put up with is Illegal Aliens protesting how they are being treated when they have no right to be here at all. We welcome other cultures here when they have respect for this country also. I celebrate October Fest with the Germans, and also St. Patricks Day with the Irish. Those people came here legally and assimilated to the American way of life as it is supposed to be."

CheshireCat wrote on April 03, 2007 8:48 PM:"Interested in effecting immigration policy, at the national level? Amnesty Alamo will Hold Congresses Feet to the Fire to Stop guestworker amnesty or should I say shamnesty. We need immigration enforcement in this country and no more far out guest worker programs, which just don't work. We need to stop the flow of illegal aliens at the border but we must go to Washington DC to do it. Help lobby Congress and sign onboard.Ches.Historic Coalition Going to DC to stop Amnesty for Illegal AliensPosted on Monday, April 02 @ 23:37:31 UTC Topic: Illegal Immigration News in the US Historic Coalition Going to DC to stop Amnesty for Illegal Aliens FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 4/2/2007 Contact: Americans for Legal Immigration PAC (ALIPAC) www.alipac.us WilliamG@alipac.us Tel: (919) 787-6009 Toll Free: (866) 329-3999 A historic coalition of organizations plan to converge on Washington, DC on April 22-26 to carry the message from the American public to lawmakers that America needs comprehensive immigration enforcement and not amnesty to deal with illegal immigration. ALIPAC has launched a website at www.HoldTheirFeetToTheFire.org dubbed 'Amnesty Alamo', which will help promote events and attendance for these historic events and to enhance the efforts already in place by radio show host Rodger Hedge*****, Federation of Americans for Immigration Reform (FAIR), DA King of the Dustin Inman"

GO HOME wrote on April 03, 2007 9:03 PM:"CheshireCat, will there be buses going to the protest in DC? If so please tell me where I can sign up. I probably have 8 or 9 others besides myself who would like to attend, but have no way to get there."

Andy wrote on April 03, 2007 11:08 PM:"How u becom amarican citizen. Finnnaly u would also find urself as a immigrant. Not look at two or three generations.watch six or seven. would u like to go back from where ur ancestors came in USA. Why u want hard workers than u out. If Imgrants doing jobs they r also creating jobs. Open eys and look around "

GO HOME wrote on April 03, 2007 11:40 PM:"We want people to come here legally, because then they are paying the taxes that pay for social services, such as food stamps, that the illegal aliens are using. That way the people that hire them have to pay for a health care program for them, and they don't bankrupt our hospitals. The American citizen is paying a hefty price for all the illegals that are using these social services and health care. When people are using it that don't donate toward the fund then the people who are having to pay for it, pay twice the price to make up for those who aren't paying for it. Do you understand now? That is why we are upset. Not to mention the disrespect and turning our towns into third world cesspools. Illegal Aliens need to learn what is expected of people who want to live here, then go home and apply for Visas."

GO HOME wrote on April 04, 2007 12:04 AM:"My family came here legally, just like millions of others. There is no excuse for illegally jumping the border. Talk till you are blue in the face if you want to. Illegal is just that ILLEGAL."

Commend thee wrote on April 04, 2007 12:37 AM:""We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed, by their Creator, with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness."-Declaration of IndepenceHmm, I suppose our forefathers believed in freedom when they wished to free themselves from the hold of the British. Legal, religious, or whatever, the moral principle is that all people are created equal and have just and much right as the next person. Now I agree to doing background checks and the like before allowing any guest worker visas, but plain out ignoring all of the people seeking help is proposterous. Most of the people appear to be, regardless of the actual truth, illiterate buffons who know little about their own country's history. In addition to that, there is little knowledge of how each person's first ancestor came here. Sure, there are many whose ancestors came here "legally," but there are also many whose ancestors came here "illegally." It's weird though, the Native Americans were here long before us "Americans" and yet, they were treated like outsiders. Don't go off preaching this and that without knowing your facts first or where you came from. I commend the people who voted this outrageous bill."

Wesley wrote on April 04, 2007 1:26 AM:""A LINE IN THE SAND"Senator Mc Caul's Websitehttp://www.house.gov/mccaul/Irag's Learn Spanish Before CrossingPossible Food For Thought"

GO HOME wrote on April 04, 2007 1:55 AM:"The Declaration of Independence was written with citizens in mind not hordes of Illegal Aliens who come here and abuse what the rest of us have paid for. I am tired of paying $6.00 for an aspirin when i'm in the hospital so the Illegal aliens can get their health care free. I'm tired of paying taxes that go to the social services that I personally never use so hordes of Illegal Aliens can come here and live on food stamps. Also think about what "Wesley" said Al Quaeda is now training their terrorists to speak Spanish so they can pretend to be Mexicans and come here and blow us up again."

JESSICA wrote on April 04, 2007 2:35 AM:"TO GO HOME:THERE ARE MANY "TIMOTHY MCVEIGH" AROUND..!! AND THEY ARE 100% AMERICAN CITIZENS..JUST REMEMBER THIS."

GO HOME wrote on April 04, 2007 2:40 AM:"Jessica, you can't even figure out how to turn of capsloc, how can you possibly understand the social impact of 30 million Illegal Aliens on the United States?"

GO HOME wrote on April 04, 2007 2:51 AM:"People like "commend thee" probably don't deal with Illegals on a day to day basis, I do. Do you even have a job "commend thee" or are you one of the ultra rich that are making the big bucks off of these people?"

Go Figure wrote on April 04, 2007 2:52 AM:"Jessica how can you justify someone breaking laws and then getting all these free services. Lord know what MEXICO would do if we went there and asked for all that and fly their flag upside down. Your so one sided you`ve lost reality. They need to come here thru proper government programs. It`s all about having a organized society where everyone abides by the laws. Currently we have law breakers abusing our system and Americans are mad about it."

GO HOME wrote on April 04, 2007 3:58 AM:"Mexico is complaining about their southern border and all the illegals jumping their border. The problem with that is they are all on their way here too. Mexico puts Illegal Aliens in jail. Immigrants to Mexico CAN NOT be unskilled laborers, own oceanfront property, Vote, Hold public office, PROTEST ANYTHING, or fly a foreign flag. To be able to invest in anything you have to be able to start with 40,000 times the average daily wage. AND THEY COMPLAIN ABOUT OUR IMMIGRATION LAWS. What Hipocracy!!! And they expect us just to take all of their uneducated people without complaint!! "

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