I'm going to assume a majority of the quarter of the readers that weren't swayed by Cordova's actions are southern religious conservatives, and it saddens me that they can't recognize a true "good samaritan" when they see one. Cordova SHOULD be praised for his actions, because everyone can look up to them and learn from them.

I wonder if there were Americans criticizing our government for an "immigrant-loving agenda" in 1886 when France gave us the statue of liberty. I think it was more celebrated. Well, I guess back then Americans were not too many generations away from their immigrant ancestors to forget an "immigrant loving-agenda" is what got them here.

Sent by Bryan | 1:00 PM ET | 11-30-2007

The immigration debate is such a non-issue.

This is an awesome story though. What have all of those old white-haired jerks running for the republican nomination done for anyone. And this (I would have to assume) desperate immigrant dude helps out the meek and helpless.

Now those are values.

Sent by Jody Sol | 1:17 PM ET | 11-30-2007

This is the kind of person I want in this country. Compassionate, mindful people. We can model the behavior we desire, and we can reward those who also model that behavior.

Give him a work visa, encourage him to immigrate. This man who took a child in, while crossing the desert wilderness. He sacrificed his own dream of entering this country, to do what is right.
Shouldn't we reciprocate?

Sent by Sundog | 1:22 PM ET | 11-30-2007

One day, many decades or even a century or more from now, this episode might still be remembered as a parable of what America and its people had become in the twilight of its power.

Sent by George deMan | 1:34 PM ET | 11-30-2007

We are losing our humanity. "We the people"to me means all the people of the World, not just persons who happen to have been born in the USA. Teach your children to look at everyone as a special part of our World. Anger only brings more violence. Peace

Sent by Carlos Sotolongo | 2:06 PM ET | 11-30-2007

A friend told me about a conversation he had with a woman who came of age in Nazi Germany. He asked her what it was like to grow up in that environment and what the general social atmosphere was, especially regarding the Jews. She told him that in modern America the best parallel to get an idea of the mood of the German people at that time, would be to consider the attitude of many Americans toward illegal immigrants from Mexico today. Apparently bashing Jews as a 'national sport' was a precursor to the concentration camps.

Sent by John R. Otten | 2:07 PM ET | 11-30-2007

Perhaps "Bryan" can share with us the reason it's proper to assume that Sr. Cordova's critics are "southern" and "religious."
It may be well to fight fire with fire - is it just as well to fight bigotry with bigotry?

Sent by Edwin | 2:19 PM ET | 11-30-2007

I agree with the person who said the immigration debate is such a "non-issue." It is--it's really about having babies, having families, not NEEDING to let people enter the country illegally. Then this one act of compassion could be seen for what it is, and a rule bent. I live in Mexico, by the way, and there are many people like Cordova here, because they still believe in God.

Sent by Janet Baker | 2:27 PM ET | 11-30-2007

This is a great act of humanity. A standpoint that we should take in making descisions that can impact generations to come. Good bless everyone, not just "America"!

Sent by MM | 3:02 PM ET | 11-30-2007

Those who forget the sins of the past are doomed to repeat them. I'm glad that my parents taught me to stand up for the basic human rights of all people, not just "people like us". It saddens me to hear language like "immigrant-loving". Substitute your demographic for immigrant and that hate has been spewed before.

With every word & deed we teach. What did you teach your child today? How will it change the course of history?

Sent by Nika | 3:45 PM ET | 11-30-2007

I am southern, religious and conservative. I can fairly be lumped into the group that Bryan refers to as "they" and would like to respond to his accusations. In my opinion acts of goodness and compassion should have no sway in the debate over illegal immigration. One man's individual heroism under exceptional circumstances cannot erase the need for our nation to control her borders.
Cordova is a good man who deserves praise and even special consideration but we shouldn't allow illegal immigrants into America just because they are good people, although that should be one of the standards for legal immigration. The argument is not about the moral fitness of the immigrants coming into our country.
Impolite and unsophisticated racism exists in the south and that is a shame, but it is not convincing evidence that we should open the borders and allow unchecked immigration.

Sent by Terry | 4:11 PM ET | 11-30-2007

God bless Mr. Cordova.
Shame on America!
What kind of country treats people in such a shameful way! He saved this little boy's life and yet he was not even given a thank you before he was deported like a criminal!

Sent by Linda Dumey | 6:29 PM ET | 11-30-2007

It would be good if something could be done for Cordova to show him that not everyone in this country is ready to condemn him for wanting to enter this country to find work. Can the people who are concerned about 'controlling our borders' put themselves in an immigrant's place and tell us what would be a fair policy, or are they just interested in finding something/someone to be against?

Sent by Chris Maciel | 8:01 PM ET | 11-30-2007

In a time when we only talk about hate and prejudice, a great gesture of humanity was given by this man. It makes us see how big we can be. I am very proud to be part of an immigrant group who came to this country to make it even better. This story I just read will only reinforce my ideals. To this man, I want to say thank you for the example of dignity, honor and great character.

Sent by Otavio Vieira | 8:41 PM ET | 11-30-2007

I find it amusing when it comes to the topic of illegal immigrations, no one ever really mentions the fact that the United States was built on illegal immigration while wiping out an apalling amount of Native Americans. When Mexicans want to cross our border to work and send money home, to me that doesn't seem as bad as crossing the border and spreading diseases to kill off 90% of the population. I'm not advocating open immigration, but it's something that I'm sure the religious and conservative don't like to think about.

Sent by Kara | 9:29 PM ET | 11-30-2007

A person intended to commit a criminal act and refrained from doing so. His action is used to suggest that his coming into the US illegally would have been alright because he clearly has character. A violation of the law cannot be waived because a person otherwise displays character. It cannot be waived because that person will work hard. It cannot be waived because that person wants to pursue the American Dream. It cannnot be waived because that person wants a better life. US borders must be secured for our own safety. US jails are occupied by numerous illegal alien criminals. We are talking about rapists, murderers, child molesters and numerous other criminals and crimes that the major media refuses to report. Just recently, we learned that Islamic extremists, assisted by the Mexican Drug Cartels, had planned to come across the border and attack an Army base in Arizona. To suggest that a person who turns from an intended criminal act to assist a child somehow supports giving carte blanche admission to anyone who wishes to come into this country is insane. What this suggest is that the immigration laws should have a good works provision. Admission granted if the illegal alien rescues someone in the dessert. The man's moral character is commendable. His intended act of coming into the US illegally,if carried out, would still be a crime punishable by law.

Sent by Hessie L. Harriws | 10:43 PM ET | 11-30-2007

I was literally moved to tears as I listened to your story of the immigrant who saved the life of the young boy in the Arizona desert. What a touchingly beautiful glimpse of humanity. Here is a man who risked everything to make a better life for himself (and I assume his family) and gave it all up to save another soul. If this is not what life and Christianity is about,we are all missing the point. If there is any way I can reach this man, I would love to send him a note, a gift, anything to show gratitude for his kind and beautiful heart. Can you provide me with any contact information?

Sent by Margaret Chevedden | 11:08 PM ET | 11-30-2007

This has never been an immigrant issue, it's a people issue. It's gratifying to find a person from anywhere that would sacrifice to help another.

Sent by Ray Fallon | 12:17 AM ET | 12-01-2007

I'm not religious or southern, and am moderately conservative. And I'm opposed to illegal immigration. Having said that, there are always exceptions to every rule, and Mr. Cordova should be that exception. While I find it foolish to believe that an open-borders policy can ultimately benefit our country, we also should have the common sense and decency to deal with cases like this individually. Even those of us who are anti-illegal immigrantion still have a heart after all.

Sent by Franks | 3:18 AM ET | 12-01-2007

I would agree with giving this guy a Green Card without question.

He is a hero and we need more people like him in America.

I would expect that he would then become a spokesman for other individuals to become law biding immigrants of America.

I think he could make a win-win out of his humanity, and heal the hurt that has developed between Americans and those who want to legally immigrant here...

Sent by Michael Limberg | 8:48 AM ET | 12-01-2007

This country needs more people like Mr. Cordova. Lets let him stay in the country and we can deport americans who are real criminals and do not work. Ive met many immigrants who deserve to be here more than some of the americans Ive come across. I find it sickening and Im ashamed of my own country that he was deported.

Sent by cat | 9:10 AM ET | 12-01-2007

Criminals did NOT build America; Citizens and LEGAL immigrants built it. Illegal Aliens and Immigration is NOT the same thing. 80% of the American people want an end to anarchy! This is NOT a Democrat, Republican, Independent issue. It's an American Issue.

Illegal aliens are criminals, those who hire them are criminals and those who aid-and-abet them are criminals.

Illegal aliens in America have NO rights. We are required by law to arrest and prosecute, deport them. (Title 8 U.S. Code) To report illegal aliens call the DHS National Hotline 1 866 DHS 2ICE. (1-866-347-2523)

No, matter your political party affiliation, and setting aside your thoughts on issues. We all need to remember what it is to be an American Citizen. We need to make sure our elected representatives obey their Oath of Office and keep their Oath of Allegiance. See http://tinyurl.com/2znnvl Know whom you are voting for.

Sent by Dr Coles | 9:14 AM ET | 12-01-2007

america is going to go under economic problems.Illegal immigrants is under pressure. 10 - 20 years stayed here illegaly as illigal immigrants.When they first came here they were welcomed.Why is there now hate? They have there own homes, they have children, they have everything here.Its not fair.This goverment they said That: "We solve this problem. Instead of solving the problem they made a bigger one. Now Illegal immigrants does not trust America. T^hey are now selling there homes, they are not paying any taxes, The car insurances are going high, Illigal immigrant cannot get another drivers licence when it expires.Not only illegal immigrants are losing there money, homes, and their hope. So are we.

Sent by amy | 9:52 AM ET | 12-01-2007

I guess you would consider me a northern religious conservative. I'd like to take this opportunity to apologize and ask for forgiveness for all the "religious" acts of non-compassion we Christians have hidden behind. Jesus would have given up his chance to dissapear into the U.S. in order to help this 9 year old boy too. Some of us still stand for this. Cordova's act of compassion summarizes the core of our belief.

Sent by Christian | 10:56 AM ET | 12-01-2007

Hessie L. Harriws - where do you get your information?
Dr. coles - if you are really a Dr. - you paste the same "message" in hundreds of stories? Are you a spoon-fed sheeple with no originality?
Sr. Cordova did exactly what any other HUMAN would have done. HE could have walked away and let a child die. But he didn't. That is more than what anyone who posts negatively probably would have done. Sr. Cordova would have been left to die, but he didn't leave that child to die.
IN THE FUTURE, HOW DO YOU THINK THAT CHILD (OR HIS FATHER, FAMILY) WILL FEEL ABOUT SR. CORDOVA? WILL HE BE A DIRTY ILLEGAL MEXICAN OR THE WONDERFUL HUMAN BEING THAT SAVED HIS LIVE? PERCEPTION IS EVERYTHING!!!!!!

Sent by StaceyNC | 11:58 AM ET | 12-01-2007

If breaking the law makes you criminal, then find me someone who hasn't driven over the speed limit. Simply breaking the law doesn't equate a simple black of white distinction of 'criminal'.

But yes, illegal aliens are terrible, terrible criminals who break into our country for the right to work under terrible conditions for less than minimum wage.

Do criminals emigate illegally? Sure. Are the vast majority here to take jobs that few if any Americans would take at those wages? Yes. Is our economy fundamentally dependant on illegal immigration, so much so that, if by some unreaslistic wave of the magic wand, they were all deported at once, prices on things from produce to construction to fast food would all skyrocket astronomically and people would be bitching even more then than they do now? Yeah.

And even though this is more opinion than fact, moralistic high grounds on immigration are nothing but smoke screens to cover up racist underpinnings people wouldn't feel comfortable expressing otherwise.

On a side note, Cordova doesn't seem like the sharpest tool in the shed.... why not just disappear after turning the kid over to the hunters?

Sent by Jordan | 1:54 PM ET | 12-01-2007

Jesus Cordova is precisely the kind of person we should welcome into the United States. I would be proud to have Mr. Cordova as a neighbor. His act of selfless compassion should be applauded.

Sent by Karen Stayner | 2:36 PM ET | 12-01-2007

What would those who advocate the rule of law without exception for immigrants have done with escaped slaves? I'm sure almost everyone agrees that returning escaped slaves was despicable, even if it was the law. The moral and safety aspects of immigration are much more critical to the country's long term health than the economic.

In this case, this man didn't just do an everyday decent thing. He made a hugely sacrifical act in giving up his and his own family's future plan to help a stranger's child. Laying down his own life for another is the definition of love from Jesus Christ; it's not hard to imagine what he would do for Jesus Cordova.

Sent by Darcie Jo Krussman de Freitas | 3:26 PM ET | 12-01-2007

its illegal for men to cross the desert for survival yet its not illegal for their money to be used in investment in this country. tell you what america will face so much econnomic hardhip if and when we star having reverse immigration and guess what nobody could do anything about it.

Sent by kola ojulari | 3:28 PM ET | 12-01-2007

I see that Margaret is swallowing this feel good propaganda hook line and sinker. Congrats to the liberal media! You actually have convinced some people that Cordova is a great human being worthy of all manner of rewards. Great job on brainwashing people NPR!

FACTS in this case. Cordova is a nice person. He did not SAVE Christopher. Christopher was not treated for dehydration or exposure and without Cordova he would not have been treated for either one as well. Cordova did not give up very much except returning to his bricklaying job in Tucson WHICH he stole from an American by the way. He is a returning illegal alien - he is not eligible for a green card for 10 years I don't care how nice he is or how many people he "saves". The distortion of the facts of this story is mind blowing. I can't wait for the People magazine story where Christopher actually tells what happened - if he is permitted to tell the truth that is.

I know in my heart that the truth of this story will come out and we will find out at some point, that it wasn't a nice neat hero story like is being FED to us by the media who seems intent on supporting the destruction of our country by the importation of a third world population to give them a shot at the American Dream.

WHAT ABOUT ALL THE LEGAL IMMIGRANTS WHO WOULD LIKE THEIR SHOT AT THE AMERICAN DREAM? I suppose you don't care that these illegal aliens are just cutting in line and TAKING what others are waiting for by following the LEGAL process.

And for one poster here - America was not "built by illegal immigrants". Sorry but you can't refer back to the Pilgrims and say they were illegal aliens so that makes it ok to allow millions of illegal aliens to come to the US. Hey the Indians learned what happens if you don't stop illegal immigration. We on the other hand are fighting for our country and we will put a stop to it with or without the liberal media like NPR who in earlier days would have been guilty of TREASON against their country for publishing fiction like this.

Sent by Zorro | 3:33 PM ET | 12-01-2007

To Bryan,

I am not a southern religious conservative. I am an Independent voter who cares about my country. Stop trying to label patriotic Americans as "right wing" or "southern conservative". Those who are against illegal immigration cannot be labeled. They are the majority of Americans despite what the media says. The tide is turning against illegal aliens and their supporters. All 50 states now have legislation pending to stop illegal immigration in their state. The Federal government has proven their inability to solve this problem. This country was founded on state sovereignty and it's time we got back to that foundation.

Sent by Zorro | 3:36 PM ET | 12-01-2007

This article has nothing to do with being a U.S. Citizen, or trying to infiltrate the U.S. illegally.
It does have much to do with being human and compassionate.
The U.S. has laws many want to set aside. Very sad for the most U.S. Citizens who value what has been our protection from invasion until the last 20 years.
Many residing here illegally seem to underestimate the resolve of Americam citizens to prevent our being over-run by alens with no status.
Certainly many pro-illegal invasion organs and institutions persist in trying to subvert American law.
No matter how moral, or good a person is, you are not welcome here unless you are admitted legally.
Although this is a wonderful propaganda tool, and an example of a good deed done by a Mexican citizen, it doesn't make it right, nor qualify him for legal residency in the United States.

Sent by Hombre Viejo | 3:56 PM ET | 12-01-2007

What a truly decent human being. Then again, many of the illegals are great people. That is not the issue.

The issue is whether the United States is country of laws. Our laws are clear.

Amnesty for illegal aliens is racist.

It violates the Constitution's guarantee that laws will not discriminate on the basis of race or ethnic origin.

Probably 80% or more of the illegals are Latino.

Our immigration policy is family reunification.

Why should Latino Americans receive PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT in number of people admitted and timing of admittance, waiver of test requirements, medical, plus amnesty for their tax and ID theft crimes for their families and ethnic group? This preference is HUGE over all other Americans who are brining in their family according to the law. RACIST TO THE MAX.

Why are Latino Americans with amnesty getting a huge preference over other Americans contrary to our Constitution's requirement that we all are entitled to equal protection under the law. Amnesty as all the politicians make clear, will help them increase their voting share of the Latino block, and increase the Hispanic voting block. Why cann't other Americans have that right too by brining in their race and ethnic groups. DISCRIMINATORY TO THE MAX.

Why are business and politicians, assisted by their media chorus, fighting like mad for the illegals? Huge windfall profits from North American integration is incentive enough. And the politicians want their party to be the Hispanic party, especially once we have entirely open borders.

To reach their aims they are willing to disregard the fact that America was a country of law, governed by the rule of law; one law for everyone, applied equally. And about a zillion other laws.

Their latest salvo in the dissolution of America; article implying pro rule of law, pro legal immigrants, anti illegal supporters are out of control emotional, racists while reasonable people are for amnesty. They even cite polls, but if you try and find the poll....it is no where to found!

All we have is our voices and our votes.

If the forces of greed prevail, will the last person in the country we once called America, please lower the flag.

Sent by Bettybb | 5:24 PM ET | 12-01-2007

Thats great. One Mexican did one good thing. On the same day 20 Americans were run over and killed by drunk illegal aliens. These so called ***** are strip-mining America.Hospitals are closing,school are flooded. Maybe if the class sizes were smaller and the teachers didn't have teach remedial English our kids could find a cure for cancer,invent a warp drive or find a way to harvest the sacred lettuce.

Sent by dory harcourt | 7:32 PM ET | 12-01-2007

Dr. Coles
If criminals did not 'build America', how would you refer to the immigrants who decided indigenous land was now their property? We all are immigrants in one way, shape, or form...being moved by force or moving to better ourselves. I cannot understand how our society deems someone 'illegal' and so easily strips them from basic human rights like respect and dignity.

Sent by melanie | 8:44 PM ET | 12-01-2007

Nice try. Cordova is one illegal alien. I've now read his story five times. One incident doesn't reverse the impact of mass illegal migrations. There are 120 million good people in Brazil. Shall we allow them free legal status?

Sent by J. R. | 9:53 PM ET | 12-01-2007

Any American who has spent much time with Mexican people knows that--in general--Mexicans are more friendly,corteous, well-mannered, and communicative than Americans. (I say this, as an American.) Mexican culture also stresses being kind and loving to children much more than ours does. These are only generalities and don't apply to every individual, of course. What Manuel Jesus Cordova did doesn't surprise me in the least because the way he treated that child was very much in accordance with the values of his culture. Maybe if we had more Mexicans living here, our own culture might become a little bit warmer and more compassionate.

Sent by Mona | 10:23 PM ET | 12-01-2007

Every day a Mexican boy is wounded or killed, an illegal fighting for the USA.
in Iraq.
Mexicans routinely help stranded motorists
in the US. They routinely help the aged and the disabled.
they are routinely smiling to people who couldn't care less about them.
They helped build this country,won medals of honor in wars far away, died for this country, and quietly fade into the background. They do not burden the U.S. but have helped to bail out the social security system, from which they will never receive a dime. They have done the dirty and dangerous jobs we decline to do. They have been paid far less then their true worth as laborers.
Shame on those who abuse and mistreat
a people whose leaders sold this country
to the U.S. for pennies on the dollar.
I am ashamed for what we do to our friends from the south, and may God forgive us for our lack of charity towards a good and loving people.

Sent by mike king | 6:29 AM ET | 12-02-2007

As a non-Latin, dual resident of South Florida and New Mexico, allow me to give everyone a friendly piece of advice.

Be nice to your Spanish descendant friends.

There are millions and millions and millions and millions of them.

And one day they might be your neighbor, living on both sides of your house.

fred call

Sent by fred call | 11:49 AM ET | 12-02-2007

Zorro may not be a 'southern Christian conservative' but he sure is exactly the type of person Bryan is referring to and Zorro proves it with his own post. Treason Zorro? To publish this story? Are you serious? Oh brother, I think you are. No Zorro, treason is when you divulge the name of an undercover CIA operative to the media as a petty act of revenge because that operative's husband called you out on a lie. Treason would be when you're a certain conservative 'Christian' columnist who then knowingly prints that name and then hides behind the first amendment. THAT is treason, Zorro. Personally I'd trade Americans who think like you for Mexicans like Mr. Cordova anyday of the week. Oh and unless you are 100 percent Native American, then if they'd have had such a strict immigration policy as you favor, you wouldn't be in this country at all, now would you, Zorro?

Sent by John R. Otten | 5:35 PM ET | 12-02-2007

Excuse me, Dory Harcourt, but I don't think that illegal immigration has suddenly caused a plague of flooding and overcrowding in schools. Your entire argument is non sequitor and I was offended by your post. I hope that, in the future, you think before you speak. To everyone else, though I may not agree with your opinions, I am refreshed that there is (for the most part), an intelligent and respectful conversation. Thanks for that!

Sent by M.G. | 6:10 PM ET | 12-02-2007

God bless Senor Cordova. I live in Los Angeles and have encountered any number of "illegals" in my course of work. None were criminals, all simply wanted a decent life for themselves and their families. They are honest, caring, warm and family-oriented individuals who I am proud to call my friends.

I know far more dishonest legals than illegals. I'd take any number of illegal Senor Cordovas over a Zorro or a Dr. Coles any day. It's an accident of birth that we are blessed to live in the U.S. Why can't we share? Jesus would.

Sent by Sue | 6:57 PM ET | 12-02-2007

My opinion is that the overwhelming majority of illegal aliens are good, caring human beings. We are taught to think of them as "illegals," and forget they are people too. Those who say they are here to take away our good jobs probably have never met or talked to an "illegal alien" to get their side of the story. In the state of Oregon, there are good paying jobs in forestry held mostly by illegals because U.S. citizens do not want to spend days at a time out in the forest away from friends and family in the elements planting trees and doing other ardous, tedious, back breaking physical labor.

Sent by max | 12:24 AM ET | 12-03-2007

Sent by dory harcourt: These so called ***** are strip-mining merica.Hospitals are closing,school are flooded.

Wrong! To blame overcrowding on any single ethnic group is denying the root problems of overpopulation, overcrowding and parents who have more children than they realistically can raise properly.

Sent by max U.S. citizens do not want to spend days at a time out in the forest away from friends and family in the elements planting trees and doing other ardous, tedious, back breaking physical labor.

Correct! One of the reasons the middle class manufacturing in America is disappearing is because everyone has fantasies of being a Porsche driving celebrity who doesn't have to do manual labor. Hence, it's hip to be a conservative claiming to be a liberal who blames George Bush for all their inequities.

fred call

Sent by fred call | 11:00 AM ET | 12-03-2007

Why is the ability to offer questions for tomorrow's debate not available? I just found out about it in our local paper yesterday and composed four. Some have direct relevance to the story that is the subject of this blog entry.

Here are four possible questions:

1) What your beliefs regarding these fundamental and connected questions concerning immigration?

Does the United States have a right to limit immigration? If so and that's what the majority of citizens desire, should our immigration policies reflect that desire?
And if that is our policy, won't it require enforcing laws that will by necessity keep otherwise decent people from fulfilling their completely understandable desire to have the opportunity to better their lives in our country? In other words, can we practically limit immigration if those limits only apply to "bad" people?

2) Would voters be mistaken in thinking that no Democratic candidate is willing to substantially enforce laws that will unavoidably hurt illegal immigrants who are otherwise decent people and that all of you will give the vast majority of illegal immigrants what many people will consider amnesty, that is awarding the limited opportunities for legal admission based upon the condition of having violated of our immigration laws? You don't need to legalize those whose status isn't illegal.

3) After failing to pass legislation that would have legalized those here without authorization, the Bush administration is seeking to require employers to have their employees resolve discrepancies with Social Security's records in order to continue employment in a safe-harbor for prosecution rule. The ACLU and several unions have this tied up in court. Should the current Congress promptly resolve this issue by granting explicit legal authority to use this process to deter the employment of illegal immigrants?

4) Democratic candidates have promised legalization to those here without authorization coupled with some promises to enforce the laws in the future. Are those who will surely follow them here illegally not equally deserving? Are they to be regarded as somehow less human than the current population of illegal immigrants? Or can they expect the same treatment?

Sent by Jeff | 11:38 AM ET | 12-03-2007

One day do you know what is going to happen to this place? There will not be people building houses, fixing roads and planting the trees up the mountains.
Why? Because Americans are lazy and they will need immigrants to do this crap. You get rid of the immigrants now, suffer later.

Sent by dn | 4:19 PM ET | 12-03-2007

If I could, I'd thank Mr. Cordova for helping that young boy out in the desert. It stinks that they deported the man, just like that. They should have given him the chance to be here legally, work & bring his family if he wanted.

Sent by kj | 11:13 PM ET | 12-03-2007

Illegal aliens are not "bashed". Illegal aliens are thieves, murderers and rapists, and that is the reality you choose to ignore. You will ignore it until they come after YOU. There is no sport in dealing with illegal aliens, we JUST WANT THEM GONE. www.reportanddeport.org

Sent by Jeff Wilson | 5:34 PM ET | 12-19-2007

Wow...Quite a cross-section of opinion on the illegals issue.

There are millions of people in the immigration process awaiting papers. Some live seperate from their families so that they do not disrupt the tedious and beaurocratic waiting periods by relocating. As a friend from India had done when his wife became a Dr. and took a job in Florida, leaving with their child. My friend stayed in the north-east, as a move would have put him into a different processing center, effectively starting from scratch. Others, like a friend from Ireland, live seperate from their families for decades, because he came here to work, legally. Hardship is not new, it does not belong to one group over another.

I know many illegal Mexicans. Many are friends. On the individual level, I wish them all the best, I will not turn them in. On the country level, they are still illegal. I believe that we cannot have a massive influx of people running around the laws of civil order. That said, allow me to say this; the mexicans generally work hard for their money. But, many stand on the corners waiting to be picked up for a day job, pee in the bushes and heckle women walking by. I'm talking reality that I know first-hand, not hypothetical emotion. Mexican tenants in low-income neighborhoods generally pay their rent, while many other American citizens play the system,,and avoid paying for their shelter. They will break your house, and then section 8 will make you fix it, or with-hold your rent check. They squat for months at a time until evicted and then do it again. Do I sound mean? I moved a girl and her daughter into an apartment at my own expense on Christmas eve. She had her daughters father pay the first two months and skipped nearly the rest of the year. Another had no hot water in the winter for her children. Gave her a place, 5000 dollars in lost rent later she left with no gratitude.
The Mexicans pay. Perhaps because they don't have the system to play with in some cases, but, for now, they are better to have around.

As for Cordova. If I were the Govenor, I would pardon his crime and grant him status to begin citizenship. There have always been exceptions, leaders have the aility to recognize an exception and act as they see fit. Especially in cases that celebrate what is best in humanity. At the same time, however, I would be doing what was needed to stop illegal entry, and process those already here in one way or another.

Sent by Raymond Currytto | 7:19 PM ET | 12-29-2007