Better jail than bail
Reader comment on: Clinton Irks Immigrants' Advocates

Submitted by Scott Baker, Jan 28, 2008 13:44

I think this article, as well as Ms.Clinton, are missing the larger point. Since when do we give criminals a free bus ride back to their native country? We should not deport dangerous criminals, precisely because A) they've commited a crime, and sending them back across the border is adaquate punishment for only the lowest of misdemeanors, and B) they might cross the border back again and commit more crimes. No, our motto should be "Don't do the crime if you can't do the time," regardless of where they come from. Giving illegal immigrants due process is in our favor too, not just theirs.

I am only talking here about criminal illegal immigrants. The current "surge" in populist rhetoric to collectively punish all 12-20 million illegal immigrants - and ourselves, ultimately - is both misguided and mean. A real solution needs to be found that insures both secure borders and prompt treatment for those who trespass them. Punishing someone who has been in this country for years, worked, and maybe started a family, only punishes them for pursuing the American Dream, not for crossing the American border.

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