An Illegal is an illegal, period.

Why is it so hard to understand that someone who crosses our border illegally (meaning, without undertaking the proper procedures, or absent the proper documents) is an ILLEGAL ALIEN?

Any other spin on that person's status is just that - spin.

While I completely understand the desire of many, to reach America so that they can find a way to make more money to better their family's circumstances back home, nonetheless, there is a right way and a wrong way to get here, and sneaking across our border improperly is WRONG, period.

Individuals who have done this are not a "immigrants" or a "undocumented immigrants", they are in this country illegally, and sadly, in recent years our government has chosen to ignore the flood of such illegals who have crossed our borders and wreaked havoc with our economy.

Some of these illegals are criminals in their own nations, and have perpetrated crimes here in the USA; others are just looking for some place to better their lot in life, or their family's.

But good intentions are not a substitute for following long-established immigration procedures, and ignoring this flood of illegals is NOT a proper response for our government to take. Further, to actively CRIPPLE the Border Patrol through overzealous prosecutorial efforts (like those of Johnny Sutton in Texas) or other discouragement (like freezing out Border PAtrol advice in the recent Virtual fence test) is just plain silly.

We need a strong and vigorous Border Patrol, a clear set of immigration policies that punish illegal alien entry, and clearly defined and vigorous enforcement of those immigration policies.

As the child of legal immigrants, it pains me to see some individuals sneaking across our border without following the proper procedures, while thousands of others obey the rules, and wait patiently for their entry to our shores.

Proximity to the Rio Grande is no excuse for not immigrating legally, even if it means having to wait a while. My parents couldn't swim across the Atlantic Ocean, and weren't fortunate enough to line in Central or South America. America should continue to provide an even-handed approach to those who would immigrate legally, but should maintain a firm hand in the enforcement of illegal aliens who would take advantage of our porous southern or northern borders.