Chris

I wanted to reach out to you about an issue you'll be hearing a lot about in the days and months ahead...the security of our borders.

We are facing a crisis.

Over 7,000 miles of land span our borders; 330 million non-citizens flow through those borders every year...an alarming number of them illegally.

Make no mistake, most of the people crossing our borders illegally do so for one simple reason:

They are coming to America in search of opportunity and prosperity and a better life.

That's why they risk their lives...and, sadly, some even lose their lives to get here.

Hundreds of illegal immigrants died last year in the deserts and mountains that separate the United States from Mexico.

Now more than ever, as a matter of law, as a humanitarian matter, as a matter of national security, we must protect our nation's borders.

We MUST:

-Deploy more patrol agents and investigators to our borders.
-Equip these professionals with the very best equipment and technology available.
-Build an enduring infrastructure -- frontline defenses -- that will protect our borders for years to come.

These are just a few of the steps that will secure America's borders.
Because when we enhance the security of our borders, we increase the safety of our citizens and all who set foot on American soil.

As this is an issue of such profound importance, I would like to hear your opinion on the matter.

So please visit http://www.SecureAmericasBorders.com today to participate in my Security and Immigration Survey.

I look forward to your response.

Bill Frist, M.D.
Senate Majority Leader

There's more I could add, such as how the false choice they offer is similar to the false choice previously offered by our former border czar, Asa Hutchinson ("Deporting all illegals not realistic", WashTimes).

Also, the estimated dollar cost of getting rid of these people is chump change in the federal budget and the annual GDP.

There is also something to be said for upholding the constitution by enforcing the laws and protecting our borders and citizens.

So if we were to shell out for the deportation program, we'd basically quadruple Mexico's unemployment rate. Revolution ensues. All the Mexicans come back.

Jeff Medcalf of Caerdroia has a solid, intelligent post on immigration. As is usual for Jeff the post is well thought-out, sensible, and humane. I'm afraid I differ from Jeff rather substantially on this issue. In a perfect world I'd...

Or, better yet, provide transportation and tunnels to get to Canada where the Socialist Welfare State is blossoming nicely?