Talk about the border

Published/Last Modified on Wednesday, Oct 13, 2004 - 09:15:19 am MST

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Tonight is the final debate between the Democratic and Republican candidates for president.

This time, President Bush and Sen. John Kerry meet in Arizona - on our home turf. The debate in Tempe will be on the topic of domestic issues.

We sure hope the two candidates at least spend a few minutes to talk about one domestic issue that hits close to our homes - illegal immigration and our porous border.

Both candidates haven't spent a lot of time talking about this issue. Why? It likely doesn't hit home for many Americans.

But in Arizona, the heart of the illegal immigration situation, it is an issue that should be discussed tonight.

The candidates need to explain what their ideas are to stem the flow of illegal immigrants across the southern border of the United States.

Bush has proposed letting immigrants get renewable three-year labor visas to work in jobs that aren't filled by U.S. workers. His plan wouldn't provide automatic citizenship for workers.

We also know, from this past summer, that his administration has flown Mexicans home in hopes of getting them farther from the border and not crossing again as quickly. The Arizona Border Initiative, which included more agents, four helicopters, more prosecutors and the use of unmanned aerial vehicles on the border, also was started under Bush's watch.

Kerry would give illegal workers who have been in the United States for at least five years a chance at citizenship, if they have paid taxes and stayed out of trouble.

As far as Kerry's view of border security, his Web site states he will make "airports, seaports and borders more secure without intruding upon personal liberties."

What we want are more details tonight. Bush and Kerry should explain how they would work to secure our border in the next four years. They should explain how they would react to illegal immigration in greater detail.

A few minutes on this subject would be worthwhile in a debate of national scope. But we don't expect it, as neither candidate has brought the issue upon the campaign trail. And with a national moderator, we expect the national issues to be discussed more on the economy, energy and healthcare.

But illegal immigration and border security are an issues that should be discussed. They are important issues for Arizonans and all of America.

ON THE NET:

� Bush campaign: www.georgebush.com

� Kerry campaign: www.johnkerry.com

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Graciela wrote on Jun 18, 2007 7:36 PM:

" I'm a Spanish woman married with a sargent here at fort huachuca.I can say it's totally true everething you are saying!It would be a great idea that all civilians could volunteer.I was surprised when i came here and i realized about what's happening.They come trying to find a better life and if they don't die on the way they would need groups of volunteers to support them and help them , and i think we all should start thinking why are so many differences between some countries with others?Probably if the most rich start caring about the development of thepoorcountrieseverythingwillbebetter. "

Robert Jones wrote on May 23, 2007 12:37 PM:

" I think that is a great idea, ther're a lot of very responsible retires, out there, who would love the chance to be helpful, No comment on Bush, Some body needs to do something positive. "