I hate to be a contrarian on this topic but every nation on the face of the earth has some rules about entering their country.

Last time I went to the UK, for example, they stamped my passport: "Not valid for work. Can only stay 60 days," and I didn't think this was racism nor classism so much as standard procedure of nations.

There are also procedures for ways in which I could have stayed for more than 60 days and procedures where I could apply for work and perhaps even procedures for seeking citizenship.

There were also things called customs regulations and import duties, etc.

Being aware of this universal fact of life might be a good idea before labeling any such attempts as 'racist."...

I hate to be a contrarian on this topic but every nation on the face of the earth has some rules about entering their country.

Last time I went to the UK, for example, they stamped my passport: "Not valid for work. Can only stay 60 days," and I didn't think this was racism nor classism so much as standard procedure of nations.

There are also procedures for ways in which I could have stayed for more than 60 days and procedures where I could apply for work and perhaps even procedures for seeking citizenship.

There were also things called customs regulations and import duties, etc.

Being aware of this universal fact of life might be a good idea before labeling any such attempts as 'racist." or at least realize it is a "racism," common to all nations.

I'm sure all this could be imporved in some way but if anyone thinks a totally free and open border with Mexico is a solution they should think again.

Countries don't have totally free and open borders.

@ziggy - I read your links but i think burndata0 point is still most real, it's what people see and feel out here in the Southwest everyday:
QUOTE: "
we will go broke providing services for people who do not contribute to the system

We see Mexican Day laborers hanging out in the parking lot of Home Depot and willing to work for way less than minimum wage (and I don't think most of them pay taxes).

We see Mexicans buying food with food stamps.

We see Mexicans getting free hospital care and free education and rent subsidies.

I don't understand why non-citizens get such things. Does any other country in the world do this?

That is the question: Does any other country in the world give food...

@ziggy - I read your links but i think burndata0 point is still most real, it's what people see and feel out here in the Southwest everyday:
QUOTE: "
we will go broke providing services for people who do not contribute to the system

We see Mexican Day laborers hanging out in the parking lot of Home Depot and willing to work for way less than minimum wage (and I don't think most of them pay taxes).

We see Mexicans buying food with food stamps.

We see Mexicans getting free hospital care and free education and rent subsidies.

I don't understand why non-citizens get such things. Does any other country in the world do this?

That is the question: Does any other country in the world give food, medical, educational and housing benefits to non-citizens?

Let me know, 'cause maybe I'll take a holiday and go there for the summer.

If the government just stopped giving such benefits -- that I don't think any other nation in the world gives out to non-citizens -- then most people would stop complaining.

There are complicating issues of crime and criminals crossing the border. Drug smuggling. People smuggling. I lived on the border one mile from Mexico for several years: It's insane. It's madness. There are drive-by killings with AK-47's; a dozen people popping up out of sewer tunnels and rushing off to safe houses; tunnels and low-flying private planes sneaking in drugs, lots of bribery of cops and custom's agents, gangs, too many people with burned out noses and pistols in their pockets.

The issue also complicated by the fact that all of this area was once Mexican territory. Latinos are all aware of this much more than Southerner's who may have romantic memories of the US Civil War.

The unjust War against Mexico (we damned up the Rio Grande)...well, we don't even talk about it or think it important or know why it started, but for valid reasons not forgotten.

So, it's a mess. It's needs attention. Giveaways to non-citizens don't help.

We can be better neighbors.