We should consider this: most people want to become legal immigrants to America. I think this is a legitimate desire. My ancestors did it a hundred years ago, so I certainly can't complain if people want to do the same today.

What is fueling the illegal immigration? I think a large part of it is the bewildering, frustrating, inconsistent and sometimes downright schizoid US Immigration policy. What it takes to get a legitimate visa to America for many people is so confusing and seemingly hopeless that many feel it is totally futile. In China, even those applying for a tourist visa must go through an interview process which is by turns bizarre, inscrutable, humiliating and discriminatory.

If we can adopt a clear, positive standard and apply it consistently, more people might think they have a legal chance at entering the country. I believe this would have a major impact on reducing illegal entries.

I agree, our immigration system needs to be revamped. It needs to be more efficient, and less expensive. The current waits are unacceptable, and so is the cost, at least in my opinion. And again, I agree it is most likely one factor that instigates the desire to enter illegally rather than legally into this country.

That said, our immigration policy is our immigration policy and it is NOT an excuse for coming into our country illegally, further our country has a right to control its borders anyway it likes even if that is shutting down the border completely. If someone ventures over our borders illegally that someone is knowingly risking deportation if caught.