I sympathize with your anger and agree that the current system of immigration in which those who come to work in lower-paying jobs tend to have very little legal protection. However, there are two problems when you say "The immigrants ...TRUTHFULLY do the jobs that LAZY AMERICANS wouldn't get up and bust their backs to do for any amount of money!" First, it's simply untrue and basing politics on untruths is a bad idea. If bussing in restaurants paid $15 an hour or if housing construction jobs paid $25, there would be no difficulty in filling them. Second, your statement simply repeats the basic idea of those who say "immigrants steal jobs from people already here," and therefore is also a non-starter politically.

The two statements "Immigrants do jobs Americans are too lazy to do" and "Immigrants steal jobs from Americans by driving down wages" differ in attitude but agree in their estimation of the effect of immigrants on wages. By saying what you're saying, you're actually strengthening the anti-immigrant case.

What's a better approach? How about this. First, a successful, fluid economy needs a variety of inputs--capital, labor, incentives, investment--which can then be brought together to produce more. Immigration, like direct foreign investment, is an increased input of one of the factors of economic growth. Neither capital nor labor drives down the prices of these inputs in the long run in a fluid economy. Second, life is made up of more than an economy. We need a well-regulated economy and polity, and illegal immigration undermines both. The gap between workers and citizens should be lessened, not by kicking out immigrants (who, after all are bringing in a vital economic resource, namely labor) but by opening up ways for foreigners to receive both permission to work here and to begin the renaturalizaton process.

After reading Jennifers post I was forced to respond. I myself know and have worked with several illegal immigrants. Taken as individuals they have proved to be some of the most honest and hardworking people I have ever met. However the fact remains that they have come to this country illegally. No one is advocating stripping people who have legally immigrated any of the rights they have earned. However unchecked ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION does have many drawbacks to our society. I find it interesting that proponents of the march always refer to immigration not ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION which is the real issue. As for a powerful majority there is no question that that is obviously NOT the case. The majority of the country are natural citizens or citizens who have gone through the naturalization process in order to earn their equal rights. The fact is that not only illegal immigrants not the majority, but they do not even have a valid bargaining chip. As for the jobs LAZY AMERICANS would't do it is true that they do fill a void in the workforce,but if they were to receive full citizenship their employers would not be able to afford them. With the cost of insurance/workmans comp and other associated costs a large portion of the force that is currently working would be forcibly laid off. This would leave an unbearable strain on current social programs. In addition to what they provide the economy they also drain it. Untaxed income is routinely sent to Mexico essentially draining the economy of billions. Also let me remind you that LAZY SPOILED AMERICANS built this country. We are overly comfortable and got that way off the sweat of our familys backs. You as well Jennifer. Especially when you complain about ridiculous gas prices when we have among the lowest in the world. You also advocate us helping Mexico to straighten out their government while at the same time going on about how poor ours is. Quite a contradiction. If you'll remember the terrorists biggest qualm with us was our interference in their governments and countries. Though that has been played down by our government, do you really suggest we do the same thing in Mexico? These rallies should be taking place there. There is no reason that Mexico can't get straightened out. Wait yes there is. The proactive people leave. Its much easier to come here and make money and take care of family in Mexico than it is to stick it out and fight for your rights there. Thats fine. Thats a personal decision,but if your going to flee a country rather than fight for it why shouldn't you have to play by the rules in America which does offer all you seek. Please don't take the fact that your expected to play by the rules as an insult. Its America. Play along and you'll get what you deserve.