RZ, thanks for taking the time to offer a thoughtful response. I'm not sure how some of your ideas would be put into play, though - are you suggesting that there be no legal controls over immigration at all? That would make the U.S. the only country in the world to allow that - even Mexico doesn't have open immigration policies, as far as I know. And while I agree with your example of Ireland and the recent strengthening of the economy vis a vis immigration, we did not have an entirely open border policy with Ireland - there were yearly quotas in place the whole time, and I know people who entered the U.S. illegally from Ireland and got deported when they were caught. So while I would hope that we could approach the same type of mutually beneficial arrangement with Mexico, it still wouldn't mean that there was no immigration law in effect and it still would leave us with the question of how to deal with those that enter illegally.

I really do feel for Elvira - I've never been in her position, but I can empathize with her and can imagine how hard this is on her and her son. I've met and talked with her a few times as well, so I am not just talking theoretically there. I wish Elvira a lot of luck and hope for the best possible outcome for all concerned, but I am still having a problem justifying support for her, except as the parent of a U.S. citizen who is a minor - and that's not the reason that's being emphasized by her supporters. I guess I'm just looking for a more compelling reason to actively be on her side, because the message I'm getting so far is pretty garbled. It's hard to write that, as someone who is very active in this community - if I am not convinced of the merits of Elvira's case, what chance is there to reach someone who typically isn't politically concerned in the court of public opinion?