this is such a tough issue--

my father was an immigrant( from Turkey), but taught himself english

worked hard his whole life and naturalized at age 60

however, growing up in California and in agra counties, I saw how the heavy burden of migrant children over-burdened the public school system and the health care system

 

Immigrant blood makes us strong and picks our veggies, but their over-birthing is crashing our systems

tough answers will only solve these tough problems

I agree ... I guess my thoughts are that if they've been here a yr or more and want to become citizens ... let em stay and naturalize em.  Otherwise ... there are visitors' visa's student visas'  etc ... ???  Of course, I'm probably pretty naive as far as how that system works ...+

it's based on how much you(they) contribute or take away

The top twelve migrant-sending countries in 2006, by country of birth, were Mexico (173,753), People's Republic of China (87,345), Philippines (74,607), India (61,369), Cuba (45,614), Colombia (43,151), Dominican Republic (38,069), El Salvador (31,783), Vietnam (30,695), Jamaica (24,976), South Korea (24,386), Guatemala (24,146)

I'm not sure how "welfare" fits into your super generalization. Allow me to propose the following for the sake of argument:
If a deadly catastrophe hit the US and massive population migrations were necessary, how quickly do you think the government would reverse their policies?
The history of our country is one of assimilation of other peoples and arguments for and against allowing Irish, Italians, Muslims, etcetera ... and now Mexicans into the country.

I was surprised to see Philippines as third.  I know that many Filipinos dream of living and migrating there.  I feel bad that they lost hope here. 

<<I'm not sure how "welfare" fits into your super generalization.>>

 

I didn't even make a comment!  Just posted the link.  The issue isn't assimilation ... the issue - at least according to the article - is how this mass of people is sapping the resources of our nation.  I guess my feelings are that if they want to become Americans, let them ... even streamline the process for those who have lived her for a year or more or who have "special" circumstances.  Otherwise ... either tax them or send em home.  Cut back on the free handouts.  This should equally affect those who "employ", or should we say enslave illegals. 

ehh ... no easy answers on this issue!