Arizona is suffering from the same decline in 'crime-fighting'. With the new 'Employer Sanctions' law that was put into effect this year (a law that penalizes employers for hiring undocumented workers)-- Arizona's economic output was reduced by $27 Billion. In Maricopa County, Sheriff Arpaio gained recent publicity for his 'immigration hotline'-- with the shift in focus, there are 6,000 outstanding felony warrants. Crime rates will inevitably rise, as will drug traficking. Hardly seems like the logical issue to focus on... www.circletreeranch.org

There's a purpose for America's immigration laws, and they have worked for millions upon millions of people truely wanting to become Americans. Now those who have profited from illegal immigration cry foul because the laws are being enforced and it's costing them money. I have a solution. When any illegal immigrant goes to the emergency room they only have to prove where they work. Then their employer is responsible for the bill. The same would apply for their children in public schools, to register their children they would only have to prove who they work for, and that employer would be responsible for the costs of the children's education. And if their in an accident without insurance, their employer would be responsible for any damages and costs if they were at fault. If they're caught breaking any laws the employer is held financially responsible. And so on. These loyal Americans have no problem letting other Americans foot the bills for the people they profit from, let's see if they sing the same tune when "they're held resposible for what the American people have been paying out for years"!

Good point William... I think it'd be a great idea for corporate executives to pay some kind of tax to support their lower paid workers. Yes, there are medical bills that go unpaid by undocumented workers, but they only account for 23% of the unpaid bills,why not focus on the American Citizens that owe the other 77%? Undocumented workers still pay taxes and social security (which they'll never collect), sales tax,and mortgages. Supply and demand is a simple economic concept- prices go up, demand goes down- economic equilibrium takes a shift (not in our favor)-- prices go down, demand increases, equilibrium also changes over time. From a business standpoint, Latinos pump a disproportionately higher income into goods (as opposed to savings) than other American ethnic groups. -- When you focus on ridding your economy of its biggest spenders...the economy tumbles... So while we're busy chasing after undocumented workers instead of focusing on violent crime- not only is our economy taking a hit, but the drug use and crime rate grows exponentially. Less money for treatment...less treatment options...offenders return to society without rehabilitation and the cycle spins out of control.

Typical professor remarks.In the real world the drugs come through the deserts,hilly and mountain areas and places where law enforcement has no presence. They are escorted by mexican military or their own forces.Just another Bushie trying to get more money for scanners instead of doing their job.

Wake up America! There is no southern border. I've been there and can attest to mile upon mile of open Arizona desert. Until recent times the Mexican Government actually printed instructions on how to cross the desert and get into the U.S. The Mexican Federales and local police may be unsophisticated, but are equal in their corruption to that of the U.S. Government. If we truly wanted to do something about ilicit drugs, potential terrorists and illegal workers who cross our borders, we would...but our government couldn't care less.