> Our immigration policy sucks and when laws suck people ignore them. Rather than fixing the root of the problem (making it easier for people to gain permanent residency legally), most of the current immigration debate centers around trying to keep people out. Good luck with that.
>
> Stephen

I think you're right here. It would be far better to make it easier for people to become citizens legally then to declare that they have to stay out.

I wonder, if we do make immigration easier and all one has to do to become legal is go down to the courthouse and sign up or something, how many people would do it? What are the tangible benefits? If you can come into this country, work without being taxed on your income, and still be able to benefit from many of our social programs, why would you choose otherwise?

In my experience, people are generally inclined toward an "I'll screw the system if it's better for me" attitude. I'm the only waitress at my restaurant (and one of two at the one before that) who actually claims all of her tips. Why doesn't everyone? Because they can get away with it.

I tend to be of a "lawful neutral" alignment. If laws are stupid we have appropriate channels for changing them, and I have more respect for that than declaring that certain ones we don't like just don't apply.