3/6/2012
Hogansville Georgia

Sinjuan
ms.Jones Callaway high school
I think immigration should be handled on a state level because the federal government don't know whats going on in a particular state and i feel the law in Alabama should stand because they shouldn't be able to just come in our state or country without permission we just cant go over there to where they live and be free.

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3/6/2012
Habersham County, Georgia

Austin Sullens
Mrs. Yana
I think that the people that sneak into this country can leave me alone. As long as they dont bother me I really don't care. Because my house is protected by the good lord and a gun and anyone shows up unwelcome they will meet both of 'em son!

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3/6/2012
Hogansville Georgia

Sinjuan
ms.Jones Callaway high school
I think immigration should be handled on a state level because the federal government don't know whats going on in a particular state and i feel the law in Alabama should stand because they shouldn't be able to just come in our state or country without permission we just cant go over there to where they live and be free.

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3/6/2012
Georgia

Dustin
Mrs. Yana
I think that the state should not be able to take matters in their own hands why because the state may not know what's going but the federal government can deal with it in a easier way. And the federal government and the state government should think about this.Their doing this because of 9/11/2001 and because of hatred and fear. Yes, I think this does violate the Fourth Amendment and the universal Declaration of human right's

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3/6/2012
Habersham County, Georgia

Austin Sullens
Mrs. Yana
I think that the people that sneak into this country can leave me alone. As long as they dont bother me I really don't care. Because my house is protected by the good lord and a gun and anyone shows up unwelcome they will meet both of 'em son!

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3/6/2012
Georgia

Dustin
Mrs. Yana
I think that the state should not be able to take matters in their own hands why because the state may not know what's going but the federal government can deal with it in a easier way. And the federal government and the state government should think about this.Their doing this because of 9/11/2001 and because of hatred and fear. Yes, I think this does violate the Fourth Amendment and the universal Declaration of human right's

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3/6/2012
Hogansville Georgia

Sinjuan
ms.Jones Callaway high school
I think immigration should be handled on a state level because the federal government don't know whats going on in a particular state and i feel the law in Alabama should stand because they shouldn't be able to just come in our state or country without permission we just cant go over there to where they live and be free.

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3/6/2012
Perry,Georgia

Papa Bear
Mr.James/Perry High School
I think that the States should not be allowed to enact their own laws because human beings are flawed when they want something they do things, out of the way, to make others bend to their kind of sick thinking at the moment. If the laws go further that the federal government then the states will probably have mass riots because the laws might be something against human rights. I totally think that this law violates the fourth amendment because who are the people who are on the police force to pull someone over and ask to see your passport and citizen registration? Why would you want to persecute this group of people? What have they done to us except trying to make a living. Congress should vote not to pass this law because how would you like it if you were an immigrant and you came to America and they start to pass laws to make life harder for you?

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3/6/2012
Hogansville Georgia

Sinjuan
ms.Jones Callaway high school
I think immigration should be handled on a state level because the federal government don't know whats going on in a particular state and i feel the law in Alabama should stand because they shouldn't be able to just come in our state or country without permission we just cant go over there to where they live and be free.

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3/6/2012
stockbridge ga

kody
yana/carrol county school
i think instead of trying limit there freedom they should just send them all back to mexico or were ever they come from.

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3/6/2012
Lilburn,Georgia

Zomb13
Parkview High School
I believe that this is a lot of pure racism. If a Hispanic person was born in the United States, but forgot his driver's license, he could be detained simply because he was Hispanic. A white or black person would not be as harshly punished; why should Hispanics be discriminated against? In fact, why should immigrants be discriminated against? They are people, too! If you were in a country with a really corrupt government, and the only way to feed your family was to sneak into another country, wouldn't you? Illegal immigrants are brave people. They should be respected and applauded, not hated and called "aliens!" What happened to the "Land of the Free?" What happened to the Statue of Liberty? I'll tell you one thing: it's more than just a tourist attraction!

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3/6/2012
Carrollton, Georgia

Yana
KidsPeace School of Georgia
The federal government needs to stop dragging its feet and settle the issues concerning illegal immigration. This is becoming embarrassing. As a humanist, I weep and scream in response to the growing virus of state laws multiplying throughout our country, specifically in the southern regions, that are being fertilized with diets of bigotry and fear of change.

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2/6/2012
Meridian Idaho

Deacon
Mrs. Parshley/ Meridian High school
Immigration should be left up to the states because the federal government doesnt know whats going on in that state or what they are going through. The federal government would make one single law that might only be effective for a few states making the other ones just outta luck. Immigration is a problem in a lot of states and i believe that the states themselves should have the right to solve the problem that they have to live with.

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2/6/2012
Meridian Idaho

Deacon
Mrs. Parshley/ Meridian High school
Immigration should be left up to the states because the federal government doesnt know whats going on in that state or what they are going through. The federal government would make one single law that might only be effective for a few states making the other ones just outta luck. Immigration is a problem in a lot of states and i believe that the states themselves should have the right to solve the problem that they have to live with.

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11/4/2011
AZ

Tori
Benson High Scool
Being someone that has lived in many different states, I have experienced what it is like to be in a state with many immigrates and states that hardly have any. I think its a states issue because they are the ones that have to live with the problem vs a state that just sees it on the news.

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11/4/2011
Madison/NE

Brent
Mrs. Gentile/LHNE
I believe that it should be a federal issue. The problem with that is the fact that they don't seem to care. In this case, I believe states should be given every right to take care of it themselves.

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11/4/2011
Norfolk, NE

Trenton
Mrs. Gentile/Lutheran High
I believe that this issue is one that the federal government should take care of.

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11/4/2011
Norfolk,Ne

Zach
Mrs.Gentile
I believe it is a federal issue. I believe that these illegal imigrants should be deported. None should get special rights. It is unfair to those immigratns that have worked for their green card when others stay here without doing a thing to earn this right. It takes jobs away from Americans who are part of the U.S when these illegals live and work here.

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11/4/2011
Norfolk/Nebraska

Daniel
Mrs. Gentile/Lutheran High Northeast
It is a federal issue and they should be the ones to take care of it. If the states wanted to make more forceful policies towards it they should be allowed to. In no way does this violate the Constitution because the rights described in the Constitution are given to the citizens of the United States, not those living illegally in the country. They help ruin an already failing economy by taking the money they earn here and sending it back home to their families in other countries as well as taking away jobs that our citizens really need right now. They should not be allowed to mooch off of the tax dollars of other Americans. They should follow the laws that our ancestors did and immigrate legally or go back to where they came from.

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11/4/2011
Norfolk, NE

Austin
Mrs. Gentile/Lutheran High Northeast
I think it is a federal issue because it isnt a problem with just certain states because their are illegals roming in every state. I dont think they violate the 4th amendment. I think Congress should make it so that the illegal immigrants cant be here without being an US citizen because the constitution is for US citizens and if they arent citizens then that doesnt violate the 4th amendment at all.

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11/4/2011
Norfolk/NE

Zach
Mrs.Gentile/Lutheran High Northeast
This is a federal issue. If they want to become citizens of the U.S. then they need to do it the right way. That also means that it’s the federal government’s job to get rid of the illegals. States should have their own laws as well, but the federal government will have the basic laws that get things done. Simple as that.

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11/4/2011
Norfolk Ne

Hannah
Gentile/Lutheran High Northeast
i think that the states should get to make their own laws regaurding illegals. i dont think that those laws violate the 4th ammendment either.

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11/4/2011
Irving/TX

Angelica R
Bradley/Nimitz
States should not enact their own laws because it will just become complicated having each state with a different approach on illegal immigration. I think it will only cause chaos. I think that Alabama and Arizona laws are absurd, how are you going to look at a person and say well I think he looks illegal so let me stop him! Congress should pass a new law on immigration before all states want to have different laws.

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11/3/2011
Norfolk/Nebraska

Hayley
Mrs.Gentile/Lutheran High Northeast
I think that it should be handled by the federal government because it's an issue with the entire United States as a whole not just individual states. They need to be stricter because it's not right that they are coming in and taking our jobs when they aren't even citizens.

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11/3/2011
Norfolk NE

Joshua
Lutheran High Northeast
I think the immigration laws do not violate the constitution because the rights in the constitution are for the protection of US citizens not so people can brake the law and get away with it. There is no searching or seizing beyond what happens when anyone is pulled over. If they do not have legal identification there is probably a reason for it. You should not be driving without a driver's license that you should need to be a citizen to obtain. If you don't have either that or other identification there is nothing unreasonable about holding you in prison. It would be like holding a suspect for any other crime. I would like the immigration laws to be at a federal level but if the national government won't do anything about the problem they need to allow the states to take care of it.

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11/3/2011
Norfolk/NE

Nicholas
Mrs. Gentile/Lutheran High Northeast
I think that both the federal and state governments should each have a say in the matter. The federal government should enact somewhat looser laws regulating illegal immigrant admittance but the state's should have control over how strict they choose their own laws to be concerning the matter. I honestly don't believe that it's fair to true U.S. citizens to allow illegal immigrants to remain in the U.S because they broke our laws to get here and they're stealing jobs from our citizens who deserve them. They're stealing our money and opportunities. I have no problem with a legal immigrant going through all the legal processes of being a U.S. citizen but it doesn't make sense to me that we allow people not of our country to break our laws without punishment. I think the DREAM act is a terrible idea. The laws in Alabama and Arizona do to an extent stretch the fourth amendment but I think that if a officer has a reasonable explanation for pulling over a suspected illegal immigrant and they aren't able to produce papers proving their legal residency then they should be detained because they should carry around their papers at all times. That's just one of the cons of not being born in the U.S. Sure, it's unfortunate, but I think it's necessary.

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11/3/2011
Norfolk/Nebraska

Faith
Mrs. Gentile/ Lutheran High Northeast
Illegal immigrants should be a federal issue. Numerous states deal with the problem of illegal immigrants, so the federal government should handle it all. There needs to be the same laws and regulations for the whole country.

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11/3/2011
Norfolk/Nebraska

Katie
Mrs.Gentile/LHNE
If states have their own laws for illegal immigrants, I feel all states should have the same laws. Its doesn't seem fair that some states are soooo harsh and others seem to do nothing. This is an issue we need to work hard at because it seems to be causing some great problems in areas.

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11/3/2011
Norfolk/NE

Liz
Mrs. Gentile/LHNE
It is both a federal and state problem but the federal has to blaze the trail. These illegal immigrants want to become an American, not a Nebraskan or Texan. They want to be part of the "fluid mosaic" and want to fit in...but they do not take the proper means to do so. They avoid becoming a citizen so therefore the Constitution of the United States of America does not apply to them. Yes they are people who live in the America but they do not have the citizenship that they need to have all the rights given to Americans in the Constitution. Once the federal government makes a stand the states will stand behind them and illegal immigration will be taken care of. Is that not what federalism is?

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11/3/2011
Norfolk,NE

Shelby
Mrs. Gentile
I believe that immigration should be a federal issue. Our country needs to be united on the laws and regulations of immigrants. We cannot have different laws in each state concerning immigration. If you’re an illegal immigrant there is nothing wrong or illegal with will being pulled over for any reason and being asked for documentation or your citizenship. If you don’t have…..well get the heck out of our country!

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11/3/2011
Nofolk, Nebraska

Kelsey
Mrs. Gentile/ Lutheran High
i think that immigration needs to be a federal issue because all the illegal imigrants are coming into our country and taking jobs away from US citizens that are already struggling to find jobs.

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11/3/2011
Norfolk/NE

Jordan
Gentile/LHNE
Sure. Illegal immigrants aren't citizens of the United States, so they shouldn't have the rights that we are given by the Constitution. Therefore, states should be able to treat them as they please.

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11/3/2011
Norfolk, Nebraska

Rachel
Mrs. Gentile/ Lutheran High Northeast
I think that the federal governent should regulate illegal immigration because these people are entering our country. If they don't want to be citizens then why are they coming to the U.S. Immigrants are causing there to be less jobs for citizens in the U.S. If they are caught i believe they should be sent back to there country.

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11/3/2011
Norfolk/Ne

Taylor
Mrs. Gentile/Lutheran High Northeast
Immigration should most deffinately be regulated because they do make a huge difference on the united states economy. We already are havine issues with not enough jobs right now, if they allow immigrants to all come here then we will have an even lower economy.

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11/3/2011
Norfolk, NE

Andrea
Mrs. Gentile/Lutheran High Northeast
I think that immigration should be a federal regulated issue because the immigrants are stealing citizenship of the country, not just the state. I also think that not only should the laws be enacted upon the illegal immigrants, they should also be removed from the country. If not, our legal citizenship will be devalued and will no longer mean anything.

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11/3/2011
Nebraska

Annemarie
Mrs. Gentile
I think all the states should enact the same laws on illegal immigrants. I think that the laws should be passed by the federal government though. No, i dont because it says that UNREASONABLE seraches and seizes are not to be tolerated. These are perfectly reasonable. Yes, i think that instead of helping these illegal immigrants out, we need to send them back to their homeland. We already have a shortage of jobs in the US. We shouldn't go around giving oppertunities to the illegals that we could be giving to real citizens. This encourages more illegal immigrants to come on over the fence!

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11/3/2011
Norfolk,NE

Katrina
Mrs.Gentile/LHNE
I thin it's a federal issue since they're not necessarily a citizen of the US.

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11/3/2011
Norfolk/Nebraska

Kendra
Mrs. Gentile/LHNE
I don't think an illegal immigrant should get alll the benefits that a legal citizen

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11/3/2011
Norfolk/Nebraska

Catrina
Mrs. Gentile/Lutheran High Northeast
I think that it is a state issue because the federal part of government already made immigration illegal, how states handle it should be up to them.

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11/3/2011
Norfolk, Nebraska

Whitney
Mrs Gentile
I think the federal government should be responsible. Illegal immigrants are affecting more than one state and it would be too much for the states to handle because it would have to be the same in every state.

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11/3/2011
Norfolk/Nebraska

Tyler
Mrs. Gentnile
I would see it as more of a federal issue then state. Your not becoming a citizen of the state but as a whole of the United States. But overall its the state and federal issue. There needs to be a basic guideline from the federal part and the states can work from it to best fit their states. Still, we need to be tougher on illegal immigration. Why should we allow those who didn't go through all the hoops as those that actually did to become legal citizens. But we do need to make it easier for those to become legal citizens then as of right now

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11/3/2011
Norfolk/Nebraska

Andrew
Mrs. Gentile/ Lutheran High Northeast
Illegal immigrants are drain to our country. States should have their own detailed and very specific laws. But also the federal government should have a more general law so as to coincide with state law so it is in equal balance.

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11/3/2011
Norfolk, Nebraska

Jordan
Mrs. Gentile/Lutheran High Northeast
I think that the federal government should handle the illegal immigration laws. If the each state had the power to make their own laws regarding illegal immigrants it would become way too confusing.

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11/3/2011
Norfolk/Nebraska

Beth
Mrs. Gentile/Lutheran High Northeast
Illegal Immigration is a federal issue because they are illegaly entering our country, but the states should be allowed to take action on the illegal immigrants in their states. If these immigrants aren't willing to become citizens the right way, then they don't belong here. Living here without a citizenship is against the law and they should be punished for their crime. Either send them back, or put them through the process to be citizens.

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11/3/2011
norfolk/ne

jacob
gentile/lutheran northeast
i think that the federal government should regulate immigration, since you are not just a citizen of a state, you would become a citizen of the country as a whole. i also think illegal immigrants should be deported, unless they serve in the military. they are detrimental to the economy, they take nearly 10 million jobs, take our tax money, and our healthcare and welfare benefits.

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11/3/2011
Norfolk Nebraska

Taylor P
Gentile/Lutheran High Northeast
I think states have every right to enforce laws on illegal immigrants, especially if the federal government isn't going to do anything about it. No I don't think it violates their 4th amendment rights, it's just like showing your driver's license when you get pulled over, it isn't actually searching or siezing things. If states are already taking things into their own hands and passing laws it's pretty clear what they want done with illegal immigrants, why not at the federal level?

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11/3/2011
Norfolk Nebraska

Ross
Mrs.Gentile/ Lutheran High Northeast
I think that the Feds should take care of the illegal immigrants. Beacuse they are in the U.S. not in a seperate state. Since all the states are apart of the the U.S. the Feds are the ones that are responsible for them.

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11/3/2011
Norfolk, NE

Shelby
Mrs. Gentile
Send them back. It's as simple as that. Now, don't get me wrong, I have a heart for these people because they had no choice in the matter. If they would like the benefits of American freedom, they should have to work for it like our forefathers did. Put them through the process and we will gladly present them with rights due. It is too risky to let them meander their way into our county otheriwise. Keep them out, keep us safe, along with my tax dollors.

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11/3/2011
Norfolk Nebraska

Ross
Mrs.Gentile/ Lutheran High Northeast
I think that the Feds should take care of the illegal immigrants. Beacuse they are in the U.S. not in a seperate state. Since all the states are apart of the the U.S. the Feds are the ones that are responsible for them.

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11/3/2011
Norfolk/NE

Natalie
Gentile/Lutheran High Northeast
I think it should be handled at a national leval so everyone is delt with in the same way.i dont believe the DREAM act should be passed though because it is unfair treatment to the people who are working towards a green card, and also we would be giving special treatment to those who are here illegally but are being "good".

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11/3/2011
Sidney, MT

Andrew
Mr. Faulhaber/ Sidney High School
I think that the federal government should regulate the laws pertaining guns. If the states were in charge it would be complicated when crossing the borders from states to states. Also it would be more issues for the states, they would have one more thing to worry about. If the federal government took care of these laws, than there would be one law, and less issues.

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11/2/2011
Irving/TX

Juan M
Bradley/Nimitz
I believe that states should be allowed to make their own laws when it comes to illegal immigration. The reason is that some states don't really need to deal with illegal immigration compared to the southern states.But the federal government should pay close attention at the laws different states make when it comes to immigration, in case they violate any amendments. For example the Arizona law does violate the fourth amendment because the police search people only because they look suspicious of being an illegal immigrant. I believe the federal government should also pass some basic immigration laws on what is the limit when it comes to states making their own laws.

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11/2/2011
Irving/TX

Jesse G.
Bradley/ Nimitz
The issue of illegal immigration should only be handled b yhe federal goverment. Illegal immigration is too broad too complicated to have every other state have different laws on it. This is a nationwide issue and should be givien a unified effort by all states so no one state can be more strict or more lenient than the other. Also, it brings the issue of racisim into play like in Arizona , where anyone suspected of being illegal could be pulled over. Mexico is right next to Arizina , wouldn't law enforcment be more inclined to pull over someone that looks hispanic? Either way our federal govermnet should be the ones who deal with this issue not states.

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11/1/2011
Sidney, Montana

Tori
Mr. Faulhaber/ Sidney High School
I feel illegal immigration should be a federal issue not state. States have other things to worry about and to make laws for. Plus I feel the states have more power than the federal government. Federal and state government need to divide issues equally and i feel the federal government would so a better job on this issue.

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10/28/2011
Watertown/ Massachusetts

Cindy
Mr. Rimas/ Watertown High School
I think that states shouldn't be allowed to enact their own laws on illegal immigrants because it is an issue that the Federal government has to take care of, because immigration is a big issue in the United States. Immigration is part of the whole nation, so why should only a certain state make laws about it? States like Arizona violate the rights of people, by detaining people based on their appearance; whether or not they look like immigrants. This isn't right, and it should definitely be a federal issue.

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10/28/2011
Watertown MA

Afzal A
Rimas/Watertown High School
I believe that illegal immigration should be a state issue because the state should be responsible for keeping track of who comes and goes to their state. The federal government shouldn't have to get involved in the affairs of the state. The states all have the right to decide whether they let illegals into their state or not.

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10/28/2011
Watertown MA

Afzal A
Rimas/Watertown High School
I believe that illegal immigration should be a state issue because the state should be responsible for keeping track of who comes and goes to their state. The federal government shouldn't have to get involved in the affairs of the state. The states all have the right to decide whether they let illegals into their state or not.

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10/28/2011
Watertown/MA

Sarah
Rimas/Watertown High School
The dispute on illegal immigration is been around for a while now, and is be coming a growing issue. Since this issue is statewide I believe that is is a federal issue and not just a state issue, if it were it wouldn't be happening nationwide. In my eyes their should be more security on borders, to those trying to come illegally. Don't get me wrong I think that immigrants should be applauded because they're only trying to make their life better here in the United States but they just need to do it in a more legal way. You have all most likely heard about this issue before, and terms used to describe these individuals which also shows how it is a nationwide as well. If it weren't such a big issue and was only secluded to one state it wouldn't have gotten this out of hand.

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10/28/2011
Watertown, ma

Shannon
Watertown High School
I think illegal immigration is a federal issue because illegal immigrants are taking the jobs that citizens of the United States could have. This is a federal issue because it is not just going on in one state its going on through the whole country. This has been going on for a long time. If there is something done about this then the law will be regulated and it won't effect peoples rights in the wrong way.

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10/28/2011
Irving TX

Cynthia G
Bradley/Nimitz
I do not believe that each state should be allowed to apply their own laws to illegal immigration. This issue needs to be looked at as a whole and not individually. Depending on how people approach the situation, their outlook on it could be different. For instance, in Arizona police officers were being allowed to pull over anyone they suspect to be illegal and have no reason to. I think that this was the wrong way to approach the issue because you should not judge anyone by their physical appearance. If anyone is going to do anything about illegal immigration, then it needs to be a federal issue.

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10/28/2011
Watertown MA

Billy
Watertown Highschool
Illegal immigration is a federal issue because illegal immigrants travel, there is not ju8st one secluded state with all of them it is a problem throughout the country. although there may be more illegal immigrants in certain boarder states it does not mean there are none in the middle of the US. illegal immigration effects everybody too because illegals usually work under the table getting paid cash and taking jobs that US citizens could have

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10/26/2011
Irving/TX

Sherin
Ms. Bradley/Nimitz HS
Illegal Immigration has been around for a long period of time in the United States. Since it is throughout the nation, I think Illegal Immigration is a federal issue. States can enact laws in order to keep the illegal immigrants away. In doing so, some states can make laws which are extremely harsh to the illegal immigrants. The laws in Alabama and Arizona have taken strict measures against illegal immigrants, but denying a person's Fourth Amendment right is considered unconstitutional by the Bill of Rights.

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10/26/2011
Irving/TX

Sherin
Ms. Bradley/Nimitz HS
Illegal Immigration has been around for a long period of time in the United States. Since it is throughout the nation, I think Illegal Immigration is a federal issue. States can enact laws in order to keep the illegal immigrants away. In doing so, some states can make laws which are extremely harsh to the illegal immigrants. The laws in Alabama and Arizona have taken strict measures against illegal immigrants, but denying a person's Fourth Amendment right is considered unconstitutional by the Bill of Rights.

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10/24/2011
Irving, Tx

Karla V.
Bradley/Nimitz
I think that illegal immigration is mostly a federal issue. If illegal immigrants are spread along the whole entire country, then shouldn't it be the nation's government's job to take charge and find a reasonable solution to it? If only the states are allowed to make these laws then many of the immigrants and families of the immigrants will find it easier to just move out of that state and into a state that accepts illegal immigrants with open arms. Every state has their own opinion on illegal immigrants, and they are allowed to express them in every constitutional way that they can. Every state will have their different laws against or for this issue. If all the states could com together and find a good compromise then, everyone will be happy at the outcome. I do believe that the laws passed by those states who are against immigration violate the Fourth Amendment. Most of the people who are pointed out to being “illegal” are in the Latino/Hispanic community. If they see someone speeding down the road and the police automatically thinks of the stereotypical immigrant, they are obviously going to ask for some sort of identification. When they see that they have been mistaken and proven to them that that person is actually a legal person, I'm pretty sure they feel silly for being suspicious for something that was really ridiculous. There are people out there that are very offended at the fact that every time they are seen as suspicious that have to present their “papers.” We need to seriously put an end to this.

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10/24/2011
Irving/TX

Nam
Ms.Bradley/Nimitz
I believe laws on Illegal immigration should all be Federal. Reason because laws in some parts of U.S are too strict while others have too little or none. If you create a law on Illegal immigration that the whole country can share. It would stabilize the issue, and protect individual rights. While not violating any amendment nor rights of the general public.

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10/24/2011
Irving/TX

Fatema J
Bradley/Nimitz
The issue of illegal immigration to be controlled by federal or states is quiet disputable. However, this issue seems to handled by the federal government for it affects the whole country. If the states take control over this issue, they might end up creating laws that could be presumed unconstitutional. For example, when Arizona and Alabama enacted laws claiming that illegal immigrants are not harming the country, they violated the Fourth Amendment, that is search and seizure. It is clear that illegal immigrants are bound to affect the public in the long run. Therefore, it would be prudent if the Congress would pass a immigration reform law.

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10/23/2011
Irving/Texas

Joan
Bradley/Nimitz
This issue concerning illegal immigrants should be taken care of by the federal government. However this may affect both states and the federal government, it is reasonable to leave it in the hands of those with a little more power than the states. Too many states have tried to control the immigrants illegally or in a way that is not completely acceptable. Too often the states have created unconstitutional laws. Since illegal immigrants make up a large proportion of laborers working in America, this is deemed a federal issue. The federal government controls the money that are circulating in the United States. Because the federal government has authority over this immigration issue, these laws in Alabama and Arizona violate the Fourth Amendment. These immigrants may not be legal citizens of America but the states should not be involved in this. Laws concerning illegal immigrants shall be made only by the federal government. Too many places in America are growing short of employment opportunities and too many homes are being taken away from U.S. citizens, so the Congress should pass a new federal immigration law as soon as possible to keep jobs and homes open and available to American citizens.

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10/23/2011
Irving/Texas

Carmen
Bradley/Nimitz
In my opinion, I think that illegal immigration is a state and federal issue. I think that cracking down on this issue is something that the federal government should lead and assign the states things to accomplish and the states can offer suggestions also. I think it should be a mutual thing, We cant have one government or the other because the federal government cannot be everywhere at once, and the state government cant enforce rules everywhere like the federal government can. Illegal immigration is a mutual issue that both the federal and state government should try to solve.

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10/22/2011
Irving/TX

Jerin
Bradley/Nimitz
I think states should be allowed to enact their own laws on illegal immigrants. A person who comes to the country legally has a permanent resident status or visa. He or she has waited for so many years to get the visa and has every possible right to be in the country and have a job and a driver's license. At the same time, a person who is in the country illegally does not have the right to own anything in the US. An illegal immigrant can come to the country any time, produce false documents and can sometimes get to enjoy all the rights and privileges offered by the country while a legal immigrant produces all the right documents and can sometimes be denied some privileges. This means an illegal immigrant can sometimes get a job or drive a car in the US that should have belonged to a legal resident. As a result, there is inequality created among the immigrants. States can enact laws making immigration rules tough but, of course, they cannot go too far as to detaining someone for not having proper documentation, which is a violation of the 4th amendment. The Congress, too, should pass strict laws regarding immigration because this is not a small problem to be handled alone by the states.

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10/21/2011
Irving, TX

Diana C.
Bradley/ Nimitz HS
Illegal immigration has been going on for a while. States are taking their own decisions due to the fact that the federal government doesn't do anything about it. I understand where people are coming from in disagreeing with illegal immigrants but the truth is that illegal immigrants run great percent of the US economy. For example, Alabama passed the strictest laws on immigrants and now all the crops are dying and the owners are loosing thousands of dollars. Guess who does all that hard work? Not US citizens. States are going too far with laws and the federal government should do something about it. I think it would really benefit everyone in the United States if they legalized many of those people. The state governments are violating the 4th amendment when they stop people for no reason. They have no warrant or anything stating that they have the right to your privacy. The federal government really needs to step in to fix all this controversies. In my opinion, US citizens need to realize how much work they do for them and they should appreciate it. If there is a day when there are no immigrants in this country, I can assure they will want them back.

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10/19/2011
Irving, TX

Ashley Bou
Bradley/Nimitz
I do not think that states should enact laws on illegal immigrants. This issue has been huge for a long period time. I believe it's a federal issue since it affects the entire country, not only the states. The federal government should enact these laws instead of the state. The laws in Alabama and Arizona violate the Fourth Amendment if the illegal aliens are not harming the country in a serious way (like killing people or hurting them). There are lot of illegal immigrants in the U.S. and most of them have been here for a plethora of years.Most of them have family and moved to the U.S. for a better life. The illegal immigrants who have been here for a while should not get banned on getting a license etc. Why catch them and send them back? Why ban them for getting licenses? The government and states should worry about the illegal immigrants trying to come to the U.S. illegally now instead of trying to suspect who have settled their life already. Congresss needs to pass a new federal immigration law because the one we have now is not working out well. I am not saying I am not against illegal immigration. I am just saying that the government should worry about illegal immigration now with making borders be more strict and not worry about suspecting the ones already settled. The attention should be on newcoming illegal immigrants who should go through the legalization process.

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10/19/2011
Sidney/Mt

Levi
Faulhaber
I think its federal issue becauce illegal immigrant are crossing the boreds

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10/19/2011
Sidney, MT

Tyler W.
Mr. Faulhaber
I believe its a federal issue, because it affects the entire country.

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10/19/2011
SHS

Lj
Ms. Fontana
I think it is both the states and the federal governments responsibilty to crack down on illeagal immigration. I think what Alabama and Arizona did is exactly what every state needs ecspecially the ones closer the borders. I think that if they can't get a visa to get into our country we shouldn't think of them as citizens and say they have all these rights because they don't because they're not even supposed to be here.

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10/19/2011
Sidney MT

Cody Daleske
Ms. Fontana
ITs a federal issue because they are spreading all over the country trying to find jobs everywhere.

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10/19/2011
Sidney High School

Tanner Roth
Miss Fontana
I think states should be allowed to make their own laws against illegal immigrants. If you really want to become a part of America then at least go through the legalization system. The Fourth Amendment isn't being abused. If people suspect you for being an alien then they have every right to turn you in. They're the ones doing the right thing not the aliens. If you don't belong here then don't try to stay. Congresss needs to pass a new federal immigration law because the one we have now obviously isn't working out for us very well. We need to be stricter on the borders. If you don't have paperwork saying you're a natural born American then don't come here if you don't have a purpose. Things need to change because these aliens are having an impact on everything we do.

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10/19/2011
Sidney, MT

Tegan
Ms. Fontana
Its a federal issue. I could see it being a state issue if the illegal immagrants were only in the southern states. But unfortunately there not, they're all over the U.S.

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10/19/2011
Sidney, MT

Andrew
Mr. Brad Faulhaber
Yes, I believe the states should enact their own laws if the Federal Government won't pass laws to help protect our own people. No, I believe that the laws passed in Arizona and Alabama are in the good nature for their people. Yes, Congress should pass a law that enable the police to deport and detain illegal immagration. I also feel that they are taking over and making the U.S. citizens the minority which isn't right.

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10/19/2011
sidney, mt

Brandon
Fontana
I think that it is more of a federal issue because they can get into the states and then jump from one state to another taking peoples jobs

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10/19/2011
Irving/TX

Sara
Bradley/Nimitz
It seems like the states are making things happen, and are creating laws that they think will help. The federal government isn't making enough changes, so the states took matters in their own hands. They were being a little to inconsiderate as to people's rights. They were violating the Fourth Amendment as far the the search and seizure goes. Yes if they seem suspicious that's understandable, but you can't just go around stopping random people asking for citizenship. When you start undermining amendments then it's time for someone else to step in. So the federal government should start to take more control and realize the situation that's happening. Finding out ways to get the states to cooperate with the ideas the federal government present.

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10/18/2011
Irving,Tx

Rosa L
Bradley/Nimitz
State and federal government always have disagreements and they always will. The tenth amendment clearly gave the power to the states to make laws for issues the federal government did not cover or specify. The fact is that states will pass laws that concerns their interests; until the federal government sees that the issue is not just in one state but many then it becomes involved. Alabama's federal judge stated that the law would not harm the public interest. Sure, immediately the law would strike down the violators, but it would most definitely affect the public in the long run. It is clear that the laws from Alabama and Arizona violate the fourth amendment which is search and seizure. Having no documentation to show is probable cause and should not be based on race or ethnicity. Since immigration has become of big interest to the nation it would be wise if Congress passed a immigration reform law.

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10/18/2011
Irving/TX

Rocio
Bradley/Nimitz
The controversial issue of illegal immigration impacts both federal and state viewpoints. This is an issue that needs to be dealt with by the federal governmet. If they allow the states to take control over this issue, they might be making and creating laws that could be deemed unconstitutional and stir up trouble with their citizens. When Arizona created their laws on immigration reform, this caused problems nationwide. Many supported it, while others opposed it due to personal connections with illegal immigrants. Those who supported the state-created laws demanded for the federal government to enfore their immigration laws or else they would do it themselves. No state should deal with immigration reform because none of them know how to really handle it without causing an issue or going overboard with their decisions.

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10/17/2011
Charlottesville, VA

Dakotah
Mrs.Bailey
I think it's more of a federal issue, because it's something that happens in every state. there are illegal immigrants throughout the US

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10/17/2011
rudyard mt

katelyn
mrs. campbell
Illegal imigration should be a state problem. It only affects certain states and those states should be the ones concerned with this problem. I don't see why all of us should be worried about their problem. Those states should make rules and punishments that work well with the problems they are having, and what they think is appropriate. If the issue gets big enough it can go on to Federal but I think it should start as a State issue.

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10/17/2011
Rudyard, Montana

Brandi
Mrs. Campbell/North Star
The people of the United States were given freedom and independence on July 4, 1776. That date is celebrated throughout the States by the people who live in the States. The problem though, not everyone who lives in the States belong in the States. That freedom was given to the citizens, and to be a citizen in this country you must go through certain steps. Fill out a U.S. Citizenship Application Form N-400. If those people who want to live in the United States want the freedom that Americans were given, they need to do it the right way. Immigration can lead to so many problems, such as terrorists. People who come into the Sates who aren't legal, could be dangerous. Because this is such a huge problem in all the States, it needs to start by the States doing something about it. Alabama is one State that is brave enough to pass the laws that they have. When more States start doing what they do about immigration , then it can become a Federal Issue and every State will have laws like that.

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10/17/2011
Kremlin, Montana

Karston
Mrs. Campbell North Star High School
This problem is definitely a federal problem, even though it is much bigger in some states then it is in others. If the states where illegal immigration is a major problem continue to pass very harsh rules, the immigrants from those states will probably go to the other states that don't have those rules. They will do anything to try to stay in our wonderful and free country. By having all of those immigrants go to the states that don't have as many rules, this will have an effect on the economy where ever those immigrants go. Because if all of them move it will cause a huge decrease in job openings and schools won't have the man power in order to keep everything under control. It is fine if they want to pass laws on restricting illegal immigrants, personally I hope they do, but they need to do it federally so that every state is forced to enforce the same laws. Illegal immigration is a major problem and needs to go to major authorities, therefore it is a federal issue.

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10/17/2011
rudyard

jordy donoven
mrs campbell north star
State should be allowed to enact their own immigration laws because there are certain situations in different states that call for different immigration laws. States that border Mexico or Canada should have a right to change immigration laws if illegal aliens coming through these states become a problem. These laws do not violate the fourth amendment because if we did not check for illegal aliens we would never be able to control this growing problem. The police have the right to check somebody for residency if they cannot show proof. Congress needs to pass new federal immigration laws that includes the right for each state to enact their own immigration laws if need be. Congress needs to take steps to keep illegal aliens out of this country.

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10/16/2011
rudyard Mt

Kieffer
Mrs.campbell northstar
i think it dose need to be regulated because if they cant get in here legally then they probably shouldn't be here but the states should have the right to implement there own way to deal with the problem because it affects the states and if the federal government dosnt like that then they should do more to fix the problem.

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10/16/2011
Irving/TX

Michael P.
Bradley/Nimitz
State and Federal law are supposed to be conflicting with each other. The fact that states make their own laws is a great right that should be given in any issue. That way, when it comes time to change laws and policies they already have an idea of what to do and not do. This is a great example of how an issue such as this is exercised by states and pursue a solution. Now I do believe Alabama and Arizona violate the fourth amendment but in a sense that is whats supposed to happen before a Federal decision is made about the conflict. Congress should definitely create a new federal law but it should be in a time where all possible solutions have been exercised by the states so the Federal government can write the law In the best possible wording.

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10/16/2011
Rudyard, MT

Haylee
Mrs. Campbell
States should be allowed to enact on their own laws on illegal immigration. It is the federal governments but they don't seem to be acting on the situation so then it becomes the states job to act. The states should be able to make laws more harshly than the federal government if they aren't going to take action. I think that the laws in Alabama and Arizona may violate the Fourth Amendment but if they are a legal U.S. citizen then there should be no problem proving it. Illegal immigration should be a federal issue but if they are not going to act on it then it should become a state issue.

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10/16/2011
Hingham/Montana

Taylor
Mrs. Campbell/North Star
When you ask someone if they think illegal immigration should be a state or federal issue. Indecisiveness fills their face. It is one of the many hot topics in our government every since the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001. This topic has not only been a main focus in Washington D.C. but also in the 50 states. Illegal immigrants affect directly to the states. When southern states such as, Alabama, have immigrants sneaking in from a foreign country, it is their job to solve that problem and do something about it. I feel they should not have to go through the Congress or anyone of higher power. Although Article 1 Section 30 in the Constitution says, “Immigration shall be encouraged, and not be prohibited” I feel states should prohibit it. Although at times they may be violating federal issued laws, it is for the protection of not only their state but for our country as a whole. Alabama took a stand by passing a law in June that requires the state’s public schools to determine the legal residency of its students. This law keeps illegal immigrants from getting driver’s license or business license and it also allows the police to catch the people suspected of being illegally immigrated. Alabama’s law against illegal immigration doesn’t harm the public interest. It strengthens the demands for a new national policy. Can illegal immigrants vote? No! So why should they be able to live in the blessed United States? States have to take a stand to prevent any illegal immigration.

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10/16/2011
Rudyard, MT

ShelbyLipp
Mrs. Campbell
Why are illegal immigrants coming to the United States? The poverty in Mexico has caused illegal immigrants to try and find a better life, which for them would be in America. Even a part time job at a fast food restaurant pays more than what they are being paid in Mexico. It’s understandable that they would want a better life for themselves and their families but why not do it the right way? I don’t know what the entire process consists of but besides time consuming getting a green card and becoming a U.S. citizen isn’t impossible. Even if the process is rather lengthy it would still be worth it for the immigrants. They would never have to worry about being deported, their kids not going to school, or not getting a drivers license. But because hardly any immigrants immigrate legally I think the States have the right to make their own laws against illegal immigration. The crime rates for one are incredibly high in states with high illegal immigration along with much higher population. Schools are crowded with kids that hardly speak any English. At first I think this problem was a Federal issue but since this problem continues to grow and still nothing is being done to prevent it the States have to right to step up and protect their resident’s rights. The Federal Government says that the State laws are conflicting with the 4th amendment. But because of the lack of Federal Government involvement they don’t really have any other choice. If the Federal Government wants to tell the States they can’t make those laws then they need to step up and help the States out. Maybe we need to put some troops on the border for a while or add another amendment that counters the 4th amendment for the States rights to make laws. Nobody really knows what or if there is a total solution for illegal immigration but we will never know unless we start trying out ways to stop it.

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10/16/2011
Rudyard/Montana

Marielle
Mrs.Campbell/North Star
I think states should be allowed to make their own laws against illegal immigrants. If you really want to become a part of America then at least go through the legalization system. The Fourth Amendment isn't being abused. If people suspect you for being an alien then they have every right to turn you in. They're the ones doing the right thing not the aliens. If you don't belong here then don't try to stay. Congresss needs to pass a new federal immigration law because the one we have now obviously isn't working out for us very well. We need to be stricter on the borders. If you don't have paperwork saying you're a natural born American then don't come here if you don't have a purpose. Things need to change because these aliens are having an impact on everything we do.