Emily,

When I followed the third link, I then linked to a nearly identical page, except for its coverage of Barack Obama instead. According to the description, Obama voted for those seven hundred miles of border fencing as well. I became confused afterwards, as Obama seems to currently oppose this measure. Can you confirm Obama's position? Also, is McCain against the improvement of border technology? I do not know much about the border fence, but I will probably hear much about it in the coming weeks.

And just as a side note, for the links, in the blog post writer, you can highlight a section of text, then click the greenish button to the right of the italic font button. With that, you can embed your links in the text.

Tommy

Emily,

I can see that there are similarities with where the Presidential Candidates stand on the issue of immigration. I feel that Barack has good reasoning for this. As a parallel to this, while I watched the Presidential Debate Obama talked of supporting the American Economy by giving tax relief to the smaller businesses that embody the American Economy while having heavier taxes imposed on the multi-million dollar companies that have oversea relations. So in turn he wants to as you say "crack down on the employers that hire illegal immigrants" so that he can keep the American Economy in America so that the wealth stays in America. I also find it interesting that both candidates support the aid of helping illegal citizens becoming citizens. Regarding McCain (supporter of small federal government interference), I find it ironic that he mandates that border states succumb to his demand that border states make sure their borders are secure. If he were a true Republican wouldn't he leave these decisions up to the state instead of making the border states succumb to his orders? Isn't the Republican belief that federal government should interfere as little as possible with State Government issues?

Thanks,

Robert Lapp

Tommy,
thanks for the comment and the linking help. I'm technologically retarded.
As to your question, after doing some more research I have discovered that you are indeed correct. Obama, in September 2006, did vote for the Secure Fence Act. He was quoted later stating that he voted for the act even though it went against his view on two major issues; that Mexico is not our ally and that an "enforcement-only approach" will work. He later goes on to say that the fence should only be erected where "it can help discourage illegal entry and dangerous crossings over desert terrain". So, it seems as though Obama agrees basically with the Secure Fence Act but is opposed to certain notions that it may provoke (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dan-kowalski/false-start-obama-on-imm_b_65905.html)
And for your question about McCain, it seems that he does support the improvement of border technology. McCain believes strongly in total immigration reform, but believes that first we must secure the borders.
Thanks for the comment!
-Emily

Igetnosleep,
Excellent and well-thought out comment as always. It's true, most everything any political party does or claim to do can be considered ironic and contradictory. But isn't that what American politics are all about? Flip-flopping on important issues or never truly taking a side at all. I would have to say that although Republicans do believe in minimal government interference, they also believe in what's right for the entire United States. So, if Republicans have to "demand" something from an individual state, they more than likely believe that they are doing it for the welfare of the good old U.S. of A.
Thanks for the comment!
-Emily

Emily,

Although illegal immigration is a great problem in our country, have people considered why they are coming here illegally? They see the U.S. as a place where they can earn much more money than they would back in Mexico or other southern countries. They see the U.S. as a better place to rise a family. But what can the U.S. do to help the countries these people come from so that they do not need to come here? To better improve their native countries to lower the rate of illegal immigration? Do you believe such a feat is possible? Thanks.

Revan