In America we have become so complacent that unless it helps us as an individual we are not interested in helping anyone. Fred has just said something that everyone has known for years but no one is listening, well listen to this PLEASE. Before 1996 illegals came to America and worked got paid and then went home. In 1996 Bill Clinton said that we needed to give illegals Federal I.D. Cards so we could track them,and this would help solve the problem. He sold this to the American Public to do his part in fixing the problem, but like everything else Clinton did it came with a cost. By given the illegals a Federal I.D. Card this abled them to get Goverment assistence Food Stamps, Medi-Care, and allowed their childern to inroll into public schools. This put the burden on the local towns who were seeing more sales tax dollars then they had seen in years. So we educate the kids for free, they go to Hospitals and pay nothing, food stamps pay for their food, and Goverment Housing pays for them a place to stay. From 1996 to 2001 the Federal Goverment spent less money to local towns then ever because of the extra sales tax dollars the illegals paid. How did Clinton balance the budget? Now the BILLS are coming due for the Federal Goverment. We have to put the money back into the Food Stamp Program, the Medi-Care is going broke and our school systems are going broke too. We are not even counting how many Hospitals have gone broke because of this. George Bush got blamed for this and it was law before his was even elected. Now someone is running for President with enough Back Bone to stand up to Congress and get the fence built, inforce the laws written, and fix this problem. It has been said it would cost $60 Billion Dollars to send them home, well how much do your Hospitals loose per month? how much is your Health Insurance? Property Tax going up for School systems, and how long can you keep your head in the sand and not realize this? Fred Thompson has a plan and can help put America back together again. Listen to his Plans not just the words he is sincere in what he says it is not just political B.S.

Illegal immigrants are here illegally. Fred Thompson says he wants to take matters into his hands by securing the border, enforcing the law and not granting amnesty. Alright now……Illegal aliens should not be granted amnesty or given any preferential treatment for their illegal entry and to suggest Americans don't know any better insults every single American citizen. Our sovereign laws are ignored; that's the crux of the matter. We have only one Sheriff in the United States who is ready to stand up for our laws and enforce them, acknowledges that's his job - and that illegal is illegal. Frosting the matter with a thick cover of frosting doesn't change that ignoring the rule of law demeans us all and demeans the rule of law. The border is flapping open - not closed, not controlled - ignored! This ridiculous discussion still ignores the flapping open border…millions continue to come in illegally. He wants to control the border. A good idea! Because, politicans talk, banter about laws, banter about funding and what happens? A big fat nothing! Results matter. What results do we have - 15 miles of border fencing….What a joke! We have no laws when we have no enforcement. We have a lawless country, endorsed and supported by politicians who have other ideas, other goals. If Fred Thompson wants to secure the border and enforce the laws - who can dare criticize him? How dare you all!

This immigration problem was created by Bush and the Neo Cons alone. They opened the border.

Fred is right on. Seal the border, and enforce our laws. The cost? Well Bush says he can seal our border but won't authorize 3 billion to do it. Hmm.

To enforce our laws? What is it a couple of million to have a proper verification system for employers? Cutting people benefits? Easy and it saves billions not having the illegal parasites living off the USA.

Don't forget. Mexico and La Raza/MECha have made it clear they will flood the USA with illegals and take over. ("America will bow down to us"). If two years from now you still want America to exist, listen to Fred.

If you had to climb a fence, crawl on the ground or hide in the back of a truck in order to get into this country please go back the way you came. It would seem that a growing number of Americans do not want you here. It's difficult to understand why people would go where they're not wanted.

Terry in El Paso:

You are right. There is no way to physically deport these people but that does not mean we should just grant blanket amnesty and call it a day. The way to deport these people is to STOP providing incentives to coming here. STOP the automatic citizenship of children born to illegal immigrants, afterall it is the LEGAL citizens who are paying the hospital bills. STOP providing free education to the children of illegals, afterall it is the LEGAL citizens picking up the tab for this perk. STOP not allowing local law enforcement to enforce our immigration laws, afterall it is the LEGAL citizens that have to deal with uninsured, unlicensed drivers hitting our cars and running off into the sunset. STOP local businesses such as home improvement stores and gas stations from permitting illegals to solicit and gather in crowds to get employement. CLOSE all employement offices that assist illegal immigrants in gaining employment. STOP employers from hiring illegal immigrants and start imposing heavy fines on those who persist. Now before the racist rhetoric is played out, both of my parents are LEGAL immigrants who did it the expensive, long and legal way. Why should people who enter illegally and then take from a system they do not contribute to be given a pass? If we stop providing incentives then they will not have a reason to come here.

Every candidate out there is trying to sell Americans PB&J with a Filet Mignon disguise.

The FIRST candidate that stops saying "I,I,I" and starts talking about "We" as a whole might get people to listen.

Giving the illegals fines of $10,000 for five years is the most assinine proposal I have heard yet. Get them out! The money that Americans would save on government funded programs to help these illegals "fit in" and keep them healthy….there's your billions right there!

Why all the wasted time talking about these CFR/Multi-National Corporation beholden candidates like Thompson, Huckabee and Guiliani? They are not going to do anything meaningful to deal with the illegal immigration crisis.

If you want illegal immigration and all the resulting issues, including domestic terrorism, dealt with support and vote for Rep Tom Tancredo.

Otherwise just stop whining and learn to speak some spanish and how to get by on lower wages.

We are not voting for a Prom-King here folks, we are voting for a President. Lets vote for one that has an America First view of the world and a Citizen First view of the nation.

Vote Tancredo For a SAFE, SECURE & PROSPEROUS AMERICA!

"Security alone is worth the investment."

The 911 terrorists were in America legally, taking flying lessons (saying that they weren't interested in learning to land)

Fred is speaking in broad generalities … no specifics… as a former Senator, he's part of the problem, not part of the solution.

Why should Hollywood come into politics? Hey Paula, ask the Clintons, Obama and the rest where they raise millions of dollars from: Hollywood. Oh gee, but I guess since its money being given to liberals, its OK? Typical liberal hypocrisy.

Small point: consevative republicans have controlled Congress for twelve years straight. Suddenly, they want to fix the problem. Do you keep an employee who fails to do their job for 12 years but who promises to "start tomorrow" if you promote them to President of the company? (the question is rhetorical).

To Jeanie in Sacramento:
Fred Thompson "oppsed to homosexuality"? Hello!!! He worked in Hollywood–art directors, costumers, stylists, directors & co-stars–gay, gay& gay. On that subject, the first Iraq war vet to sustain serious injury- his leg was blown off- was a gay man. He defended YOUR freedoms but now you deny HIM (NOT an illegal immigrant by the way) the right to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness".

I just love Mexicans!
Bill and I have several we imported to look after our pool and yard. What wonderful people, and they can't sue when you don't pay them…..

"Republican presidential candidate Fred Thompson launched a new television ad…" You can see it tomorrow night right after the Democratic Debates, on CSI El Paso!

Better splash some cold water on that sourpuss, Fred - there's a campaign going on, in case you were asleep for the last six months.

Once again John McCain is right about an issue. Doing nothing is defacto-amnesty. We CAN'T deport everyone, so we have to do something about it. What do we do? Secure the border than deal with the people we have here right now. You fine them, deport the ones who have committed crimes, make them learn english and pass a citizenship test after all legal immigrants are dealt with. You can't start this process until the border is sealed as it will cause a massive influx of people coming into the country if they know they have a chance at citizenship. Seal the border than fix the problem. I applaud McCain, Bush, and all other dems and republicans who had the courage to tell the truth and try to fix the problem.

While most may disagree with his arguments, there may be some of US who cannot help, but to notice this mans sincerity.

We hear you politicians speak your double standards so much we are learning from you and are very sick of all of you; so do US all a favor and do not tell US you are going to be hard on illegal immigration while no real action has been taken since these so called laws were written and enacted.

In the meanwhile these illegal immigrants are at your homes tending to your pretty manicured seventy million dollars estate grounds while you are out of the home splurging on $600.00 manicured finger nails and hair cuts, gaining free ninety free meals daily and strutting around our countries streets campaigning wearing $2,500.00 attire trying too have US believe what you say from the first thing that comes out of your minds is fact.

While the rest of the American middle class citizens are insurance, income tax and merchandise tax poor paying for these illegal law breakers at a minimum of 89% of our own honest legal citizens. We are telling you the majorities are struggling to keep their current employment positions and opportunities alive; along with this countries competitive nature trying to surviving into today’s turbulent times with the security of our nation as a people at a very high level of risk is at or very near its peek.

Waiting for an outcome that will never materialize from a very slow and useless people that have named them selves as congressman, Republicans and Democrats alike with their continuing lack of concern has shown most results that have currently and consistently proven are nil too none on a very large range of issues facing American citizens today that will continue into the foreseeable future.

IF YOU (candidate nominee for president); or any other Politian along with legal business license holders, employers here in the U. S. do cater and/or will hire illegal (aliens); immigrants, including ones with expired visas still here illegally. These people in the U. S. here now would not have a legally justified or fair reason to be here in the United States in the first place.

Thompson's another carbon copy of the currently broken Republican Reich - lame, false and untrustworthy. But he's dead right on the Immigration issue. We need to clamp down on these Illegal Criminals and send them back to their own countries. The criteria for citizenship needs to be based on the qualities of the candidates and not the location of birth, which is why so many Illegal Criminals are sliming their way in, giving birth and then claiming citizenship.

Show me a candidate that is going to deport all freeloading illegals and I'll show you my vote.

Thompson's candidacy boils down to: "They sky is blue"

Thats all his candidacy is, pointing out things that everyone else already knows. i.e. that speech of his "We need to stop doing things that don't work[except Iraq War], and do more things that work"

How insightful! But these guys never propose any solutions. Well except Ron Paul…his cut off all benefits the illegals can currently enjoy and get rid of incentive for these people to come here. Of course on top of actually enforcing our borders.

Thompson: How much do I want to end illegal immigration? On a scale of 1 to 10, about a 6.

While most may disagree with his arguments, there may be some of US who cannot help, but to notice this mans sincerity.

We hear you politicians speak your double standards so much we are learning from you and are very sick of all of you; so do US all a favor and do not tell US you are going to be hard on illegal immigration while no real action has been taken since these so called laws were written and enacted.

In the meanwhile these illegal immigrants are at your homes tending to your pretty manicured seventy million dollars estate grounds while you are out of the home splurging on $600.00 manicured finger nails and hair cuts, gaining free ninety free meals daily and strutting around our countries streets campaigning wearing $2,500.00 attire trying too have US believe what you say from the first thing that comes out of your minds is fact.

While the rest of the American middle class citizens are insurance, income tax and merchandise tax poor paying for these illegal law breakers at a minimum of 89% of our own honest legal citizens. We are telling you the majorities are struggling to keep their current employment positions and opportunities alive; along with this countries competitive nature trying to surviving into today’s turbulent times with the security of our nation as a people at a very high level of risk is at or very near its peek.

Waiting for an outcome that will never materialize from a very slow and useless people that have named them selves as congressman, Republicans and Democrats alike with their continuing lack of concern has shown most results that have currently and consistently proven are nil too none on a very large range of issues facing American citizens today that will continue into the foreseeable future.

IF YOU (candidate nominee for president); or any other Politian along with legal business license holders, employers here in the U. S. do cater and/or will hire illegal (aliens); immigrants, including ones with expired visas still here illegally. These people in the U. S. here now would not have a legally justified or fair reason to be here in the United States in the first place.

Show US some good reasons for all Politian’s currently committed and truly concerned about the welfare of legal American citizens; why these current Politian’s; that have not enforce laws they have created for our states, cities, towns and villages too enforce immigration laws and also to develop new consequences’ for those legally licensed business employers that continue offering employment to illegal immigrants’ that will accept positions at a lower wage and there rapidly growing numbers???!!!

The future of facts will ultimately expose all the corruption in American politics of today. RA 11-22-07

My911call - put them on a path to citizenship and each man woman and child pay the government $10,000 over 5 years plus interest.

$10,000 over 5yrs plus interest would do nothing but clean them out and add them to our welfare system. Not very cost effective…

The most fiscal conservative thing to do is to seal the borders, put them on a path to citizenship and each man woman and child pay the government $10,000 over 5 years plus interest.
Right now there aren't enough younger working people to support all the people that are going to retire in the next 5-15 years. Otherwise our social security system will be wiped out. This situation applies to most of us bloggers.
Use a problem to fix a problem.

If claiming Fred is old and lazy is the best mud you can sling, then he probably does have the platform to win.

Put away the sugar and the ants will disappear…

The large amount of money we'll spend to fix immigration will be returned double by relieving the huge burden on our social programs and boosting tax revenue.

It will boost the economy by keeping our money from being sent south.

Security alone is worth the investment.

No illegal immigrant should have a valid drivers license. No illegal immigrant should be granted amnesty. They illegally came to the US sneaking over the border why do we americans have to pay for them? American tax dollars pay for their babies, medical and housing etc. etc. etc. It's insane we americans don't get treated this well and we certainly wouldn't if we went to Mexico.

Funny how all the politicians are now talking about enforcing the laws–when for 20+ years they just ignored it. Not only have they ignored it–but they've tailored their message to the growing hispanic audience. Too little, too late.

There is no political will in this country to pursue employers of illegal aliens. Those employers are the people who make large campaign contributions. Also, most corporations are willing to break the law and pay the fine as a cost of doing business. When there is a buck to be made, there will be someone there to make it.

Why do you think the last immigration debate went NO where?

How do I know so much about "Oops I Crapped my Pants"?

I'm wearing them…and I just did.

Fred looks like Death Warmed Over in that picture…..
Posted By Wayne, Greenville TX : November 14, 2007 4:06 pm

Correction Wayne, Fred always looks like death warmed over. The man is a fossil.

All the hype about costs are exaggerated when referring to removal of illegals. If we truely enforce the laws already as stated, the persons coming illegally will not have work and will not stay without having financial backing. It a rediculous arguement that we have to physically remove everyone. That is just more ignorance of this issue. Cut off automatic citizenship for illegals children born here. Cut off medical and other social programs that cost millions and no documentation needed, while we all know persons that are citizens and legal residents that can't even qualify for many of these programs. Amnesty was tried 25? years ago and this is the result. NO MORE AMNESTY. It won't fix the problem.

Re-enforces my point, you take any issue and the Rupubs are on the wrong side.

**** YAWN ****

Surely, there's something Big Fred has over that NY thug, Giuliani, be it his opposition to abortion and homosexuality, and his support of the NRA. So why can't the stupid GOP nit wits, especially those southern white evangelicals see it?

he has no substance,he wont do anything for us,hes an actor,why should Hollywood come into Politics.
This guy has no motivation,more like lazy.no goper's ever until the debt is gone

We have a congress today and president that will do nothing to solve the law breaking illegal aliens and the large problems that go with the current situation,

I am an independent and when I vote for my choise it will be a person who will secure our boarders. Jail and fine those who harbor or imploy such illegals. (would include some of our congress persons). We got laws and all need to abide, enforce, and live by them.
Fred Thompson is one of 2 Canidates so far that is and always been against killing of the unborn.(No Waffleing)

Huckabee is the other.

BOTTOM LINE: I think as I get around the country more and more people want this change and are sick and tired of being sick and tired of our current elected officials. They do not represent the PEOPLE anymore. They are just a cartell of self serving indivduals with with big interest in their pockets. Term limits would be one giant steep for mankind/ business as usual is a leap in the wrong direction for America. Would only lead to Bigger Goverment. (socialisim)
Vote for what your County needs/ Thats leadership. Thank You!!

He looks like he taking something else in his depends.

i live in the war/fire zone, 18 miles fron the borderand after the fires 3 weeks ago 17 people were admitted to the burn unit at UCSD Hospital, 4 firemen and 11 illegal aliens,of whwhom 2 have recently died..the cost for the illegals are an average of $45,000 each for a 3 week stay(already that long)and round-the-clock intensive care to minimize tissue rejection at a per each cost of $500,000. the illegals can only be released to a long term care facility, they cannot be deported. San Diego County Hospitals last year lost $619 million in uncompensated care with 10-17% going to illegals, and don't get me started with what they cost our schools. We have three groups sueing our school districts be cause they won't learn English and only want to be taught in spanish..BUILD THE FENCE

Fred looks like Death Warmed Over in that picture…..

Securing the border and enforcing the law (hiring more border guards, building the fence, prosecuting businesses hiring illegal aliens, and deporting the illegal aliens) will cost in excess of 60 billion dollars.

How much of your own money are you bringing to the table? The only other way out is to raise taxes or borrow from the Chinese and the Arabs. Will they continue to invest in declining dollar?

Like it or not, the correct answer is securing the border with electronic surveillance (we already have the satellites up there), conditional amnesty, and prosecuting the businesses hiring future illegal aliens. Tell people the truth even if it is unpopular.

Who cares what this useless harrridan has to say about anything She is a proven liar and opportunist.

"I'm tired, I think I'll go home now" The awe of a Fred Thompson candidacy is losing steam. However I do agree with Fred about our immigration problem. A few things can fix this problem, enforce the laws already on the books, enforce the laws on employers and on states giving sanctuary,and man the borders with high tech deterrence.

Fred Thompson is facing bad poll numbers. Two new national primary numbers have him fading and Romney emerging as number second for the first time EVER. Check out these numbers, which could mark a significant shift in the GOP race.

"that highlights his conservative stance on illegal immigration."

Is CNN saying that enforcing our immigration laws is a conservative's stance??

I don't particulary agree with all of Thompson's views but on this issue I agree 100%. Giving amnesty or even driver's licenses is not the answer. We should start going after the employers of illegal immigrants, afterall they wouldn't be coming here if there was no employement. Secondly, we really need to address changing the law that grants automatic citizenship to children born to illegal immigrants. This law was created during times of slavery not for people who sneak into a country.

Fred is not being honest with his supporters. He can disapprove of illegal immigration but what is he going to do about it? Nothing. What is his plan? How long will it take? How much will it cost? He is just pandering to the less thoughtful voters.

The presence of 20 million illegal aliens in our country was caused by fifty years of ignoring the problem, preferring instead to enjoy the benefits of cheap labor. Thompson was in the Senate when the problem was much more solvable than it is now, and he did nothing.

Everyone has to get it through their heads that there is no way to deport these people! How would we do it? How long would it take? At sixty per box car it would take 333,000+ box cars to transport them to the border. Why do we imagine that Mexico would accept them? They don't have to, and it would be politically advantageous for the Mexican government to refuse them entry. What would we do about their children, who are American citizens? What about the spouses who are American citizens? How would we handle the protests/riots by their relatives and friends that would occur all over the country? What civil rights would we have to give up so that Immigration officers could kick down any door in which an illegal alien might be living or working?

These people are not going to disappear. We have to deal with them in some way, whether we like it or not. They are here.

As far as immigration is concerned, I favor an immediate end to all immigration, legal and illegal. There are enough people living in the US now; we don't need more.