golly GEE, Ron...*wry grin*...every time I make a post, you read the most extreme possible interpretation into it!

I said the line 'should' form in the home country....simply meaning that folks should apply before they come...that's what 'illegal' is about. But IF they are already here, I presume it will usually be easier to do the process here...especially if there are children involved...etc.

Did anything in my post indicate that I thought 'most' of those from Nicaragua and Costa Rica were criminals? Once again, the 'horrible examples' (there were more than just a 'few') are justifications for a filter....It's not much different from taking tickets at a theater...why not just just put a box out for people to throw the right admission charge into? Many would comply, but many would cheat!

We do not WANT people with a prior history of serious crime coming here to avoid justice at home! It is not necessary to have a majority to make it reasonable to conduct background checks.

   When I am asked all these rhetorical questions about unlikely scenarios, I feel like what needs to be asked in return is: What would YOU suggest as a workable, practicable process to fairly process all the folks who might like to come here?....and of course, to sort out all those who are already here illegally. You can't just complain about (possible) measures you find sad or awkward or some measure of emotionally reprehensible, you need to help find a middle ground that addresses ALL points of view and makes some progress towards a workable policy.

And I can guarantee you that benign neglect and blanket amnesty are NOT going to be among the long-term solutions.