Should illegal immigrants ever be separated from their US citizen children?

[shireen]

135. this is such a strange discussion

The title of the OP itself leaves me baffled. We should be living in a society where such a question would never even be raised.

So many lives, so much money and time could be saved by just letting illegal immigrants from neighboring countries (except violent criminals) be given legal worker status. That would allow them to be protected against employers who take advantage of their status by treating them unfairly. Let them pay taxes and contribute to society while they're here. If they choose to become citizens, they will only enrich the country with their presence. If they choose to return, they will take their positive experiences here to build a better society in their home countries.

I'm not condoning illegal immigration. But I think special considerations should be given to neighboring countries like Mexico, Central America, and Canada for a very simple reason: they're our neighbors. We should be helping our neighbors. It's a long-term strategy to strengthen and stabilize the entire region.

I'm not Hispanic, but I came here legally from an Asian country and became a citizen through all the proper channels. As a fellow immigrant (legal or illegal, it does not matter), my heart goes out to them -- I've seen how hard they work, and admire their courage and self-sacrifice. I want them to have a chance for a better life.

It may sound naive, but often, the simplest solution and a little empathy goes a long way.