300 people protested the presence and tactics used by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).  The protesters were associated with several community groups, and seemed to have one common message: Let's make life easier for those who ignore our laws and come to the United States illegally.  For a sampling of their opinions, check out these quotes:

"We have a very clear message to send to ICE -- you are not welcome here in Rhode Island any more,"  -  Pat Crowley, of Jobs with Justice. 

"This year, we are holding the demonstration at ICE to reject their tactics and the terror attacks by [Governor] Carcieri. If people see us standing together, right here at the ICE office, they will understand that we refuse to be afraid in our own neighborhood, at work or at home ..."  -  Alfonso Velasco, Community Defense Network.


     Both Pat Crowley and Alfonso Velasco take issue with the presence of ICE and/or their "tactics."  From the newspaper accounts I've read, ICE seems to be very professional when conducting raids.  As far as their presence, they are needed to make sure our laws are followed.  If ICE should just disappear, and all raids should stop, they must be advocating an open border.  After all, if there are no consequences for illegal immigration, then that's what you have.

     As far as Mr. Velasco's quote where he said,  "we refuse to be afraid in our own neighborhood, at work or at home ..." , I would like to put Mr. Velasco's worries to rest.  If you are here legally, there is no need to worry!  Get a job, find a nice place, and enjoy life in the United States.  As for those who are here illegally, they deserve to be worried about raids.  They ignored the laws, now they must face the consequences.  As far as his reference to Governor Don Carcieri's "terror attacks," I think he needs to educate himself both on what constitutes a terror attack, and what was included in the executive order.  Once again, people who are here legally have no need to worry, just the illegal aliens who deserve the anxiety associated with the executive order.  

     We certainly disagree on illegal immigration, but we do agree on one thing: We need comprehensive immigration reform.  Although, I think we might have some differences when it comes to the details.  Here are some of my suggestions:

* Index the number of immigrants to the unemployment rate.

* Increase border security

* Make illegal entry a criminal offense and expedite deportation proceedings.

* Prosecute business owners who hire illegal immigrants.  Punishment should include fines and prison time.

* Give preference to immigrants who have skills or knowledge that are in demand (ex. nurses)

* Give preference to individuals who are fluent in English

     These seem pretty reasonable to me.  First, spend more resources preventing illegal aliens from entering the country, then quickly remove them when they do.  Second, give preference to individuals who possess marketable skills and fluency in English.  By following these recommendations, we will encourage immigration by individuals who can come to the United States and compete immediately.  The absence of a language barrier and the presence of marketable skills would ensure that. 

     Suggestions like these make sense to me, but those who are pro-illegal immigration (pro law-breaker) would fight sensible suggestions like these every step of the way.  I guess they like the idea of open borders.