Violent people can enter the U.S. legally though. People can plot, form cells, organize.

Isn't the issue of violence separate from keeping non-citizens out? Or are most non-citizens intent on doing us harm?

I have no children and don't know whether you do or not. If your child is continually doing something wrong, do you simply lift that standard, since there's no point in enforcing it, or do you continue to enforce the rules (laws) which you have established?

Sarah: More ability to get people into treatment who want it.

The Fire: So by pushing for the legalization/regulation of narcotics, I assume you're not advocating the individual should have a right to make their own decision but rather an angle that, by legalizing/regulating, more money can be spent on treatment.

I completely disagree that if people are making poor decisions we should simply legalize the practice and throw money at the problem. It's not my job, nor should it be the job of anyone else, to pay for poor decision-making.

I weigh the situation two ways: I try to balance the ability and the right for the individual to make their own decision versus keeping society productive.

Sarah: Is increased militarization of the border the answer? What about those detention facilities, out in remote places?

The Fire: The "militarization" of the current border is a joke. In fact, it's far from the idea I have in mind.

I envision the National Guard patrolling the border both to the south and the north. Those caught would be immediately deported to their home country. If caught again they would face severe punishment in the form of military facilities located on the border. A third time would result in incarceration for an indefinate amount of time.

At the same time I would also revamp the immigration process to ensure that those who apply legally and are eligible can get into this country in a far more timely manner than what is currently taking place. It's incredible the amount of red tape which people must jump through to get into this country.

Don't mistake my being harsh for being unsympathetic. If the situation were to be reversed I would be attempting to cross the border, one way or the other. In fact, my bloodline is not far removed from coming through the southern border, from Mexico. So I am well-aware that legal immigration can and does work.

Sarah: Why can't the US-Mexico border be handled just like the US-Canada one?

The Fire: Currently the reason for the difference has nothing to do with the color of your skin and everything to do with quality of life in each country. A person crossing the border from Canada (and we're assuming is a Canadian citizen), is far more likely to return home after their visit to the US than a Mexican citizen.

The reason isn't too difficult to figure out. All you need to do is go to a border town in Canada and then one in Mexico.

With that said, I think your question should be reversed into: Why can't the Canadian border be treated like the Mexican border?

That is what I ask myself.