My understanding of the purpose of restrictive immigration laws is to assure that our higher standard of living is not diluted by people in a lower standard coming to share what we have: we want to perpetuate our riches at the cost of their relative poverty. IMO this cannot be reconciled in LDS theology.
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Consider these passages from LDS scripture:
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But it is not given that one man should possess that which is above another, wherefore the world lieth in sin. -- D&c 49:20
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Nevertheless, in your temporal things you shall be equal, and this not grudgingly, otherwise the abundance of the manifestations of the Spirit shall be withheld. -- D&C 70:14
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For if ye are not equal in earthly things ye cannot be equal in obtaining heavenly things; For if you will that I give unto you a place in the celestial world, you must prepare yourselves by doing the things which I have commanded you and required of you. -- D&C 78:6-7
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They who dwell in his presence [...] he makes them equal in power, and in might, and in dominion. -- D&C 76:94-95)
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13 And the hand of providence hath smiled upon you most pleasingly, that you have obtained many riches; and because some of you have obtained more abundantly than that of your brethren ye are lifted up in the pride of your hearts, and wear stiff necks and high heads because of the costliness of your apparel, and persecute your brethren because ye suppose that ye are better than they.
14 And now, my brethren, do ye suppose that God justifieth you in this thing? Behold, I say unto you, Nay. But he condemneth you, and if ye persist in these things his judgments must speedily come unto you.
15 O that he would show you that he can pierce you, and with one glance of his eye he can smite you to the dust!
16 O that he would rid you from this iniquity and abomination. And, O that ye would listen unto the word of his commands, and let not this pride of your hearts destroy your souls!
17 Think of your brethren like unto yourselves, and be familiar with all and free with your substance, that they may be rich like unto you. -- Jacob 2
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So what about the 12th Article of Faith? It says that We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law. But taking this at face value would have meant acquiescence to the anti-"cohabitation" laws and the Edmunds-Tucker, which legally disincorporated the Church and turned its property over to the U.S. government.
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IMO, the resolution is found in D&C 134, which comprises 12 verses about government that also begin with We believe.... The 8th verse reads, We believe that the commission of crime should be punished according to the nature of the offense; [...] and for the public peace and tranquility all men should step forward and use their ability in bringing offenders against good laws to punishment..
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This statement that crimes should be punished according to the nature of their offence inherently mocks the concept of punishing someone for seeking the better life that LDS scripture says we should be sharing with them. The statement about using our abilities to bring offenders against *good* laws should serve as a ban against Mormons cooperating with this punishment. This, for me, clarifies what seems like a small misunderstanding about the 12th Article of Faith's direction to obey the (good) law.
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Would that we were united with Rudger Clawson, an LDS Apostle 1898-1943, who said in response to his sentencing by Judge Zane in 1882 for breaking anti-polygamy and anti-cohabitation laws, "I much regret that the laws of my country should come in conflict with the laws of God, but whenever they do, I shall invariably choose the latter."

The church teaches us to obey the law. By doing such we will probably be better able to serve our Savior. However, I have met very few good and in all sincerity I do mean GOOD Latter-day Saints who CHOOSE to do all things by the book. So when I hear long time members of our faith singling out the one big flaw you can safely assume exists within the fastest growing population of the church I suspect there is more fear than faith in that person.

Growing up Anglo with all of its undemonstrative safeguards had kept me free of personal entanglements. As a real American (a descendent from multiple European nationalities) I am just a little bit envious of the cultural differences I see in our Hispanic bothers and sisters. But, just like the first time I read the Book of Mormon I was little uncomfortable with the differences I found. When I was introduced to the Book of Mormon I felt the closeness of the Lords Spirit. That scared me at first. But now I depend on it.

I changed how I felt about Hispanics when I started experiencing the genuine hospitality of a people who, without even knowing my name or why I was knocking on their door would welcome me, put refreshment in my hand, call all the other family members into the room, and then ask: “Why are you here?” This was not while I was on a mission for the church in some other country; it was here in the US, as I was being paid to sell a political campaign message. In contrast, Anglos living in the same communities would crack open the front door; speak through a screen or from behind a metal enclosure, never asking if we needed a drink in the soaring heat of the day.

We Anglos have so much to unlearn. Our pride, fear, or whatever the heck it is keeps us from getting it. What a shame to those who say it is only our belief in keeping the laws of land with this extreme example that is so void of faith or any goodwill of Christ true church.

To Air-a-zone-duh; you don’t deserve to learn from these good people yet. You really weren’t ready after all.

Mormons know that often, two commandments will conflict, leaving those who want to be obedient to recognize which is the higher law. When three young boys were arrested for challenging Hitler, a few local leaders excommunicated the leader because he had broken the civil law, and normally, that is cause for excommunication. However, church leaders in Salt Lake quickly undid the excommunication, being better able to recognize there was, in this case, a higher law to follow than obedience to Hitler. Adam and Eve had to choose between two commandments. Some children must choose between obeying parents and obeying God.

In this case, we have on the one hand a commandment to obey the law, and on the other, we have the church's actual example in their decisions about immigrants. While church and state laws (or rather legal interpretations of them) prevent them from speaking out on every issue, their actions are quite clear. They allow illegal immigrants to attend the temple and hold unpaid church positions. Clearly, two laws are in conflict, but the actions of the church, in my mind, tell us which is the higher law.

At any rate, the law's danger isn't just to illegal immigrants--I have read it and nowhere does it define "reasonable cause." I teach ESL and citizenship classes at my LDS church and I cannot tell which of my ESL students are legal and which, if any, are not, and that is in spite of talking to them weekly. I certainly couldn't tell by looking. Poor, Spanish, and even unable to speak English does not automatically translate into being illegal.

Mormons are free to make their own choices, but we have enough information to give us the answers. It isn't God's fault or the Church's fault if members choose a lower law. It is an individual responsibility, and many Mormons have chosen differently than the one who made the legal law--and not just those who are Spanish or who work with them.

Let's simplify this - it is illegal to enter this country without proper approval. That means a visa. Anything less is breaking the law, and that applies to everybody. The LDS Church requires its card carrying members to be "honest in their dealings with their fellow man", and also calls for them to obey the laws of the land. We can spend all the time we want interpreting, arguing, discussing and voicing our opinions about this issue, but when it comes down to law, it is being broken by entering this country illegally, and that's it. Beyond that, to attempt to blame Mormons as a group for the actions of one person who wrote a law is applying a judgment against all for the actions of one. The LDS Church does not use its pulpits for political purposes other than to encourage its members to obey established laws as good citizens. So, twisting this situation to suit the wants of those who are trying to justify their illegal entry actions and who are attempting to stay here illegally is not credible.

I am so grateful to have come upon comments by fellow Latter-day Saints who actually see the dangers in the xenophobic, uncompassionate actions and rhetoric of some of our members. The deportation of millions of maids, busboys, dishwashers, gardeners, agricultural workers, etc. would harm many decent and deserving Christians, including Latter-day Saints, but would not make a dent in drug cartel activity. People say, "I don't dislike immigrants if they come in the right way." I say, "Pray tell, how, exactly, do they do that? Where do they apply and where do they get many thousands of dollars to pay lawyers?" Now I read that Duncan Hunter, a congressman from the San Diego area, wants to deport children born in the U.S. to illegal parents. He wants to change one of the fundamental laws of our nation! How can LDS people support a man like that? I know many who do. I believe the most antipathetic of the anti-immigrant movement are violating the laws of God, and double shame on them if they are LDS. We, of all people, should know better!

Obviously, something needed to be done, but this bill will ill-concieved and passed by on party in the Arizona legislature. This is never a recipe for good legislation. Russell Pierce, the sponsor of the legislation, is the same man who a few years ago wanted to have every high school student in Arizona armed. He's not the brightest individual in Arizona politics. Gov. Brewer had no choice but to sign the legislation, otherwise she would have committed political suicide. Not a bad idea at that.

I hope people in Arizona will look at what the law does to their Hispanic brothers and sisters. It's time to stop and think. We haven't been doing much of that, rather just knee jerking.

The comment previous to mine misses the point. If the LDS Church shared the same view as this poster, illegal members of the Church would not be able to hold positions in the Church, attend the temple, etc. I think the previous posts are a better example of true Christianity.

Anyone who has committed sin, and broken laws tries to rationalize their way out of the guilt by trying to justify themselves that they are the exception. Enforcing a law is not xenophobic or racist. Step back from your rationalizing feelings and look at the big picture. Remember, if a person's family is hurt because he murdered someone, was convicted and sentenced to prison and his family suffers accordinly it IS NOT the law's fault. It is the murderer's fault. As Mormons we also know that to obey the laws of God, and of country, we generally find the greater happiness. Compassion? Of course. Rationalization--if you must. Reality, CLOSE the border and make it uncomfortable for ILLEGALs. As for the expense of doing it the right way, I understand the Coyotes who bring them here make tons of money. Hmmmm? After the border is closed, then deal with those already here. In the meantime: check the credentials of those who committ OTHER CRIMES while here, which is all the Arizona law does. Chicken Little says the sky is falling! Cluck, Cluck, Cluck!

Russell Pearce went to Harvard. Why are we not holding Harvard and the state of Massachusetts responsible for the Arizona bill? It seems the whole LDS church has been indicted because he is a member, didn't his education contribute to his way of thinking?

I find this statement to be unfair: "The debate over immigration reveals a divide between Mormons who look to the faith’s future as a global church and those who hold to deep-seated ethnic Anglo-Mormon identity and view political conservatism as a defining feature of LDS cultural and religious orthodoxy."

It's veiled language for "if you support the new law, you are racist." Shame on you for such a low blow. The church does not have borders, but nations do. It is perfectly consistent to love all of our brothers and sisters throughout the world while still wanting to preserve our borders and have our laws obeyed. If we compromise the security and economic stability of our country we will have less to share with the rest of the world. I welcome all who enter by the rules.

The choice to come unto Christ is not a matter of physical location; it is a matter of individual commitment. People can be "brought to the knowledge of the Lord" without leaving their homelands. True, in the early days of the Church, conversion often meant emigration as well. But now the gathering takes place in each nation. The Lord has decreed the establishment of Zion in each realm where He has given His Saints their birth and nationality. Scripture foretells that the people "shall be gathered home to the lands of their inheritance, and shall be established in all their lands of promise." "Every nation is the gathering place for its own people." The place of gathering for Brazilian Saints is in Brazil; the place of gathering for Nigerian Saints is in Nigeria; the place of gathering for Korean Saints is in Korea; and so forth. Zion is "the pure in heart." Zion is wherever righteous Saints are. Publications, communications, and congregations are now such that nearly all members have access to the doctrines, keys, ordinances, and blessings of the gospel, regardless of their location.

-- Elder Russell M. Nelson Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (October 2006 General Conference)

As the son of a legal immigrant, I am acutely aware of why people come to America. It IS The Promised Land.

But if you are breaking the law, you are breaking the law. The compassionate thing is to enforce the law. Otherwise we are condoning human trafficking and slavery.

We don't have to deport anyone. Punish those that hire illegally and the illegals will deport themselves.

What about those who are losing Medicaid and Medicare benefits because states can't afford them anymore, due to the costs incurred by those who will never repay?

Americans believe in a general sense of fairness. It is not fair for some to come and to keep out others. You can't have it both ways.

"One Latino Mormon who is now in deportation proceedings told the Arizona Republic this week, “I want the Church to put a stop to him.”

So, members should only have to obey laws if it's not inconvenient, or if they are spared from all of life's trials? She chose to come here illegally and she knew of the possible consequences. I wonder whose SSN she used to get her job.

Those who would say it's all about compassion are being naive; to those in government it's about cultivating future votes--it's not about compassion AT ALL.

One thing that the people who are LDS and for this bill like to say is that if we allow this to continue than we will have less to share with the world. That will be totally true if we continue to worship false idols rather than the True and Living God.

If we were to help those who want to come here, regardless of their economic situation, while at the same time focusing our nation on the Gospel, the Lord would sustain us.

We need to trust our God and stop putting our trust in the "arm of flesh".

All nations have laws of immigration. The sad fact is when we as a people or nation decides which of our laws we want to obey and which ones we don't will ultimately cause the likes of the current problem. When laws like this are discussed one side always brings up fairness as the criteria to be followed. The same is said about same-sex marriage. It's not fair that they can't marry. I believe that fairness can be at times a slippery slope to follow and as it was in the beginning. The plan is not fair because some of God's children will not return so I will make sure all of them will by my plan. Is it fair then that those who try legitimatley to get into this country have to wait years to get in the country or never?

I have read the many comments both pro and con regarding the Arizona law and the thing that concerns me is the lack of understanding of the law. The law is a mirror of Federal law and the real issue is whether or not the State of Arizona has a right to enforce Federal Law in order to protect its citizens from the problems of illegals invading their state. Those who believe it is compassionate to protect criminals from the consequences of their actions should consider how many innocent people suffer because of of the criminal acts of others. Instead of complaining about the "unfairness" of U S imigration laws, what about coming up with ways to help deserving people have a better life in their own country. I believe that the collective knowledge, resources and compassion of the memebers of the Church could come up with workable ways of helping worthy people without encouraging them to break the law.

The article was an interesting take on one effect of the immigration law. I wonder how divided the Catholic community is on this as well. Since 70% of Arizonans favor this law and the majority of illigal immigrants from Mexico are Catholic. The Cardinal in California publicly opposed this law. How do the good Catholics who support the law feel about going against the church?

The bottom line here is that Socialism doesn't work. At some point we'll run out of somebody else's money. (We are currently at 50% of those living here that do not pay any taxes) If it were the case that all of those coming to the U.S. were taking care of themselves and not overwhelming the system, then I would say let them all come. But the fact is many are coming here and waiting in line for their handout. The Lord doesn't hand out fish, he teaches us to fish. If Socialism worked then Greece, Italy and Spain wouldn't be on fire and God would have inspired our Founders to create Socialism. But they are and He didn't.

What kind of articles are these posted by the Arizona Republic trying to make the law that passed in Arizona an act of the LDS Church? If some illegal immigrants are mad because of this law go after the legislature and not of the Mormon Church! And as a member of the church I say this to the members that go to the newspaper and say naive things like "we want the church to do something about this." Do what??? The church does not make laws but he church abides to a higher law and for their information the church lets them go to the Temple and serve in the church and all the blessings that are promised to any Chinese, Russian, Brazilian, French, Tongan, African member etc is promised to the Latinos... and more! We all know we believe some Latinos are Lamanites. So, the Church would never, ever, make this law.

Stop saying it was a Mormon law that passed will you? If this guy was a Catholic no one would go around saying there are so many Catholics in the state of Arizona and thus the Roman Catholic church has to do something about this. And I don't think they would either. This is a very delicate issue and anyone involve can only lose.

I came to America and did everything by the book. I payed all the fees. I was humiliated by the authorities. My experience with the extinct INS was that if you tried to pay our fees and fill the forms they were there to treat you like a dog and we were but we got our green cards and our citizenship. We can as a nation blame the people that come illegally but the government has its share to blame but putting the high price tag on citizenship and by treating good people very badly. Bad people dealing with immigrants should be punished and should lose their jobs. People that come illegally should feel shame too. Specially those who refuse to learn English. I think this is very complicated and there is no way to fix it and people like this senator did a great disservice to the LDS church by quoting a commandment. The church did not tell him to make this law. It was his hatred and over zealous character. Fanatics and extremists do things like that.

Now that the frosting hit the fan, why not concentrate on the law and see if California will indeed punish Arizona instead of interview misguided members of the LDS community to make this look like a Church issue, like the church should actually send letters to the State of Arizona saying, hey, leave the illegals alone. The church decided to leave them alone. Don't make it look like it is the opposite. People slamming the door on missionaries and members saying they won't go to church need to read more books... in English preferably!

I can't believe that this debate is even going on. America (It's legal citizens), Mormons (The LDS Church), and the laws are not faulting nor stopping anyone for wanting to better themselves. None of the above are against immigration. It is only against "Illegal" immigration. We welcome people from all over the world who want to come here to "better themselves." We simply must do it legally. Laws are enacted in order to maintain order. Without it we are a lawless society and everyone becomes a law unto themselves. THAT is when humanity is lost NOT when we simply try to maintain order. When laws are broken there are consequences both to the individual as well as to society in general. I absolutely feel sorry for the children of these illegal immigrants. They are certainly innocent victims. However, it is not realistic for anyone (the children's parents who chose to disobey the law) to think that they can put their hand on a hot burner and expect that there will not be any consequences. It's the parents that chose this consequence for their children. It wasn't Arizona or the Mormons or the USA. It's unfair. It's irresponsible and just plain not right for the PARENTS to do that. THEY are the ones that chose to ignore the law. We commend them for wanting to better themselves. We welcome them with open arms IF they follow the laws (Proper order) to get here. You may say that I lack compassion. Scriptures have been quoted here. How about this one..."God's house is a house of order." This is true because with out order there is ciaos. THAT is what the federal law that Arizona has mirrored is trying to avoid. THAT is what has caused the need for enforcement. No country or kingdom (including the kingdom of God) can survive without order. Our country has experienced first hand the results of terrorism from illegal immigrants. That is another very legitimate reason to enforce this law. If we don't learn from the past we are simply fools descend to repeat it. This law is not just for Mexicans. It is for everyone of all nationalities. Is it racial profiling or is it simply an undeniable fact that Mexicans just happen to be among the most common offenders? This issue has nothing to do with the LDS church or the State of Arizona. It has everything to do with lawlessness and attempt to restore order. THAT is the order of the Kingdom of God.

It seems strange that Latinos are suddenly so angry and now focused on someone/thing to 'hate'. Who else was on the committee with the 'Mormon senator'? Were there other religions such as Catholic representatives on that committee? Why are they not receiving the finger-pointing and distrust?

I find that when people are not getting what they want, they either live with 'no' or they blam a person or thing for their grief. I have a great deal of sympathy for the Mexicans who are desparately gathering in the USA with a significant concentration in Arizona. These people are trying to get a better life. I think they should have a better life than what is being offered in Mexico. However, the 'border crossers' want a quick fix to their personal problems by 'sneaking' into the US and 'hiding' from the laws that already exist. Then they want the laws to be ignored but on the other hand, these people also want the laws to protect them.

There are injustices in both Mexico and the US. The Mexican 'lawlessness' is rampant. The rich stay rich and the poor get nothing. The drug dealers run riot on everyone who says 'no' to them. Mexico needs to build a better place for people to live, with just laws and just application of the laws for everyone. They need social welfare plans, and education and opportunities to work. Is this happening in Mexico?? I can see why people run away.

On the other hand, the richness of the US is built on the penury of others around the world. It is the modern day slave trade that corporations (many are US) shop Mexico for cheap labour to harvest, plant, sew, dig......whatever so that the American people can live richly without doing so much physical labour. In fact, the Americans can live in luxury on the backs of the poor Mexicans. The price of goods in the US are so low and plentiful because the cost of producing them is just pennies a day because the economy in Mexico and other third world countries are only paid pennies to produce the goods. How is this different than the plantation fortunes of the South that were supported by the free labour of slaves? It's time for a change.

Americans need to make changes. Put some energy and money into helping the Mexicans become an educated nation where industry can grow and fluorish. It will also means that Americans need to turn off their TVs, and computers, and games..... and do their own gardening, etc. Americans need to stop overpaying CEOs and Doctors, and Lawyers so that the gap between the top and bottom is not so great. Americans need less. It means Mexicans need to stay home and build their nation with new, fair work opportunities and education and health services for all. Mexicans need to stop trying to 'steal' there way into the ease of American glutton. They feel guilty and scared and then point fingers at one person as 'the problem' when there are really many on the law making committee, and the Mexicans themselves are shifting the guilt of breaking the law to a 'passing senator'. The Mexicans are still breaking the law. The law may not be good for the Mexicans but if there is no law there is anarchy and that's what they are trying to leave behind in Mexico.

This situation is not about Mexicans and Mormons. It is really about people in power who are unwilling to help the poor in their own country. It is about obeying the law or not. It is about 'just for me' this law should be broken. The law may not be ideal but neither is lawlessness.

As a Latino immigrant and a Mormon, I want to ask all my fellow Latino Mormons to please look at this from another perspective: If you came here illegally, there is a problem. I am not blaming you for coming here for a better life risking your well-being in the activity of crossing the border without papers, because there is no system in place to accommodate people like you, who come here to work and nothing more. But illegal is illegal. Mr Calderon should not have come here to decry the atrocities against his Mexican fellow-citizens. Instead, he should fix his country so that so many people don't NEED to come here.

Having said that, to my American friends I say the following: if all people here in the USA saw the conditions that these immigrants endure their whole lives in our third world countries and you were forced to live like that for even a year, you would be a lot more understanding of their situation.

To those who come here to steal, rape, murder or traffic or in any other way be involved in breaking the law, if it were up to me, you would be shot to death. No tolerance for you, no imprisonment. Death, immediate with no long trial.

It is one big, unfortunate mess that will likely not be solved in this lifetime. The day will come when there will be no distinction between races or borders or languages, but it won't be while mortal men are running the show.

This issue is not about race or bigotry (or certainly should not be), it is about a nation protecting its people by securing its borders. As the following two links demonstrate, our unsecured border with Mexico is NOW being used by members of Hammas and Al Queda -- known terrorist groups who have killed thousands of Americans, and who continue to do so. Consider the following news reports from WSB-TV:

http://www.wsbtv.com/video/23438021/index.html
http://www.wsbtv.com/video/23438712/index.html

Border security is about safety and security. If you cannot control who enters your country, you cannot keep your people safe. We need honest and hard-working immigrants. But we need them to enter in a safe and controlled way. Unsecured borders are an invitation to wholesale death in a world where some would murder en masse (citizens and illegals alike) to destroy our country and the very way of life that draws so many people here.

I am torn by this situation, but law and order must prevail in a country. Mr. Calderon said yesterday that illegal immigrants coming into Mexico from the south get turned away, yet he is critical of the Arizona law. People of Arizona are getting killed by drug runners, taxed for medical services given to those not contributing to the taxes, and deprived of much of the money earned by illegal immigrants going back to Mexico and not going into the local / US economy.

Thousands and thousands of immigrants have entered the US properly using the law and the order prescribed to enter legally. They are now contributing in all ways to our country. Those who come in without proper observance of the law and order needed to keep things under control have created this problem. Of course the pathetic enforcement of our own US immigration laws has too. Shame on certain politicians who have allowed this to continue for political gain.

I lean toward stopping the flow of illegal immigrants now, but deal with those that are here from kindness for those that work any legal job. But to those who run the drug trade prosecute to the full extent of the law.

If we feel to be more helpful to our Mexican neighbors then let's make laws that help this situation, but stop the lack of observance of law and order.

I am a conservative Mormon living in CA, but was raised in AZ. I love AZ and think the vast majority of Mormons who live there are not racist or meanspirited. I think the main problem here is there is no political will to fix this problem. Big Business likes the system of legalized slavery and Liberal groups love the idea of picking up all these votes.

Somehow this has become the fault of the LDS church? It seems to me there are many forces out there that love to shift the blame rather than fix the problem. The problem in my opinion isn't even those who come illegally. If I was in their shoes I would likely break that article of faith, and disobey the law of immigration to make sure I was in a place I could feed my family and hope God would forgive me for the first sin.

Let's get serious about supporting a guest worker program that works. That allows immigrants to come, work and go back home, which is what most of them want. We will likely have to cut back on entitlements to accomplish this and that will be criticized, but oh well.

Most Mexicans just want a safe way to come, work seasonally and go home without running from border patrol and getting abused by the coyotes down there.

I think as long as we seal the border and then know who is coming and going and we make sure they have to have a job they come we can turn this thing around. It seems like a win-win to me.

Thank you Russ Pearce and many others for taking the front line on this issue. Way over due.
"do you honor and sustain the laws of the land?" If that is the only question an illegal can not answer....then they are given a temple recommend....church policy.
"are you honest with your fellow man?"...
If the police are inforcing an immigration law and the problems are from Mexico....you do not sort through all the tall blond Danish people to find them. Racial profiling is a word the liberal news and special interest groups use to confuse the issue. A two year old can find a Mexican with one eye shut.
This is not about the Mormon church....there are plenty of them in Mexico.

I have families back in Asia who have been wanting to come over and join me here in the US. It took me a while to save money for the application fees which is getting more and more expensive each year. After that I have to deal with immigration officers about my families' paperwork and documents. And then wait at least 15 years for them to come here. Most of them will not be able to come here after all the fees that I have paid. All these years I and my families are waiting for our turn to come over doing it the right way while the people south of the borders are coming here illegally by ignoring the laws the US imposed to me and my family. Another side note, the US quota for the people of my country to come here are much, much lower than that of Mexico.
For example, when I went to swear for my US citizenship, I was the only one from my country recognized. When they called Mexico, it filled the whole room. Guys, those are the legal Mexicans coming here in the Promised Land. Can you imagine adding those illegals to that number who was legalized by the system? No wonder, I felt forced to learn Spanish. I am mad about this, because here I tried everything right plus learning the language of the land. I came here to live the American way not the Mexican way. That lady and other Mormons who put pressure on the Church and blaming it for their debacles are selfish, and IDIOTS! Now, I have said it.... and I am a MORMON TOO!

Church leadership generally remains aloof from politics. I think this is good policy--we should not attempt to bend the scriptures to suit our political agendas. If I do something illegal, and am caught, then I get the consequences. If someone enters our country illegally and gets caught, then I think they should receive the consequences.

I have four Latino granddaughters, one Latino daughter-in-law (naturalized), and one Latino former daughter-in-law (also naturalized), and I love them all. I am also a Mormon. People should not be mad at the LDS Church just because of Russ Pearce, just as people should not be mad at the Church just because Harry Reid is a Mormon. Before every major election, the Church declares—from the pulpit—its neutrality in politics.

"mercy cannot trump justice"
"we believe in being HONEST...."
Temple recommend interview: "Are you HONEST in all your dealings with your fellow man?"
None of us are perfect, except one, but we have a goal to aim for.

The sheep are being separated from the goats...

Well said, overly fair to some means unequal justice for others.

I have noticed that those "other whites" as I have read the black and latino gangs call the oriental race, is not given much minority status. Why? Because they already can compete in our society and excell.

So the choice is to become third-world- country light to aid the multitudes of the poor on our borders or to make better immigration choices?

Give us your tired and poor but let them stand in line with the rest of the seekers and not overrun us with too much of a good thing.

If I had the power, I would solve the problem by conquerin Mexico. Giving the natives shares in their resources and redistribute the wealth form the light skinned, Spanish-Mexicans to the darker Indio-Mexicans serfs.

Or pay the United Nations to feed and clothe them in place (a responsibility of the corrupt Mexican government.

Unkind? Unkind to whom, the lawful or the law breakers? I am sure thieves who steal food to feed their families should be looked upon with compassion for their plight but we cannot bring the whole world here. A little mutual understanding and the discontinuance of flying the Mexican Flag by those loyal to the old country or the homeland would be nice. A lot worse off are the poor of Africa and they are remaining mostly in place.

The pity of the American Latinos to their compadres jis understandable as like relates to like (racism coloriing of our views?)could be described as Brown guilt--I have made it to a better life and now am backward-looking with guilt at my good fortune above those I left behind. A populist movement that is a threat to our autonomy if viewed this way. Flying the American flag here makes me angry, and psychologically when you feel anger the other persons goal is power. Powerless at home they march for power to be undocumented Mexicans in America. Strange.

We could instead help them improve their country of heart-choice and foster a revolution in Mexico, but then the dope gangs would run the entire country. Hmmm.

BTW, why is it that only Momons get outed by the news as if every thought of one radical reflects the entire Church. One spits on the side walk and the Mormons are called spitters? I would call this real dyed in the wool predjudice. I was born an American with inalienable rights long before I was a Mormon. Another hmmm?

Well we whitey and latino and oriental Mormons get to share this predjudice equally some of the time with some of the people. Brotherhood under the skin and of the heart that resonates..

As a former Mormon I'm heartened to see so many current LDS commenting on here that have an understanding of the "big picture" of Jesus's teachings. Loving our neighbor is more important than kicking people out of the country; and no, you can't love your neighbor and want them to go back to poverty.

Honestly, I think this argument is ridiculous. This isn't a hate crime, it is just a way to fix the problem they are having. Thus far, nothing has worked, and they had the courage to stand up and do what needed to be done. No one who can produce proof of being a legal citizen will be deported, and if they are here illegally, they SHOULD be deported. As far as I am concerned, this isn't about race. This is about legal and illegal.

As far as the Mormon church stands, immigration is a wonderful thing. However, ILLEGAL immigration is NOT okay. One of the questions you are asked before you can be baptized is whether or not you are keeping the laws of the land. If you are here illegally then you obviously aren't. It's really very simple.

Aside from that, this law doesn't specifically target hispanics. I don't know if anyone has really thought about it, but there are an awful lot of white Mexicans. Mexican is not an ethnicity. It just happens that the majority of the illegal immigrants in Arizona are hispanic. You need to deal with the problem at hand.

LEGAL immigration is good and allowed under the rules set out for it. However, ILLEGAL immigration is not allowed and causes harm in ways that are not seen immediately but are seen over time and harder to deal with. Just like a wound that is not treated will get infected and over time may need more drastic solutions to save what is left or to adequately treat the current state of the infection.
This is not to say that those here illegally be compared exactly to the analogy above. Meaning that they are not innately bad people just unwelcome and unwanted. The concept of trespassing or foreign objects being expelled out of the body to ensure integrity is maintained is.

This is really all about people no longer accepting the problem they have been forced to deal with and are now taking strides to correct it. It will bring up feelings and emotions that are hard to deal with but the actions are not cruel and unusual, just necessary to bide the infection and stop suffering/loss that was not instigated by them. People are rejected from and deported back to other countries all the time we just are not paying attention enough to see the rest of the world having the courage to do something about it.

Americans have the right to ask others to respect their laws just as other countries would ask Americans to respect their laws.

Compassion or mercy can NOT rob justice.

Mercy would need to be applied in a delicate manner that is not necessarily being discussed adequately enough at the current time.

Definitely alternate methods/programs or even new laws to allow for more LEGAL immigration are needed. But until then the laws are what they are.

FYI - There are more people than just Mexicans who are here ILLEGALLY but no one can dispute that there are more of them than there are of other groups. The fact one group immediately claims being singled out does not sit well as it only indicates the guilt with really knowing how many are here illegally.

Why do countries have immigration laws? It's a matter of maintaining order. All governments have immigration laws. I know many immigrants, Hispanic and non-Hispanic, who have obeyed these laws as they became U.S. citizens. They all agree that to allow amnesty to some, would make our government a respecter of persons. It would be a slap in the face to all those who spent lots of money and time doing it the legal way. Why have immigration laws at all? Either they should be enforced, or else abolished altogether. And we know that no nation in their right mind would ever consider abolishing immigration laws.

The above comments are definitely food for thought. How about this one... In the mid-1990's i was a Mormon missionary in Venezuela. I entered the country on a tourist visa which was good for 6 weeks. Obviously, because my mission was to last for 2 years, the church knew from the get-go that i would be overstaying the visa, thereby remaining in Venezuela undocumented. After the 6 week tourist visa expired, i remained in Venezuela without any new visa. I was an illegal "immigrant" missionary in Venezuela. I was breaking Venezuelan law by remaining in Venezuela beyond the initial 6 week entry. I knew it; the Church knew it. I continue to be an active member of the church, and continue to believe that the Church's stand on the immigration issue is correct and justifiable.

Any Latter Day Saint Leader worth his salt out to council any member of the church who breaks the law by coming here to go back home, contact your Bishop or Branch President, utilize the Church's contacts and structure to start the process to come here legally. There is no excuse for any member of the Church, regardless of circumstance, to knowingly break the law. Use the vast knowledge and resources of the Church to get better, to do better and to behave in accordance with the law. Shame on the leaders who fail to do this. Shame on members who think they are above any law of any land. To me, this is shocking.

History repeats itself. Only the names and faces change. Nazi Germany requires that everyone have "papers" to take care of the "Jewish problem". The rest is history.

Mormons immigrate in the 1800's to the United States and gather to states like Missouri and Illinois. They seek a better life for themselves and their families. The rest is history.

The articles of faith are fundamental to our beliefs as Church of Jesus Christ of LatterDay Saints. And the 13th Article of faith does state that we believe in honoring and obeying the laws of the land. We also believe in Repentance and doing what is right. Why then if someone comes to this land knowing the laws of the land and lives here against the law are they even granted the right to be baptised... There are many people that feel the church is true and are not able to pass the interviews because they are not willing to change their ways of life. We all have our problems and repentance is a big part of my life each day. Why then are some able to break the laws of the land and not be expected to repent and change their ways. I do believe that the immigration law is good. If they want to come to this country. They must go through the proper channels like my ancestors did, learn the laws, live according to them and speak english.

Hola, My family immigrated from Mexico Legally. When my Father married my Mother she had to stay in Mexico for over 1 year until she was accepted. There are millions of legal immigrants who have spent thousands of dollars and time to do it Legally. So why should we ignore the law of the land? I am a first generation American born of Mexican parents. There are thousands of OTM other than Mexicans crossing our borders and putting our nation at risk, IE: from Middle Eastern countries.

I think it has been said very well. IT is not about immigrants who come legally, and contribute to our societies, but those illegal ones who are degrading oursocieties and even becoming a financial burden in many cases.

Read SB 1070!!! If law enforcement is educated & trained properly it will not target law abiding Hispanic people. Everyone is listening to the media instead of finding out for themselves what the law states. If this bill is really a concern to you then it is your responsibility to educated yourself about it & not base your opinions on what the media is saying. READ IT!!

I live in AZ and unlike MOST people debating this issue I've actually read SB1070 as approved by the House, signed by the Governor and then later amended.

However since most of the comments above have ZERO to do with the actual law - which is MORE restrictive on Police and State authorities than Federal law is - and more on about the commentators feelings and their self proclaimed compassion consider this FACT (especially the LDS commentators). Do you need "papers" to enter the Temple? Can just anyone enter the Temple? Of course there will be the ridiculous assumption by the "lefties" that want to think I'm equating the US to the Temple. Get a clue. I'm just showing that your arguments that the "Church" should be compassionate are mired in contradictions. Of course there are rules. Rules to be followed. Rules have consequences.

If a person converts to the Church to marry and obtains a Temple recommend for that marriage does the Church say "Hey, that's cool you can bring your non-member friends and family to the wedding?" Of course not.

For those that say the Illegal immigrant is "doing a job that American's won't do" consider this. Maybe the illegal's presence is causing wages to be artificaly depressed. If I steal a car can I resell that car for less then what the manufacturer would need to sell it for on the legal market? Of course.

I personally think that those who put forward the argument about "Doing jobs Americans won't" are hypocrites. Why? Because they are actually in favor of the creation of a second class of human. One that will merely be a servant by another name since they are working for depressed wages resulting in their living in squalor. Ever taken a drive through the sections of town where illegals can find rooms they can afford? I'll bet not.

I'm in favor of "Higher Fences with Wider gates". The current quotas for legal immigration are currently too restrictive. Well, fixing that issue IS job of the Federal Government as per Congress's Article 1 powers as those that correctly argue that the States have no ability to control immigration into the US but they are incorrect when they try to argue that the State cannot legislate what happens when the illegal is here. For example see the 9th Circuit upholding the AZ Employer Sanctions law, etc...

However, we continually see that Politicians always want to take the easy way or the way that will bring them more votes rather then do the hard thing. For example in the health care legislation they front loaded the "benefits" and put off the taxes to pay for them to another Congress +ten years out. Why? So they could say see what I got you (the "benefit") but they are not doing the hard part of making you pay for them. We have already been down the road of Border enforcement and Amnesty. The Politicians did the Amnesty but never got around to the Enforcement. Therefore we find ourselves facing the same problem yet again becasue the Politicians never fixed the ailment they only treated one of the symptoms.

I am really irritated with all the bad press Arizona is receiving because of the illegal immigration law. I believe most people have jumped on the press' bandwagon without actually reading the law and making an informed decision for themselves. I believe my perspective is unique because: (1) I was born in Cuba (and am, therefore, Hispanic) and came to this country legally with my parents at 8 years of age; (2) I am a convert to the LDS faith (joined when I was 15); and (3) I live in Arizona. I will tell you that the State of Arizona has requested helped from the federal government for decades to deal with the illegal immigration problem and the Federal government has ignored our pleas for support. Now that our governor has finally had the guts to do something about it, everyone is falling apart. Our economy is in dire straits, as in much of the country. We are supporting millions of people who don't pay taxes and yet get health care and education for their children for free. Also, some of these illegal immigrants are criminals. There are some in my community who have raped young girls, killed others while driving drunk, committed murders, etc.
The fact is that one Senator cannot pass a law by himself. He may have authored the law, but our Legislature had to vote to pass it. The Church will NOT take a stand on this issue, as they are a church and not a government agency and that is exactly how it should be. Those who blame the Church or Senator Pearce for the law are misguided and not educated on the facts. Those LDS members who are here illegally and are pointing fingers at the Church or Senator Pearce should be ashamed of themselves. They truth of the matter is that the law is only trying to protect the rights of our citizens. The police can only investigate someone's legal status AFTER they are stopped for breaking the law in some way (speeding, DUI, etc.). There is NO racial profiling involved here. If you are breaking the law and you are Canadian, French, Japanese -- it doesn't matter. If you are here illegally, you are breaking our laws and you should be deported, period. Do we have compassion for our fellow man (regardless of race) ... ABSOLUTELY! However, if we don't obey the laws of the land, complete chaos will rule. We can't let that happen. Also, take note that our immigration laws are much less strict and fair than most of the countries in the world.

In all fairness to the fine people of Arizona, they have every legal right to enforce the laws that are already present but unenforced on the national level.
Too many failed promises over decades of dealing with the apathy of others who are not facing the same problems in their own backyards, have now led them to move forward on their own.
How can we judge them when we don't have a clear picture of what they have been going through while waiting for our help? I think we should be a little more sympathetic towards their plight, and not rush to condemn their efforts to bring some order back into their communities... and somehow make them out to "be the bad guys".

There's no question that the Mormon Church does guide Russell Pearce's thinking as it does many people. All in efforts to lead them to skewed thinking. Just watch this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcyzkd_m6KE

I can not be branded a racist or bigot by any means. I have grandsons married to Mexican girls and have half Mexican grandchildren. As well as took into my home several Native children (at my own expense) to help them with education...even thru college. And for 3 years risked my life and freedom in Mexico assisting the indigenous people(again at my expense) This is said only to prove I have no racist motive for the following information

When we were associated with the mission, illegals could not be baptized or even taught the gospel. Then just a very few years ago that rule was lifted. There are now 51 wards and branches in Maricopa county, probably 60 percent of the members are illegal. Personally, I do not understand why the church changed this rule.

I know from daily assoication with many illegals, both in and out of the church. They assume they are owed something and lie and cheat to get food stamps, medical, etc. I know one family who received grocery orders from the church and changed the numbers to get more so they could give it to non=members. I know many who are living together unmarried, having children, receiving medical for birth and all the goodies attached. When the child is born the mother or father use the child's SS card.

My family living near the border cannot harvest their crops because of the illegals crossing their land, breaking into their home, stealing, even raping the residents. No one is safe. My daughter and her husband who were teachers had to move. There is even murder along these routes.

Working in Mexico for those three years taught me that the Mexican people as a rule are not necessarily law abiding citizens. it is cultural.

Perhaps the church should rethink its position and assist these people to return to their home country and make a difference there. If they speak English they can have the best jobs. Of couse the problem is, they have not learned English.

The person whining and blaming the Church is out of line, he/she knew of the consequences and to demand the Church deal with Russell Pearce is really far out and childish. Blaming is the natural order.

Knowing of all the radical thinking of the Hispanics and with the hype of the Media I have believed for the past five years we are headed for some violent behavior.

The mormons could be wonderful Jews hunters because during the WWWII the Nazi governmetn put discriminatory laws against Jews, Gypsies, Communists and so on...Mormons let´s obey the law because Jesus Christ broke all of them to save the mankind!

Living here in California, I know many Mexicans and Mexican Americans. I love them! Our ward has many Spanish-speakers from Mexico and South and Central America. I have no problem with the people...in fact I'm currently trying to learn Spanish so I can make them feel more welcome in our ward and in our community. They are wonderful people with wonderful values and have so much to contribute in every way. However, I've also seen the devastating effects that ILLIGAL immigrants can have on our state and local programs. Without contributing to the system by paying taxes, they can take full advantage of our education and health programs. They don't have to show any proof of income or even a social security number or driver's license when they receive medical treatment. They can just say that they don't have enough money and then others have to pick up the bill through higher costs, etc. However, if I went in for medical treatment, I would be expected to pay and to provide full information on myself and my family if I'm a legal resident. Doesn't that seem a little unfair and unbalanced for the people who are here legally? And not only people like me, but immigrants who went through the process to enter this country legally and contribute to the system? Not only is it not fair, but it's bankrupting our state! We have laws in this land to protect the people and to make it a wonderful place for all to come to, but by sneaking in, those people are under the radar and are not being respectful of our laws and the contributions that we're all expected to pay into the system. This is not an issue of not wanting non-Americans to enter our country...it's an issue of wanting them to enter legally and to contribute to the system so that it doesn't break it. We as Mormons want to help everyone, but I think that the individuals coming into this country need to take responsibility for their actions and respect our laws by entering legally. It would also force employers to pay them a decent wage and protect as workers under our law. It's advantageous for EVERYONE if our borders are protected and immigration is controlled so that only those willing to go through the proper channels can enter. It also protects us from those criminals fleeing from their government from entering our land and hiding in our communities. Of COURSE we love the people, but there needs to be a way to enforce our laws.
The Arizona bill is not promoting racial profiling! In fact it specifically states several times that it must NOT be done! Police officers accused of this will be held accountible for their actions. It shouldn't be unreasonable to ask someone for a driver's license when they break a driving law and if they can't produce one, to ask if they are in the country legally. How does that harm anyone? I hope people can see past the "predudice" rhetoric and see the common sense in enforcing FEDERAL laws that are already on the books.

I support the Arizona immigration law. My experiences with Mexican immigrants have been very positive, and on an individual level, I appreciate their warmth and generosity. Many arguments have been presented both supporting and denigrating the new law, but none have mentioned the idea of protecting the people who die in the desert from thirst and heat exhaustion. If we can close our borders and keep them from crossing, we have done a good service. If we can put the coyotes out of business and stop the inhumane importation of truck loads of immigrants to crowded and unsafe drop houses, we have done a good service. People want to come to our country, but illegal status leaves them vulnerable. The federal government is unwilling to handle the issue, and as a resident of Arizona, I am glad we finally have some attention.

This isn't about religion, or even kindness, tolerance, or any other misguided application of religious principles; It's about law, a law all nations have, and most actually enforce pretty severely, because borders are pretty much the defining attribute of a nation. And anyone opposed to borders and immigration control needs to be more honest about their motives, especially those who flout our culture, language, anthem, flag, and, by their very presence, our laws.

And then they have the gall to accuse us?! For me, that's about the last straw. If I wanted to live in Mexico, I'd move there. If you no longer want to live in Mexico, and you're not part of the problem there, then it's okay with me if you move here, as long as you forsake that God-forsaken land, flag, language, etc. ... just like I, and my ancestors did.

So, whatever happened to choice and accountability? That is the problem now a days! People make choices and then blame others for the consequences of their choices. Nobody wants to be accountable anymore. And if it so be that members of the LDS Church make the choice to separate themselves from the Church over this issue they cannot go around blaming others for THEIR CHOICE. THEY MADE THE CHOICE NOW BE ACCOUNTABLE FOR THAT CHOICE AND STOP YOUR BELLY ACHING. LIFE IS NOT PERFECT. NOR WERE WE PROMISED THAT LIFE WOULD BE FAIR. LIFE IS TOUGH. LIFE IS A TEST. GET OVER IT

I live in Ca. and did anyone know we have a similar law on the books and did you know the Az. law is just an extention of our federal law? I am sorry for the families that might get broken up but that is the risk of breaking another counrty's laws. Where is the compassion for our nation's citizens who have been murdered by illegal aliens? I want to help the people who are trying to make a better life for themselves. So, what about the people in Haiti and Africa and other countries that would love to come to our counrty. Are you prepared to let those nations citizens in regardless of our laws? That would only seem appropriate if the people south of our border get that deal. This law is really about security. If we want to help people make a better life than take a proactive step and help make things better in their country so they don't feel forced to migrate. Perhaps one should get made at the Mexican elite who want to keep things status qou and not help their citizens. Or mad at the President for allowing the President of Mexico scold us about the Az law when our President has not even read it.

The issue for the Latter Day Saints of any stripe is... "When is a crime not a crime?" If Arizona had completely rewritten the Federal Law to make it more racially profiling, there might be something to complain about and campaign against. This is not the case, the Arizona law is actually less racially profiling than the Federal Law, which is not being enforced. Which lack of enforcement has caused the present law to be enacted. It is time for Latter Day Saints to obey and enforce the laws of the land.

I suggest two ideals relating to this new Arizona law:
1. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Cæsar the things which are Cæsar's; and unto God the things that are God's. (New Testament | Matthew 22:21)

2. We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
Articles of Faith 1:12)

Those individuals who come here without proper permission are breaking the U. S. law. A person who overstays a permitted visit without permission is also breaking the law.

Let all those individuals who want to come here come by obeying the laws. Let them apply for residency. We should, and most U S citizens will embrace them, help them to rise above their previous spiritual and economic situation, and urge them the follow the laws to become a naturalized U. S. citizen.

Notice what happens if I overstay my permitted time in Mexico. Note what happens if a person accidentally, allegedly strays a few feet over a technical border into Iran or North Korea, without permission for example.

One more comment: Don't separate the families. If a parent is here illegally, allow the whole family to return to the former country together.

I applaud Arizona for taking a stand on ILLEGAL immigration. Although I do not live in the US, I have a daughter who lives in Arizona. She entered legally (via visa) after spending over $2000 just in visa costs and is now having to spend a ton more money to get her green card, not to mention having to 'jump through a string of hoops', to do so. She is not entitled to work and cannot receive health care without paying large amounts of money to do so.
I live in Australia where we also have a large problem with illegal immigrants (boat people) so I understand in part the issues involved.
Although I have enormous compassion for those who find themselves in a position of such desperation, I also understand the frustration and anger of those who see the bigger picture - that turning a blind eye to this is not 'fairness' or 'compassion'.
It is not fair to the thousands of those trying to get in legally who have to wait longer times for processing, or for a vacancy to come up if they are waiting in a refugee camp.
It is not fair to those who are in the country legally but cannot get medical care because the public purse is not big enough - but the illegals can access free care.
It is not fair that the legal residents have high unemployment but the illegals can stand on the roadside, get picked up, and can work tax free.
It is not compassionate to have a large group of people who live in fear of deportation if they are discovered, or for their children and grandchildren to live their lives in fear because they are under the same cloud.
Nor is it compassionate to allow people to be put in a position where their families could be divided because the parents are illegal but the children (due to birth in the country) are legal.
This is not about a persons religious views either. This is a case of legality. Remember the Savior also said 'render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's: and unto God the things which are God's", (Matt 22:21) and yes I too am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

People who join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints should be converted to the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ and not to a political philosophy or position. The LDS Church has always told its members to uphold the law in the jurisdiction where they live. The only people who should be upset by the new Arizona law are those who originally violated the law by crossing the border without proper documentation.
Those who are converted to the Restored Gospel will stay in the LDS Church. If they joined the Church for an ulterior motive, they will repent or drop out.

Many of the "illegal" immigrants were here legally until the government managed to stall their paper work. Let the law go after the crooks and make accommodations for those who would work and pay taxes if we would let them. Racial profiling should not be law and bad laws have been passed in many places. Next Arizona will want anyone who doesn't look European American to carry ID or wear a nazi star.

I think this is one of those issues where people feel that Christian charity is not supposed to extend to those who are not obeying the law. Personally, I think the law must be enforced, but Christian charity is to be extended to all. A people who pass laws that are unfair, violate principles of Christian charity, in my opinion.

We must be a compassionate nation, however, all things must be done in wisdom and order. God is a God of order. He greatly supports the concept of good government and does not condone chaos. We must control the borders to ensure national security and the safety of US citizens.

As for illegal immigrants, it is difficult to say what impact they have on our economy. As socialism has grown, we now have only half of our population paying tax's. This means that illegal aliens get all of the benefits of the US without paying for it. On the other hand, many of these people work very hard for very little, thereby lowering the cost of goods for the rest of us. The bottom line of our wealth may be what is being produced, not how money is being shifted around from one person to another. So maybe, illegal aliens pay for what they get afterall.

One other comment. I have a son who works in a business where there are allot of hispanic laborors. He says that thos people who come accross the border work very hard to make a living. But the children of these people do not want to live the hard life that their parents were greatful for so they turn to the drug trade and to a life of crime. It is a complex issue.

I am also LDS, and a resident of Arizona. I am also a 3rd generation American descendant from LEGAL Norwegian immigrants.
I agree with the attitude that "there is enough and to spare" -- that we have (or can create), with God's help and by upholding God's laws, enough prosperity on this land to support everyone who wants to participate -- in PRODUCTION as well as consumption.
I also believe that we must show respect to the laws of the land, by upholding them -- even the bad ones, unless and until we change them.
ALL actions have consequences; we choose our consequences by our actions. It is no more "fair" to deprive lawbreakers of the uncomfortable consequences of their actions than it is to deprive law-abiding citizens and legal residents the protection of the Rule of Law.
Given that starting point, I support the enforcement of border security and existing immigration laws until we, through the legislative process, change those laws.
I also support reforming the laws to make it easier for those who respect our laws and want to WORK to come, either as future citizens or as temporary workers. At the same time we need to have effective ways to keep out those who seek to undermine our Constitutional government, or who want the benefits without the work. And above all we must have a way to keep criminals and terrorists out.
I recommend we reconsider the interpretation of the law that makes children of foreigners automatic citizens -- this is contrary to nature (they should follow their parents' citizenship), and is unique in the world. This would avoid separating families, and remove one strong incentive to illegal entry.
As one who believes the Book of Mormon, I also believe that we are just God's appointed custodians of this land and nation, until the Remnant of Israel is prepared to inherit it. (See 3 Ne 20-21; you can find it at www.lds.org)

California take down your walls that you built to keep people from crossing the border & remove your checkpoints. Problem solved. The immigrants can now come in through your borders. Do it now, if not you are a bunch of hypocrites for blaming Arizona.