The current illegal immigrant situation is a national disgrace. Members of both political parties have ducked when confronted with this serious violation of our laws.

What part of “illegal” don’t they understand?

Illegal immigrants form a large part of the population of several prisons because of the serious crimes they have committed. Giving amnesty to illegals is surrendering to lawlessness.

Why is the U.S. Department of Justice suing the state of Arizona for enforcing federal immigration laws? Federal officials should welcome the help.

The feds have put forth the ridiculous argument that illegal immigration is not a state’s responsibility. Arizonians have lost their lives and property because the federal government didn’t do its job. Arizona has a right to defend itself.

Securing the country’s borders is the first step, and stop worrying about the opinion of Mexico and the sympathetic U.S. Latinos. Middle Eastern agents have been found in the illegal border groups, showing the danger of terrorists infiltrating into the U.S.

The Washington, D.C., decision-makers are short on political courage.

The solution is to give illegals an opportunity to register for a temporary work permit. Those who are found without it should be immediately deported, with their families. This makes those that remain here legal, identifiable and taxpayers. U.S. citizenship could be a goal under the right circumstances.

Thomas F. Shields, Auburn