I agree that Bugs has reason, but I disagree that they’ll just pack up and go once the boom is over. It is well known that many of them are here to raise a family and have a child that is an American citizen. Considering the $hithole that is called Mexico, can you blame them? Another example that goes on everyday is the pregnant lady who comes across the border just to give birth. They KNOW that the hospitals here will not and cannot turn them away. Once born they are American citizens. This is how the whole anchor baby process begins.

As far as Bush not doing anything, I agree with Powayseller. I actually voted and helped campaign for Bush back in ’04. I feel betrayed by his administration’s immigration policies (or lack of policies). The Republican party’s logic behind allowing illegals in is that they (along with the Democrats) are fighting for a huge block of potential voters 20 years or more from now. They are investing in their future.

What rouses my ire most is how turning a blind eye to illegal immigration slaps the faces of all those who came here the right way.

In terms of real estate and housing, these people are going to need a place to live at some point. I think that it’s as simple as more people = more demand, and more jobs for those in the real estate biz. I’d be interested to see if any of the various real estate industries (NAR, developers, construction, mortgage banking, etc.) have helped fund pro-illegal immigration groups or activities. Follow the money trail.