Burning Atlanta

Just read about some poll, for all they're worth, that said republicans considered immigration number 2, after the economy, of top issues.

We know that it's not going away. We know it will be back with a vengence. We know there are plenty of cowardly appeasing slime whose answer is always surrender/amnesty. But I still have heart that the American people will rise up and scream so loudly against another amnesty that the halls of Congress will shake and threaten collapse. Hence my fear that they will pass a series of mini-amnesties to try avoid the full wrath of the people.

Kick ass

Harrell said she understands the complexity of the illegal immigration debate and wants to make it "the No. 1 issue."

"This is a battle that's been going on for a very long time. The U.S. Congress has to step up and change what we're doing," she said.

Harrell said she favors a border fence, heightened surveillance and increased use of the Coast Guard to tighten security along U.S. borders.

Harrell said funding for such a program could be found if Congress made it a priority.

Harrell also opposes amnesty for illegals, stating the policy is unfair to and punishes people who have been trying to obtain citizenship legally.

Her immigration platform calls for a guest worker program that would require a biometric ID card with a picture and thumbprint for all non-citizen workers and employer accountability for those businesses who violate the law.

Finally, she said, the "anchor baby" issue needs to be addressed, which prevents parents of babies born in this country from being deported.

Several of those in attendance spoke in support of Harrell's policies and voiced concern over the illegal immigration issue.

"My trade has literally been hijacked by the illegal alien workforce," said Jack Oliver, a former Treasure Coast dry wall contractor and member of Floridians for Immigration Enforcement. "And there seems to be a total disconnect between what (representatives') constituents want and what they think we need."