First of all, they're not illegal immigrants, they're illegal aliens.

Immigrants are those people from foreign countries who enter our country legally. And let's answer those who say that except for native Americans, we're all immigrants. Of course, that's true. But under what circumstances?

When many legal immigrants came here from Europe during World War I they were quickly made citizens, put into Army infantry uniforms and shipped right back to France to fight trench warfare.

This happened to many thousands of legal immigrants who fought for their adopted country. Many never lived to enjoy the freedom they died to preserve. And for generations after, when you walked through the different ethnic neighborhoods of Auburn you didn't see the flags of Poland, Italy, Ireland or Germany flown from porches; you saw American flags proudly flown from one end of town to the other.

These were true immigrants who worked the machine shops, steel mills and factories of central New York to build a better life for their families in the land of opportunity. The obstacles they faced were almost beyond description. But their grandchildren became doctors, dentists, businessmen and taxpaying citizens who were completely woven into the American societal fabric

We have many immigrants that have struggled to do things the right way. Let's contrast proud, legal Americans with the current criminal situation.

Illegals are pouring over the Mexican border by the millions in violation of our immigration laws. If these laws are broken then it becomes a crime and should be made punishable.

These same criminals are organizing demonstrations in the United States of America where they arrogantly display flags from other countries.

If those countries are so good then why don't they go back? They think they are above and beyond the law.

Now they want a Spanish version of our national anthem. If they're going to be in this country they better learn to sing our national anthem in English.

The illegal aliens dare to organize for their cause. They show no fear as they gather in large groups in front of TV cameras, flaunting their illegal status and provoking us to do something about it. Well it's high time we did. Our borders must be secured whatever it takes.

They need to be rounded up at these demonstrations and taken through the normal procedures of proper paper work, testing, etc. If they disagree with the process they should be deported immediately. Why should law-abiding immigrants have to go through a process that law breakers don't have to?

Our borders need to be protected from future messes like this but we also need to deal with this current situation firmly and as best we can.

Ducayne's column appears

Tuesdays in The Citizen

and she can be reached at

sacredheart6005@hotmail.com