Soap Box on immigration

Immigration ~ yup, varied opinions, but, illegal is illegal for a reason. Do I want families already here split up? Not really. Is it fair some receive free medical care? Nope. (I'm really mad about the new sales tax on my property which funds this new medical care program that was shoved down our throats.) Why can't we stop the illegal border crossings? What's more cost effective: beefed up border patrol or all the social programs to support illegals? I've heard the argument, "Not all coming across are drug dealers and criminals, some just want a better life." Of the numerous who cross every day, how many are the criminal element? Some of you may be too young to remember or know about the Mariel Boat lift from Cuba, April to October 1980. President Jimmy Carter gave them all amnesty. Free room and board. Relocated them all across the USA. Fidel Castro had emptied prisons and insane asylums to include with those who just wanted a better life. (Carter is a Democrat) I can vouch for the increase in crime rate with their arrival in Vegas. Our "Naked City" became famous then. What about us, as in the United States? You and Me? We just want a better life, too. Especially, since I'm close to collecting social security. I've paid my dues: US Army and employment for 40 years +. I don't demand anything. I just want what I've earned. Okay, I'm stepping down off my soap box now. . .