As someone who gladly jumped through every single hoop the [then] INS put in front of me, I have to admit I'm a little ticked at the idea of someone else slipping across the border at 2am and then being treated with kit gloves.

OTOH, I can't find it in my heart to say "bring the hammer down on them." I think each and every case needs to be treated on its own merits and the decision to deport shoudn't be taken lightly. Sure, it can be strongly argued that entering illegally is a mistake for which there should be a price, but a deported person can face serious, lifelong consequences. I think we can afford to be profoundly decent in our decision-making.

And lets remember that the first Europeans to get here didn't hesitate to barge in and make themselves at home. Kinda makes barging into this country part of our national heritage.