The Nation: Alienating the Aliens

Backlash against the plan for illegal immigrants

Across the winding Texas-Mexican frontier and through the Chula Vista corridor south of San Diego, illegal Mexican immigrants have been entering the U.S. in record numbers in search of jobs and relief from poverty at home. "They have some vague idea that if they get here, they might be able to stay," says Border Patrol Agent Tom Johnson in McAllen, Texas. "It doesn't take much of a rumor to get them started."

Small wonder. With unemployment in Mexico now rising above 40%, President Carter's proposal of "amnesty"...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!