Again, this isn't a new exception to laws, children are always treated differently in our justice system.  If you can't acknowledge that, I'm not sure what to say.

VietVet- You asked why we should make an exception to this law for emotion; I guess given you think laws should be applied evenly regardless of age, can you tell me why we already give "exceptions" to laws to children and why there's never been any outrage about that?

Not to mention, an individual coerced or forced to commit a crime isn't liable.  It can't be expected that an infant or child, if they even understood, would have any opportunity to fight against parents carrying them or putting them in a vehicle to commit that crime.  Similarly, if you can't acknowledge that, I'm not sure what to say.

The thought of a child being forced to the ground and handcuffed and thrown in a cell is, well, an emotion invoking thought.  We look at it differently because of the AGE of the subject - and any parent can tell you - that's emotion invoking.

I understand your point - but - stats show that (National Resource Council - not made up) illegals in this country cost the taxpayer $346B annually.  $4.3B is ER/Clinic visits alone - that doesn't include anything inpatient that hospitals end up eating - which estimates put at as much or more than the first number.

These folks didn't necessarily expect when they were children that they would be considered illegal - but they are.  That's just the plain fact - no emotion needed or implied.  It may not be their choosing - but so what.  Congress needs to get off their backsides and hash this out - and codify it.  I haven't an issue with a path to citizenship, but it's my personal experience, not one illegal I've ever known ACTUALLY wants citizenship. 

Bob

This is hardly a special, emotional situation in which we're for the first time ever looking to consider not treating child offenders the same as adults.  It happens all the time with most laws in this country.

You seem to think that there was some way for them to get legal in the time they have been here which is simply impossible.  You cannot apply to become legal when you are already in this country illegally, whether you came here on your own free will or were forced.  Not to mention, like I said, these are children, and nobody should expect children to understand citizenship or immigration laws at a young age and hire a lawyer or walk into an immigration office on their own.

DACA was the only option they had and yes, it was meant to be temporary until a permanent solution was legislated by Congress.  We all know there hasn't been much coming from there in the past few years.  DACA included renewal procedures, so I'm not sure how you believe if administered correctly they'd be violating that law by being here still.

As far as paying for their healthcare, schools, etc, they've been paying for that themselves and contributing to the rest of us.  By registering with DACA for a work permit they pay income taxes just like the rest of us.  I don't have stats in front of me (I can if you'd like) but nearly all are working, not draining resources sitting on welfare like some are falsely spreading.  They are contributing to their communities and our country.  It's pretty obvious, if they weren't planning on working legally and paying taxes, why would they bother to register with DACA anyways?  They are not eligible to get food stamps, Medicaid or nearly every other form of welfare in this country.

And still, like I said, you're holding someone accountable for something they had absolutely no control over.  If you're riding a bus and the driver decides to make a u-turn in a posted, private parking lot, are you now guilty of trespassing?

Whatever happened to personal responsibility?