'Visionaries or Vigilanties'
The US/Mexico border is a notorious entry point for undocumented aliens. Mexico's government actively encourages this migration, and the US Border Patrol seems helpless to stop it. Recently a group of civilian "Minute Men" began a campaign to monitor the border and notify US officials of illegal immigrants. Within a month thousands of immigrants were stopped at the Arizona/Mexico border. The "Minute Men" program may expand to other parts of the border.
Some US politicians describe the "Minute Men" as vigilanties who take immigration law enforcement into their own hands. Other politicians view them as defenders of the border whose purpose is to assist the Border Patrol. No matter the more appropriate description, the program brought the immigration issue out of whispered obscurity.
'Main Campaign Issue'
Immigration also is one of the main issues in Britain's 5 May general election. Tony Blair and Home Secretary Charles Clarke upset many voters when they proposed a system of early release/house arrest for convicted terrorists - some of whom were captured because they violated immigration rules. The Labor government substantially relaxed immigration rules enforcement during the last eight years, and the influx of immigrants of questionable status stresses public sector services. Ironically improving public sector services quality is among Mr. Blair's most frequently repeated campaign pledges.
The opposition Conservative Party made recent gains in opinion polls by asserting the connection of not enforcing immigration rules and increasing criminal activity. As the population of undocumented immigrants increased, criminal activity also increased proportionally. As the parrty of "law and order", the Conservatives promise to enforce the immigration rules, thereby making Britain a safer place. Mr. Howard's argument does not lack validity: Mr. Blair's previous Home Secretary David Blunkett was forced to resign when it was discovered that he procured a visa for his female companion's nanny after the nanny already was in Britain illegally for several years. If the Home Secretary (analogous to the justice minister) cannot enforce immigration policy in his own home, the absence of enforcement nationwide is quite understandable.
'Visa-Affair German Style'
It seems there are no small scandals in German politics. The finance scandal that damaged the CDU six years ago continues to make headlines and impact the party's reputation. Curious activities by a few Lander governments harmed the SPD at the last rounds of local elections. The latest bit of intrigue to affect the governing SPD and its coalition partner the Green Party is described simply as the "visa-aff`are (visa affair)", and the investigation of it has taken on the dimensions of a national soap opera.
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