I think the illegal imigrant issue is more focused in the Mexican Boarder states like California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas... If you live in the north you probably have no idea how bad the problem is around here, but it is rapidly spreading to other states, and it may soon be a very real issue in your area.
The Texas legistlature just veto'd a bill that would have allowed Texas lawmen to ask anyone about their citizenship status...similar to the Arizona law. I have not seen the wording of the proposed law, but I understand the wording to avoid Constitutional, and Civil Rights issues just made the law too vague and open to other interpretations.
While I support these kinds of laws, I think they must be worded very clearly to prevent some power crazy police officers from over extending their authority.
...Rich