4. President Bush has added National Guard troops to patrol the border with Mexico. What will be the most effective tools for securing the border, troops, walls, technology, and what should be done first?

Again, I don't believe any one action will be the answer. They all need to be deployed in a coordinated fashion. It is imperative we build a physical wall in certain areas, but technology is the ultimate answer. Today, a physical fence provides a deterrent, but it is not the only deterrent because a 21-foot ladder scales a 20-foot fence. With technology we can monitor border incursions and send the border patrol to the exact spot of an illegal crossing. Technology will be the best protection along our border but physical fences will help direct the flow into the areas that can be most effectively monitored by technology.

5. What is your definition of amnesty?

My definition is from the MERRIAM-WEBSTER'S DICTIONARY: the act of an authority (as a government) by which PARDON is granted to a large group of individuals. The same dictionary defines pardon as: 1 : Indulgence. 2 : the excusing of an offense without exacting a penalty. This definition was used in the legislative process in 1986 during consideration of the last immigration reform law and in the 1970s when President Carter granted amnesty to those who dodged the Vietnam draft. Both of those bills were called amnesty because they provided no penalty for breaking the law.

6. Do you think that allowing illegal immigrants a way to adjust their status is key to any workable immigration reform? Why?

Some will argue that the only way for individuals to adjust their status and come forward is if there is a carrot. For some, the carrotâ is citizenship. Others argue that the carrotâ is a change in status. I support an adjustment of status only if it includes meaningful penalties for illegal behavior. Otherwise, it is amnesty. But I don't agree with those who argue for the citizenship or bust. I believe there are people here illegally who want to do the right thing, and we need a program that identifies those who are willing to come forward and accept responsibility for breaking the law. That acceptance of responsibility should include both regular and monetary penalties, requirements to learn English, and enrollment in civics classes for those who wish to work in America. If someone wants to be in America and join our society, they must assimilate. Additionally, I am opposed to allowing anyone to cut ahead of those already patiently waiting in line to enter our great nation. Therefore, anyone who is here illegally and comes forward should not be placed ahead of others who are already waiting.