Deport the Protesters

The Wall Street Journal has an article up called, "Young Illegals Out Themselves, Daring To Be Deported."

young illegal immigrants in caps and gowns entered the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C., and began sit-ins in the offices of several senators. Twelve soon returned to the atrium, where they formed a circle around a banner reading "Undocumented and Unafraid." Refusing to be moved, the students were arrested by Capitol Police... a similar protest by a separate but allied group was taking place at Lafayette Square in front of the White House. These students went a step further. Openly announcing their immigration status and giving their full names just across the Mall from Immigration and Customs Enforcement headquarters

According to the article, ICE will not initiate deportation procedures against these protesters, fearing the reaction.

As anyone reading this blog knows, I have significant sympathy for illegal aliens, support expanding immigration, and favor a path to citizenship for those who entered illegally but are now working and not causing trouble. But in my opinion, every single one of those protesters, and any other illegal alien who acts in similar fashion, should be immediately deported. It's the height of arrogance and obnoxious behavior to illegally enter a country, openly declare that you've flouted the laws of that country, and dare the authorities to deport you -- as if you are somehow in the right. That's exactly the type of behavior -- an arrogant attitude of entitlement -- that generates widespread disgust with illegal aliens. It tarnishes the majority who just want a better life. Instead of rounding up people working quietly at restaurants, cleaning services, landscaping and other service occupations, our immigration enforcement agencies should target people like these students in Washington, DC. 

The protests this month are most significant not because of any direct influence they may have on lawmakers, but because they are drawing other young people with illegal status out into the open, undoing the chilling effect that legal vulnerability has long had on illegal immigrants' political activism.

Let's restore that chilling effect. Deport them all.