I'm often asked this: if I were a poor Mexican, would I illegally cross into the U.S. for a better life.

My answer is a qualified "yes."

Humans, just like animals, have two basic defense systems -- fight or flight. When the choices are to fight your own corrupt government for your rights and a better life or accept America's virtual invitation to migrate illegally without any punitive consequences, the choice is obvious. Perhaps if our immigration laws had always been enforced, Mexicans would choose to fight for a better life in their own country.