It is time that this policy becomes the standard nationwide.

''It doesn't matter if you're trying to pay off funeral expenses, or take care of a sick family member," explained U.S. Magistrate Diana Saldaña, referring to the plight of another immigrant. ''When you cross the Rio Grande, you're going to be spending time in prison if the Border Patrol finds you — that's the bottom line."

There are legal ways to get into this country. Those who choose not to use them deserve to be rounded up, jailed, and deported -- and denied readmittance. They have already proved their contempt for our nation's laws, and are not welcome here.