Contrary to the line that the pro-illegal immigration people tell us, that these illegals are doing jobs that Americans won’t do, what we see happening on the ground is just the opposite. Since cities across the nation have begun to line up on the side of America, many illegals are returning home. Contrary to the eminent collapse of our economy that some said would happen as a result of enforcement, Americans are lining up to take jobs that previously were taken by illegals, gang crime and crime rates overall are going down in measurable and noticeable amounts, and there is less pressure on health and social services.

Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff told The Times that “there will be some unhappy consequences for the economy out of doing this.” While the enforcement climate is still too new to show results in government data one way or the other, Chertoff’s prediction doesn’t appear to be playing out. On the contrary, there is extensive anecdotal evidence that enforcement is actually having its desired effects: More illegal aliens are going home, leading to improved conditions for American workers and communities. The first consequence of stepped-up enforcement is attrition of the illegal population — a steady decrease in the total number of illegal aliens as more people give up and go home. Attrition is the real alternative to amnesty, and we’re seeing it work.

By pulling out the welcome mat for illegals, attrition is taking the place of deportation. Let the progress continue.

LA Times: Fewer migrants mean more benefits