But what about the basic point, Joe, that soft border is a national security issue.

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Obama had already put in so much effort to show that he was tough on illegal immigration, just like all Democratic presidents or presidential candidates have to do because they're perceived by some voters as soft on border security in the same way that in the 1970s they were seen as soft on national security.

CNN: Obama's immigration policy a shell game

Republicans charge that Democrats are soft on terrorism, crime and border security.

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