As a matter of fact I did tell Reagan that (at least I expressed my opinion to friends). So did many others.  Those times, like today, were complex. This is a complex issue. And I believe that Reagan's action DID encourage more illegal immigration. The whole immigration policy has been ignored by politicians for too long. Now we must fix the broken system. I believe we first must re-establish a rule-of-law and almost simultaneous build a wall (physical or virtual) on the porous border. I welcome immigrants that believe in the American values of freedom and meritocracy - -that use legal means for entry.