Illegal? Immigrants

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/03/world/americas/mexican-immigrants-repeatedly-brave-risks-to-resume-lives-in-united-states.html?_r=1&ref=americas

This weeks article is about illegal Mexican immigrants crossing the border into the United States. I think it is so unnecessary to deport Mexican (technically illegal) immigrants who have been living and working in the US for, in some cases, most of their lives and contributing to the American economy. One man interviewed for the article said he has lived in the US for over twelve years, has a wife and an American son, and has three brothers also living in the US. However, the man recently got deported for driving on an expired drivers license. Is it fair to say that this man does not have the right to live in the US? His entire family lives there, his son is an AMERICAN citizen, and yet he was deported back to Mexico, with no hope or inclination as to when he may be able to be reunited with his family.

I personally do not understand why the government exhausts so much time and money on the issue of illegal immigration, especially when the vast majority of "illegals" are average, relatively young people, who are leaving Mexico to escape violence and are therefore merely in search of a better life. While it is true that some illegals that cross the border work for drug cartels and conduct other illegal business, this is a relatively small percentage of the Mexicans who cross the border. Instead of spending $12,500 PER PERSON that is deported, why doesn't the government save that money and leave well enough alone--let the illegal immigrants, who have already suffered so much to get to where they are, continue living peacefully and undisturbed, especially since all they want is a safe place to raise family--they are doing no harm  (and do NOT tell me they are taking away jobs--most Mexican immigrants are forced to work at jobs that pay below minimum wage, receive no benefits and are hard labour, jobs Americans would not work at for so little money). Why doesn't the government spend that 12,500 (per person!!) cracking down on other, more serious problems within their country (healthcare, education, low-income housing, crime...to name a few).