Michelle Malkin, a conservative columnist and commentator, spoke to more than 50 people last night at the Kern Building about immigration policies.

The event was co-sponsored by the University Park Allocation Committee and Young America's Foundation and hosted by the Penn State Young Americans for Freedom (PS-YAF).

In her opening remarks, Malkin expressed concern for the established U.S. immigration policies and how she felt they were set up to fail. She also addressed three myths about immigration policies that she wanted to "debunk," noting "we are a nation of immigrants, it is not possible to enforce our borders and busboys are not terrorists."

Malkin said those involved in crimes related to illegal immigration should be punished and illegal immigrants should be deported.

"Catch and release is great for fish, but not for people," she said.

Malkin said immigration policies continue to stay open for terrorists, illegal aliens and lawbreakers, and that the government has to send out a message that breaking the law will not be tolerated.

She said that not enforcing our borders allows terrorists such al-Qaida to team up with Mexican immigrants, allowing them to come in through the southern borders.

"Terrorists can blend into this vast sea of 13 million illegal aliens," Malkin said.

Malkin said the government should use the "controversial" ethnic profiling to deter illegal immigration and should remain "unapologetic about saying who gets into this country." She said that with a nationwide identification database, illegal aliens would eventually leave the United States.

Malkin said those opposed to profiling often ask her if she would be offended if Philippines were targeted as terrorists because she is Filipino. She argued if the September 11th hijackers were short Filipino women, she would still support ethnic profiling.

"You bet. Profile me," she said. "Put the whole ethnic identity to rest and put your country first."

PS-YAF chairman Pete Roy said Malkin, whose parents are immigrants from the Philippines, supports legal immigration.

"She wants people to come to this country," Roy said. "She just wants them to come legally."

Malkin said she is compassionate for those who have suffered from terrorism.

"How many Americans must die before we strengthen our borders?" she asked.

Nick Klein (sophomore-finance) said he enjoyed listening to Malkin speak.

"I think she did a pretty good job on explaining her position. I'm a big advocate of border security," Klein said.

Devon Williams (freshman-division of undergraduate studies) said his father encouraged him to go see Malkin speak and thought the event sounded interesting because of the current events involving terrorism.

Malkin, who has also written In Defense of Internment: The Case for 'Racial Profiling' in World War II and the War on Terror and Invasion: How America Still Welcomes Terrorists, Criminals and Other Foreign Menaces to Our Shores, said she was disappointed that border control has not been more of a focus in the presidential debates.

Malkin said the reason she comes to campuses is to spread the awareness of issues concerning immigration policies.

Roy said Malkin made a good speaker at Penn State.

"We thought she could communicate well to college students because she's upbeat, energetic and has a lot of enthusiasm," he said.