Immigration Reform

The Problem:

Illegal aliens continue to pour into our country, and they receive many benefits from the government without paying taxes.

Another Traffic Analogy:

Would you say someone that is going five miles per hour over the speed limit is breaking the law? Probably. But would you call them a criminal? No. Does this relate to illegal immigration? Yes. A law that isn't enforced can hardly be called a law at all. Yes, it's on the book, but people disobey it all over because they know there isn't a consequence. Honestly, what is the worst that happens to an illegal immigrant if they get caught? They are sent back to their homeland with all their money. That isn't even a punishment. In other words, they have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

A Missed Opportunity:

A few years ago, a bill was almost passed that would have 1) provided illegal aliens a pathway to citizenship following a few years, a $2000 fine, and payment of back taxes, 2) built 300 miles of fence, and 3) added 20,000 border patrol agents. What a great idea.

However, extremists in both parties weren't happy about it: conservatives refused to vote for any law that didn't require every illegal immigrant to go home, and liberals didn't felt the fines were too steep. I don't have much to say about the liberal standpoint, but I do for the conservatives. At the time, the economy was booming, and I believe booting every illegal alien would have had disastrous results (seriously, when unemployment is functionally at 0, what would happen if you threw out a few million worker: no one can find employees), so I supported this bill whole-heartedly. Sadly, because of the unbending politicians, nothing has happened.

My Vision
There is no question about one thing: the border must be secured. After that, I think there is plenty of room for compromise. What follows is my perfect immigration reform, but I'd be happy to talk about it.

I would love to see a flexible guest worker program, where individuals could work here while working towards citizenship. Also, I think this program would be a great way to control unemployment. Every guest worker could have a one-year visa, and, if the economy is doing well, apply to have it renewed each year.

I'd also like to see the pathway to citizenship made less complicated and expensive. I can understand passing a quiz about American History, but do we also have to give them a hands-on course on American Beauracracy?

With the border more secure and citizenship easier to obtain, we need to tighten things up. Businesses need to verify the citizenship of each employee, schools shouldn't have to shy away from inquiring about immigration status, and every person arrested for a crime should have their citizenship verified.

Compassion:

As we talk about reform, let's remember that many of them simply want a better life. When you take everything into account, can you really blame them? If they want to come here legally, it costs hundreds of dollars and takes years. If they do it illegally, they get in for free right away, and they don't have to pay taxes. Essentially, if you are a poor, but hardworking citizen in a corrupt country, you will never be able to apply for citizenship in the U.S.. On the other hand, if they had a work visa, their taxes would easily pay for their naturalization. Instead, we get no money while they work here and receive services that the rest of us pay for.

While they are breaking the law, I'm not going to be the one to condemn them for it. Many of them are simply trying to do what's best for their family.