It is estimated that approximately 400,000 persons enter the US illegally every year, the vast majority via the Southern border. We seem to be at loggerheads on it, on a partisan basis. GOPers say they oppose it due to crime and national border integrity. Dems counter that real motivation is racism. Dems are soft on immigration, they say based on compassion and that its not a serious problem. GOP counters that its because immigrants support Dems in political races.
No way out of this political traffic jam because both sides are benefitting from the continued existence of the issue -- both parties want to keep the controversy alive.
Let's assume there is a grain of truth to all of that criticism agaisnt and by both sides. How about this solution:
1) Strict enforcement at the border. You enter illegally, you are sent back. Zero tolerance for illegal entry.
2) A certain number of persons, to be determined every year by Congress with input from U.S. Bureau of Labor as to US labor needs, is allowed to obtain an immigration visa. Persons convicted of serious drug crimes or crimes of violence in their home countries may not apply for five years after the conviction or sentence ends, whichever is last.
3) A national network is established and businesses or persons can agree to hire persons on these visas at 70 % of the minimum wage in that jurisdiction. However, enrollment in ACA or its equivalent must be made and paid for by the employer. The immigrant on the visa is ineligible for public assistance for the first 2 years they are here. Employers are incentivized with tax breaks to assist with housing. The immigrant visa-holder pays a flat rate of 15 % in federal income tax. No deductions, etc.
4) Persons here on the immigrant visas are incentivized to go to school to learn English, a trade skill, or a legitimate path to higher education. Not forced, but rewarded.
5) Persons here on immigrant visas are on probation for first 3 years. No right to vote. Any conviction for a felony or drug or crime of violence results in expulsion and may not reapply for an immigrant visa for ten years.
6) After the three years, the immigrant is awarded conditional citizenship. Full rights otherwise, but there is still one condition to that, which is no criminal activity, as above. The real difference is that the visa-holding immigrant can seek work outside of the parameters of the above.
7) At the end of the full 6 year period, if all conditions met, the immigrant has earned full citizenship.
8) Generally no minors allowed to accompany adults using the immigrant visa process as a matter of course. There may be conditional exceptions made, but will be based on there being family or others here willing to assume financial responsibility for the minor.
9) In the event there are more applicants for visas in a given year than available visas based on the number set by Congress, then a lottery is held. Those not awarded a visa in that process go to the top of the list for next year.
The goal of this process is to end or severely reduce illegal immigration while creating a mechanism whereby U.S. business can unashamedly hire otherwise illegal folks at a reduced rate but give them a means to integrate and become productive contributors to society. Sort of a stepping stone to a legal future, but one that must be earned. The US benefits, they benefit, there is a cap in place to the process which is correlated to US labor needs.
Now,
