Criminals

Okay, it's time to set some things straight. By definition, ILLEGAL immigrants have broken the law. I know that our country is great, that we have opportunities for prosperity that they may never realize in their home country, but their actions are criminal. I do not equate the crime of illegal entry into America with murder but it is a crime.

Yes, many perform jobs that Americans would not do for the same pay. But I do not buy the argument that these jobs would go unfilled. The market would adjust and new employees would be found. It would be painful at first, but it would eventually even out.

What should we do with the illegal persons here now? It's my instinct to pack them up and send all of them back to Mexico to start over. But I don't think that this is the best solution. If they can get a bona fide US citizen to sponsor them, they should be granted a temporary work visa under certain conditions. First, sponsorship should require that the sponsor verify that the head of household has been in this country continuously for a minimum of two years. I think that the head of the household should be able to bring his immediate family. That person should have verifiable employment for the time that they were in the country illegally. Provisions could be made for brief (60 days or less) periods of unemployment during job changes but no more than 60 days in a calendar year. A sponsor should also affirm that the person will be employed for the duration of the visa. If at any time the person is unemployed for more than 60 days in a calendar year, they should be deported with all dependents. Furthermore, a 10% levy should be placed on the worker's pay until $2,500.00 has been collected for each dependent.

Anyone not able to acquire a sponsor or who has been here less than two years should immediately be deported, with their dependents. If at the end of two years, they wish to apply for citizenship, they must pass an english proficiency exam, the normal citizenship test, and agree to be exempt from public assistance for five years. It's just an idea.