"Catcher in the Rye" immigration policies are destined to failure. Vigilante groups on the borders threaten the rule of law in our country. We are learning by sad experience that America cannot solve the immigration crisis at the border because border solutions merely address symptoms.
My solution is different than any being debated in Congress. It is time for a real solution.
"Catcher in the Rye" immigration policies are destined to failure. Vigilante groups on the borders threaten the rule of law in our country. We are learning by sad experience that America cannot solve the immigration crisis at the border because border solutions merely address symptoms.
I have a real solution to the "immigration problem" that is a business approach. It does not demonize immigrants, is self funding, and benefits America.
Immigrants pay smugglers to bring them across the border. Why not have the immigrants pay America that same amount to the immigratioun service and create a system under which we can monitor who is coming into the country and what they are doing? I propose that the government establish immigration centers ("Centers") at the borders. Those wishing to enter the country will make their payment at the Center. When they do so, we will take the immigrant's photograph, fingerprints, and administer tuberculosis and other health tests. The immigrants must tell us where they are going to live and where they plan on working. With that information, and the payment, the immigrant can enter the country. Every six months the immigrant must renew the application with updated information and the payment of an additional $500.00. Conservative estimiates set the the income to the immigaration service at $30 Billion. I estimate the immigration service can reduce the border patrol by 2/3 and redirect its efforts to drug interdiction and security to prevent terrorist entry to the US. All of this has a direct financial benefit to the US government in a time of rising budget deficits.
Employers who cheat their competitors by hiring undocumented workers fuel the immigration issue. I propose a "green card bounty" program to halt employer cheating. Any undocumented worker who provides proof the immigrant worked within the last month will receive a "green card bounty." Immigration will not have to spend precious resources investigating cheating employers. The immigrants will bring the evidence to ICE to get an expedited green card. Armed with this proof, and front page publicity for prosecutions of cheating business owners, jobs for undocumented workers outside my registration system will dry up immediately. The immigrants that are here, will then need to join the immigration system, by paying their money, giving their finger prints, and submitting to the health testing.
It is time for America to adopt my direct solution. It benefits America, levels the playing field for law abidding employers by eliminating the cheaters, generates real revenue for the treasury, and allows the immigration service to focus on security rather than playing hide and seek in the southern deserts. It is time to do what is right, let the consequences follow.