Arizona on the Move - Here's My Proposal for Immigration Reform

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Here's My Proposal for Immigration Reform

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Monday, 17 November 2008
Here is my proposal for an immigration reform. (1) I believe as an American we should have control of our borders which include the Canadian and Mexican borders PLUS seaports and international airports. (2) We as an independent nation have that right and responsibility. First, I advocate sufficient Border Patrol officers, now called CBP, to handle those duties at our border(s), seaports and airports. (3) Second, to turn off the magnet for most unlawful entries, ratchet up the employer sanctions now on the books since 1986 and fine ANY EMPLOYER with unlawful employees; no warning letters etc. First violation, a fine. Second violation, a stiffer fine etc. (4) At the same time we need a fair and decent way to humanely deal with the 12 million plus people here from all over the world that are living in the shadows. The vast majority are good, honest people with families who are just trying to get ahead in this world, albeit without documents. I propose, assuming the political climate may not be ripe for a general legalization or amnesty, a temporary legal status as follows. (5) Allow EVERYONE who came here in whatever manner before a certain date, such as 7/1/07 or whatever, to apply for a work permit ONLY. Fingerprints and security checks to be made and cleared on each one BEFORE a permit is granted. A criminal record of 3 misdemeanors or one felony would disqualify the applicant and set him up for deportation. (6) The work permit, after paying a substantial fee and fine, would be granted for a two year initial period with extensions available, Permits also to be granted to children and spouses as long as they also entered prior to the date set by Congress, again perhaps 7/1/07 or whatever. (7) An ADDITIONAL benefit to the work permit under this proposal is that it would be valid to reenter the United States after a visit out of the country. A green card (permanent residence) would NOT be granted until the applicant had earned "credits" toward permanent residence such as but not limited to: learning basic English, working a certain number of months per year and paying taxes on that income, possibly community or military service, two years of community college, opening a business and creating jobs for others etc. There could be many combinations of ways to earn "credits" toward finally getting the permanent residence and, eventually, citizenship. (8) This way NO ONE is jumping in front of the line that some politicians seem to worry about. Honestly, I would prefer a general legislation, but being a realist, something temporary may have a better chance of passage. It allows nearly all to come out of the shadows AND freely visit their country of origin.
Last Updated ( Monday, 23 November 2009 )