Naturally we oppose preferential treatment for anybody — except our own kind, family and friends. Anything beyond is alien, and most particularly beyond our control. The number of eleven million illegal immigrants already in the country — not counting those with visa overstays and fraudulent green cards — is simply too overwhelming for INS.
The borders must be fully protected by federalized military, and by hardball politics with Mexico and corporations that do business south of the border to eventuate better jobs and standard of living there. Not until progress has been made, particularly on the border, should there be an open declaration of amnesty for any and all who are on legitimate payrolls, together with documentation from IRS. Those who are illegally employed must apply for identity-proof working papers that would document how and where the current employment is illegal even at the risk of losing said job, though the INS would pressure the employer to do right just as the IRS should be investigating the millions of so-called citizens working off the books. Needless to say, law enforcement agencies should randomly check for criminal records.
To expect illegal immigrants to accept thousands of dollars in fines — all but a handful could afford — while getting in back of the line to citizenship is fantasy. As for the prerequisite of speaking English, the first generation as in the past will learn from their kids. Just ask Miami.
Copyright © 2006 Richard R. Kennedy All rights reserved. Revised: May 13, 2006.
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