Let’s start with the obvious.   No matter what society/government calls them; undocumented workers, illegals, or more disparaging labels, we are talking about are human beings.   Some may ask how we got to a point where over 24 million people could reside within our borders without proper documentation.  It is not easy to follow the path with its convoluted twists and turns that brought us to this point.  However some roots can be easily traced to a time when the first immigration laws were established and those who found ways to exploit them.  So establishing fault is futile and unproductive in resolving the issue; rest assured there is plenty of blame to go around.  Today we are dealing with an archaic immigration system, politicians who would rather use segments of our society as political pawns, employers who exploit an undocumented labor pool, drug and human smuggling cartels who totally disregard human life over profit, a current administration who fights for the right to do nothing instead of helping States protect their borders, and a federal government who won’t enforce laws already on the books.  That leaves states/cities to enact laws out of self-preservation or self-interest.  Two examples are Arizona’s SB1070 and California’s sanctuary cities.  Nationally, it recently allowed a president to issue an executive order offering false hope which does not lead meaningful reform.  It allows a Senate Leader to block even discussing a gaping hole in our tax code regarding payments to undocumented citizens that will cost US taxpayers an estimated $8.4 billion in 2012. This inaction pits the tax payer vs. the non-tax payer for political self-interest while ignoring the real issues that would unite us not divide us.  None of what I have said probably comes as a surprise to anyone.   The sad thing is that our nation of “we the people” seems to have been pushed politically to adopt the words expect for in the constitution.  I am not going to argue the intent of our founding fathers but only give my observation of where I think we are today.

Besides stating the obvious outlined above, I want to suggest a starting point for resolving the immigration issue.    As simple and as broad approach as I will present, I expect to get a lot of pushback from the aforementioned special interest groups.    So as I start let’s not forget two important points.   This is about people and they are already here.   In many cases they are neighbors, friends, relatives, co-workers, church members and others who share many of the same values that have made this country great.   How they got here is really immaterial at this point.

Here are the seven points of my plan.

1.  Open a 9 -12 month “window” during which all undocumented/falsely documented citizens would have the opportunity to apply for U.S. citizenship.   During this period no person applying for citizenship would be subject to deportation.
2. Anyone applying for citizenship must surrender all “false” identification including social security cards, birth certificates, driver’s licenses, etc.  The government will issue temporary identification cards, with an expiration date that coincides with the conclusion of this program.  This ID will also serve as a driver’s license, if one was surrendered, provided one can show proof of insurance.
3.  The U.S. Immigration Agency will conduct the normal background investigation applying the normal standards to determine eligibility.  The only exception is that the method used to enter the country will not be considered.  Hint: They are already here!
4. Obviously not everyone will/should be eligible to obtain citizenship.  No applicant who has committed a felony, or has been indicted on a felony, will be considered for citizenship under this proposal.   Other crimes/convictions must be reconciled at the state level before citizenship is granted.   The time to process and grant citizenship to eligible applicants should follow established Immigration guidelines.
5. Immigration quotas and ethnic origin will not be considered during this process.   Did I mention…… They are already here.
6. After the application “window” closes employers will be held responsible for verifying that their employees are U.S. Citizens, or are in the process of obtaining U.S. Citizenship, under this program.   Employers violating this requirement will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
7. During this time we must demand that government establish policies and create an environment where law enforcement at the federal, state and local levels work together in the area of immigration and border protection,  not only for the sake of our citizens, but for the sake of those sworn to protect and serve.  They should never be placed in harm’s way by political gamesmanship or egos.  Does the name Brian Terry come to mind?

Let me try to address some of the questions that will come up in a Q & A format.

Q.  Won’t this just legitimize unlawful entry?

A.  We should have done something to address that issue 24 million people ago.  At this point none of the aforementioned special interest groups have any incentive to adopt a broad approach.   The last attempt to address this problem in a meaningful way came under the Bush administration, and was voted down on a bi-partisan vote.

Q.  Won’t this put undo strain on our immigration system?

A.   We processed more than 20 million people through Ellis Island between 1892 and 1924.   Surely we are capable of processing 24 million with the technology and resources we have today.    Additionally, we should take this time to review all policies and procedures of the immigration administration in order to modernize the agency to combat fraud and abuse.

Q.  What if a person’s true identity cannot be verified?

A.  We’ve been able to address this issue many times in the past.  Examples: The Great European Immigration; the Vietnamese, Laos and Cambodian Exodus; the Cuban Refugees crisis and for countless others who sought political asylum.

Q.  Won’t undocumented citizens displace U.S. Citizens seeking employment?

A.  Did I mention they are already here?  They are either occupying jobs or seeking jobs like documented citizens.   The only hope for all of our citizens seeking jobs, and pursuing the American dream, is that our elected officials adopt policies that encourage free enterprise instead of free handouts.  In a political environment that stimulates economic growth, there comes opportunity; with opportunity comes employment, and for all those willing to work comes a renewed sense of accomplishment, value and dignity.

Q.  Won’t the implementation cost be prohibitive?

A.   My perspective is that billions of dollars are wasted on failed immigration policies inhibited by a federal government unwilling to give up its political leverage and address the immigration issues.  This causes undue burden on all of our resources at the federal, state and local levels.

Q.  How do we collect back taxes?

A.   Undocumented citizens have paid taxes and supported our economy for years and in some respects will never receive the same benefits of legal U.S. Citizens. Did they pay a fair share?  I have no idea but consider this: In checking with the social security administration I found that just because a person has been paying into the system, using an illegally obtained number, retrieving the benefit at retirement is very difficult because of the additional documentation required.  Consequently much of the contributions of undocumented citizens goes unclaimed and becomes part of the “pool” of money that pays the rest of us.   Also, though not as apparent as a 1040 form, one only has to visit any Target, Wal-Mart, Walgreen or most any other store and you’ll likely see sales taxes being paid and collected from arguably any number of undocumented citizens.   What I see is an opportunity to increase our tax base.   Even if only a part of those 24 million would be subject to federal and state taxes that is a plus.   For you math majors…. would you rather have 100% of nothing or 25% of something?

Q.  Won’t there be a dramatic increase of illegal entries into the U.S. during the nine – twelve month grace period?

A.  I am sure it will be attempted and that is why tighter border surveillance/security would be necessary.   During this time maybe we can get the federal government to work with the states (novel idea) to focus on border security.  Oh that’s what homeland security is supposed to do anyway.  Hello!!!   However, even if the number that entered the U.S. illegally during this period skyrocketed by 24,000 people (which I do not believe is possible) that would only represent an increase of 1% percent to those already here.

Q. Why now?

A. Why not?

I could go on and on asking and answering my own questions but I don’t find that real productive and I am getting tired talking to myself.  However, let me share my perspective of the big picture and the perceived benefits.   Let’s agree, at least in hindsight, that many times we have failed to address the social issues of our times with compassion, understanding and timeliness.   Let’s accept the fact that what brought our ancestors to this country and characterizes the American Dream of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” still exists.  It’s not just an idea but a very compelling model, albeit under attack, that draws many who seek the opportunity that we enjoy as citizens of this great country.  We can’t fault those who pursue the same opportunity but we can make the means of achieving it more humane.  What we also can and should do, is revamp and modernize the immigration system to curtail abuses, identify fraud and remove politics.

PROS:

• We eliminate or significantly reduce the political, financial, illegal advantages of the groups previously mentioned in the first paragraph, while at the same time reaffirm the value of human life and dignity.
• We free up our local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to spend more of their time and resources to work together and focus on the real criminal elements in our society.
• We take away political leverage and many of the arguments which have precluded us from addressing the issues of voter and tax fraud.  We will ask politely, but demand if necessary, that both issues are addressed with the help of millions of new voices.
• We address a huge social issue with compassion for a very large segment of our society.  Some will call this amnesty.  Ok.  Regardless, these are human beings and did I mention….they live here.
• States will be able to get an accurate census to better assess the financial impact of taxes and expenditures for budgeting.   It allows the states to petition the federal government with verifiable numbers when applying for federal aid/assistance.
• Our new “citizens” can become part of the solution in clearing up the criminal elements/activities in our cities and towns by identifying drop houses, gang/drug activity, and other criminal activities without the worry of being deported themselves.  Does “block watch” sound familiar?
• The federal government would have fewer excuses to use when it refuses states’ request for help in securing our borders.
• Where driver’s licenses are surrendered the person would need to show or obtain insurance to obtain a driving endorsement on their application.   Result:  fewer uninsured motorist on our streets and highways.
• Hopefully we would find fewer victims left to die in our deserts and along our borders as a result of being exploited by human traffickers or drug cartels.    This is a point that seems to be missed by an administration bent on obtaining political points.  I first observed that attitude of disregard for human life during my service overseas while serving in the military for this country.  I am repulsed to see it is tolerated in mine.
• Etc. and Etc.

 

CONS:

• Those who would benefit by ignoring the immigration issue.

 

I am not so naïve as to think that what I have presented in such simple terms could be implemented with the same simplicity.   That is not the government way.   It is a seed that I plant in the form of an idea.  A thought, or idea, that has probably crossed the minds of many Americans.   However, every movement for change starts one person’s willingness to present the big picture and offer a solution starting in the simplest terms.   Next the idea needs to be embraced by those who believe in it and are willing to get involved and work toward the common goal.  In this case, the goal is addressing the immigration issue and the time is NOW.   I am only one voice that has followed many others.  Maybe this time is the time to strip away the politics and bring meaningful attention to resolving the issue of “The 24 Million Elephants in the Room”.  Maybe it is this voice that touches the heart of the American people to act on what we know is the right thing to do.    If we take up this issue and succeed we will be able to say that we addressed and resolved one of the greatest social issues of our time.   It may be a hard road but we as a people must be willing to take on the tough issues and exhibit the same determination and resolve that has made this country great

It is time to say to our politicians “get on board or step aside, this train is leaving the station”.  Our next stop ….. Immigration reform!

Step Back, Think, Validate or Challenge.

Publishers’ Note:   My personal priorities in order of importance are:

#1 Job Growth/Deficit Reduction (Economy)
#2 Foreign Policy   (Diplomacy backed by a strong US Military)
#3 Immigration Reform
#4 Energy Independence

I will try to post and respond to any objective comments/questions/criticisms to this post provided they are substantive and not just personal attacks.