Immigration Middle Ground?

Immigration is a hot topic right now and will continue to be in this election. That said, I think this issue is even more important to voters than the politicians or pundits realize. So far Congress has accomplished little with regard to any real immigration reform. (Big surprise here that Congress did not get a job done. Good thing their pay is not performance based.) This issue does tend to bring out the extremists. The "open borders" people on the left and the "shoot them as they cross" on the right. Like some others. I think there is a middle ground or compromise solution to the immigration issue but the extremists do not seem to want to come out of their foxholes. So as a beginning, there are some things on which most people of reason should be able to agree:

1) All countries have the right to protect their borders and sovereignty. The U.S. Government is obligated to provide for the common defense by our Constitution.

2) In the post 911 era, knowing who is coming and going just makes good sense. While the job seeker does not scare most people, the person who is seeking trouble should. Anything could come across our border and that scares the hell out of me. I have seen video on the news of our southern border at night and it looks like the start of the Boston Marathon.

3) We have technology that makes it simple to issue a national identification to U.S. Citizens as well as Guest Workers that will allow us to monitor entries and departures from our borders. (As long as people can only cross at controlled ports.)

4) OK, so there are jobs Americans won't do. We have all heard this pro-immigration argument. So why not do this: if we need an estimated 120,000 workers for the summer crop season, then issue 120,000 temporary work visa's to supply the demand for labor. This has actually happened recently in Colorado if I am not mistaken, where the State Government has estimated a labor shortage for the summer crop harvest. They have asked the Federal Government for help and it would be easy if there was a system already in place.

5) Excusing illegal immigration is a huge slap in the face for all those who immigrated legally and who are currently engaged in the process. How would you feel?
I know that I might feel like a sucker for having taken the time and money required to legally immigrate.

6) We really do not want persons first experience as a new citizen to be a reward for breaking the law. That reward being citizenship itself. If marijuana is a gateway drug than that would be a gateway crime.

7) Round up 12 - 20+ million people and deport them; good luck with that idea. Putting aside for a moment whether the idea is feasible or even possible, consider that it would be the public relations nightmare of all time at home and abroad.

8) America is a nation of immigrants. My Great-Great Grandparents were from Europe. They went to Ellis Island recorded their names and had physical exams etc... Do you think something like that would work in 2008? I do.

9) Each year many illegal immigrants die in the attempt to enter the U.S. This is not good for anyone and can be avoided. Also another PR nightmare.

10) When you are in a foreign land illegally and conducting a public protest, it is probably not a good idea to make demands and wave the flag of your home country. More Americans would be sympathetic to your cause if you simply expressed your love for prospective homeland. A few please and thank you's go a long way.

11) Erecting a wall, fence, or barrier along the border does not necessarily send the message that we are an isolationist nation. I lock my door at night, however I consider myself a trusting person.


What Say You?