Eighteen Illegal Alien solutions that are better than any Amnesty

January 7th, 2003 | Sabertooth

[Sabertooth]

Well, today’s the big day, if the leaks and reports coming from the Bush Administration are true. The President is supposed to announce a new direction in America’s immigration policy that would result, among other things, in some sort of legalization for millions of the Illegal Aliens currently in our country, violating our laws. This, of course, would be nothing less than Amnesty by another name.

We’re told by handwringers and the political and media elites that there is really no workable solution to the Illegal Alien problem, so we might as well legalize them so we can get track of them. Thouughtless people on both sides of the debate jawbone about silly ideas like building a wall at the Mexican border, or house to house searches, as though they were viable solutions, or the only alternatives to Amnesty ore the status quo.

It’s disappointing, frankly. There is a great disconnect when people claim that while we can put men on the moon, or win the Cold War and the War on Terror, there is no reasonable or cost effective means of solving the Illegal Alien problem without infringing on the civil liberties of all Americans.

Nonsense, this nation is plenty capable of solving any problem we decide to solve, and poll after poll shows that the American people want the problem of Illegal Aliens solved, and that Amnesty isn’t a solution to us.

Dealing with Illegals doesn't have to be the enormous burden on resources many imagine, not would it have to infringe on civil liberties.

I've posted this on a few threads, but today seems like a good day for a revised reposting of as a stand-alone thread.

This problem is no harder to solve than wanting to solve it. We can get rid of Illegals rather effectively, by rolling up our sleeves and getting the Illegals to get rid of themselves.

The first order of business, of course, is to enforce existing laws on the books against Illegals and those who employ them. Also, politicians must be held to account when they pander otherwise.

Then...

• 1: Eliminate all mention of Section 245(i), even if expired, from the US Immigration and Naturalization Code. No more Amnesty, ever.
  
  
• 2: Get legislation through Congress that would enable States to deny goodies to Illegals, a la Prop #187.
  
  
• 3: Outlaw Mexican matricula consular IDs, and kick banks accepting them out of the FDIC. Legal depositors will withdraw from recalcitrant banks.
  
  
• 4: Beef up Border Security with manpower, resources, and a Volunteer Reserve, if necessary. No troops, and no messing with posse comitatus, this should be a civilian effort.
  
  
• 5: Beef up the immigration courts and set deportation hearings for two weeks after apprehension, with no bail.
  
  
• 6: Run sting operations at day laborer sites.
  
  
• 7: Establish two-way communication between the IRS and Border Security, and start apprehending and deporting Illegals using false SS numbers (no, the current overhyped voluntary program doesn't count).
  
  
• 8: Seize the assets of businesses knowingly hiring Illegals under the RICO Act, as they are ongoing criminal enterprises. Prosecute executives who knowingly hire Illegals.
  
  
• 9: Compile biometric information on Illegals, and declare that they will be permanently ineligible for immigration and citizenship.
  
  
• 10: If the United States declares that the above proposals against Illegals will be diligently enforced after a certain date, many Illegals will leave beforehand, and a relatively small number of well-publicized cases of enforcement throughout the Lower 48 will result in millions of Illegals deporting themselves.
  
  
• 11: End the busting of immigration caps by limiting family reunification to spouses and dependent children, and counting them against the caps when they are brought in. Require all future immigrants to declare their future intent to bring in family upon arrival. This way, families can immigrate in a controlled, orderly fashion without the current deceptions being used against the American public. We must have truth in immigration.
  
  
• 12: Outlaw anchor babies, and give the option to the Illegal parent of taking the child with them upon deportation, or putting them up for adoption.
  
  
• 13: Outlaw bilingual ballots, and resume the English-speaking requirements for citizenship.
  
  
• 14: Establish English skills as a prerequisite for future immigrants. Let's start admitting folks who will hit the ground running toward assimilation.
  
  
• 15: Shut off new immigration to nations that offer dual citizenship. Disqualify current immigrants from those nations from future American citizenship.
  
  
• 16: Make Mexico and Central America our cheap import sources of choice with tariffs on manufacturing from other sources, especially China.
  
  
• 17: In return, Mexico must open up to American investment by allowing the sale of real estate to us and guaranteeing property our rights. Getting Mexico to fix its economy is crucial.
  
  
• 18: Establish a guest worker program where an initial bond is posted by the Illegal and his employer, say $500 each, with more withheld from the Illegal's earnings, as security for his departure from the US by the specified date. Guest worker visas must be applied for in the workers' countries of origin, and participants are only eligible to be employed by their sponsoring employer. Violation of these terms will render the worker ineligible for any future visas or residence in the US. Any guest worker program can only come after anti-Illegal measures are in place. Handshake promises of future diligence will not be trusted from any politician of either party, including President Bush.

The list above is by no means comprehensive, and can be adopted piecemeal or in a single package. That said, incrementalism is probably going to be the way to go, especially politically.

These measures would provide a little carrot and lots of stick for Illegals already here to get themselves out. Some of them will need to be tested in the courts, which is another reason to adopt them piecemeal, so that an injunction against omnibus legislation can't stall the whole effort.

We ought to be looking initially at easy, politically safe legislation, like the new accounting for family reunification, Border Security/IRS cooperation, English speaking citizenship requirements, and a few others. Our politicians are a trembling, timid bunch, and need to gain a little self-confidence before they'll tackle more difficult issues.

Note a few things that aren't on my list: troops or walls on the border. I think they are a futile diversion from cost effective solutions. The best possible wall at the border is to let foreigners know that we respect our sovereignty, and they had best do the same.

Note that their are no house to house searches.

Note also that I don't call for an immigration moratorium, though others may. I think their position is within the respectable mainstream of a dialogue about immigration, and while it's possible that I might change my mind later, but I am not currently persuaded that an outright moratorium is or will be necessary.

The main problem is multimillion-strong mass of Illegals, and the secondary problem is how we currently select legal immigrants for rapid assimilation into American society. I believe my proposals adequately address both situations, but there is certainly room for debate on the back end.

Note also that I have a guest worker program that is actually honest and responsible, and not an Amnesty by another name. My program would ensure that law-abiding foreigners are background-checked before entry, rather than rewarding lawbreaking Illegals after the fact.

All of the above could be adopted while allowing politicians so-inclined to chant the "compassionate conservatism" mantra.

A few final thoughts...

My proposals will cost money and require an expansion of the federal government in certain areas. However, this expense and expansion is all well within the legitimate, Constitutional responsibilities of the federal government. There will be a greater expense initially, as we ramp up to deal with the backlog of Illegals, but a number of my proposals are at least partially self-funding. Also, success in these endeavors will eventually reduce the need for them, and as many Illegals would leave on their own. There will be future savings, it should be noted, as the population of Illegals is dwindles and their net drain on our resources is reduced.

In contrast, there would be also be an increased expense and expansion of the government if there is an Amnesty, as checking backgrounds and processing 8 to 12 million Illegals wouldn't be cheap. However, such increases and expansions would only serve to reward the lawlessness of Illegals and the cowardice of politicians, thereby encouraging more of the same in both, unless there were also enforcement proposals like mine in effect for the American Interior.

But, if we strengthened and enforced our laws consistently within our borders, then we don't need the phantom solution of Amnesty anyway.

[discostu]

Maybe, but there's no garauntee that someone with a MC is here illegally.

[MizSterious]

"Reform welfare"

If I were writing the laws, there would be no benefits for illegals. Even schools should demand proof of citizenship before admitting them.

[TigersEye]

Can we start a fund to hire some lawyers to file suit against businesses that hire illegals?

I don't know. Would a civil suit go very far with this? The plaintiffs would have to show demonstrable harm done and I think that would be difficult.

How about a grassroots initiative to identify and publicize these employers?

[familyop]

The politicians and corporate lobbyists who bring the cheap labor in will attempt to compromise by throwing out western culture (i.e., of European descent) immigrants who are in on family visas--those who have spent thousands of dollars and several years trying to do it right. ...happens every time.

What gets me is that it's not about money. It's about vanity. Mexican immigrants in western US cities brag about getting $14 per hour as concrete construction laborers. There are millions of Anglo men in the US who are more than willing to do the same. ...corporates who lobby for easier, cheaper work visas just don't like back-talk when things get mob-like.

[TheDon]

Perhaps you are confusing the problem of ongoing illegal immigration with that of existing illegal aliens? The solutions suggested would certainly resolve the latter, but not the former.

[hedgetrimmer]

Picket WalMart with signs saying they hire illegals?

[MizSterious]

Talk to people living on the borders. A lot of them can show "demonstrable harm" already, as the thousands of illegals cross over their farms and ranches, taking what they want, vandalizing a good deal of it, and generally making life a nightmare.

[TigersEye]

I am not confusing the two and the solutions offered would most certainly solve them both. The fact is you are creating a false duality. Those who are here were once there. Those who are there (and coming) will be here. Take away the reasons for being here and both those who are here and those thinking of coming here will opt for being there.

[familyop]

"Because the invasion is civilian, not military, and because we civilians are perfectly capable of accomplishing the task."

Hmmm. A few months, a year, or so, ago, Fox and other Mexican government officials encouraged Mexican citizens to get into the USA. They also push for getting rid of all barriers to labor immigration. They want the money to come back to their country from the US. Our employers simply want to be lords without responsibilities.

I am way conservative on social issues and very much against socialism. But then many of our employers (not all) are trying to bring socialism in by a different route--participating in the planned destruction of the family. For the most part, singles don't vote Republican.

[joesnuffy]

We are caught between a rock and a hard place on this issue...imo

Many operators of large corporate farms and processing plants say they cant stay in business without guest workers/illegal aliens...around here-(Wi.) these same places seem to do just fine a few years go using local part time/seasonal workers..college and high school kids..(Lots of college kids worked in the canneries and food processing plants in Stevens Point, Wi area until it was filled with Mexicans...who are now causing real headaches for law enforcement in the area...)

So if the illegals have to stay...its really because they are more reliable and cheaper help...

They also don't complain about low wages (they are happy to get half of what the locals get in pay and benefits)
They live communally to save money to send home to Mexico
They show up ..work hard...and don't file workman's comp or unemployment claims..they don't sue if they get hurt or feel discriminated against..

As their numbers increase they are more visible in the local farming communities..many of the ones I see are acting more and more like gang members...they intimidate and threaten...(not long ago in Stevens Point some of these guest workers tried to break into Co-Ed housing and fired a gun shot though one of the girls windows- they were chased away by local cops..no one was arrested)...There seems to be an increasing amount of violent encounters between the Mexicans and the locals..with the police seeming to favor the Mexicans over the locals..as not many of them seem to get arrested charged or jailed..as locals

One of my 'favorite' guest workers in my area likes to wear a T-Shirt with the image of Che Guevara on it.....a mean looking young man with a perpetual frown...he brought his wife and several children with him this past year..one of many new faces in our area..they seem to be increasing exponentially...Wi has very liberal welafare..educational and medical services for illegals..we are already a real magnet for them..

According to Wi. crime reports...these same guest workers are also dealing and importing Mexican "red" Methamphetamine

Sabertooth's suggestions have merit...but not sealing the borders with troops is not prudent..

Unless the civilians have the power to arrest and detain...and cant be sued by pro immigrant or anti American groups like the ACLU or La Raza

The govt must also act to deport and prosecute such illegal aliens imo...of course to deport simply means they will be back in a few months showing up in other states...

One solution is biometrics..but much money will have to be put into scanners and other high tech expensive technology..of course the bonus is that these things can then be used on US citizens later on...as can troops in violation of Posse Commitatus..

Perhaps this was the plan from the git...

My native Texan bro-in-law owned a construction company in southeast Texas...he and I dont share the same views on immigration/invasion...back when he was running his company he swore that he could not make it without the use of 'cheap foreign labor'..and was very close to the ones he hired..

I worked with Mexicans on the railroad back in the early 70s and no one works harder or more efficiently..so I could see his point...

If these guest workers are perceived as taking jobs from Americans who cannot compete with them in their own country...(cant work as cheaply or without health benefits) I think there will be some real trouble around here...

As long as there is a surplus of jobs no one wants..then its a good deal to have them among us..

However once they obtain some sort of equal status...how will we get rid of them..if push comes to shove..The employers certainly wont..and the locals wont take too kindly to not getting work when foreigners receive aid from their taxes and have preference over them in hiring..

The truth is we have neglected to form a policy and stick to it...and now at least Pres Bush is trying to..perhaps with enough feedback from his constituency he will become a little more conservative in his policies..which for my money he needs be...

IMO

[TomGuy]

Then and now, not much has changed. From EagleForum.org:


Another Immigration Loophole: 245(i)

	June 26, 2002 The watchword of the Bush Administration's education reform is accountability. To receive federal funds, everyone in education must be accountable: teachers, students and schools. But whatever happened to accountability when it comes to border security and the admission of aliens to the United States? Politicians are aggressively second-guessing the decisions of the FBI, the CIA and even the White House itself, but where is any accountability for aliens getting into our country, legally, illegally, and as legal visitors who never leave and then become illegal? Attorney General John Ashcroft says there are 314,000 illegals, called absconders, who have been ordered deported after committing felonies, but our government can't find them. The Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) recently raised that appalling number to 500,000. The legal aliens are an even bigger problem. All 19 hijackers on 9/11 entered the United States legally on government-issued visas, several of whom illegally overstayed their allotted time. Now we hear there is another way aliens are able to remain in our country. They sneak over our borders illegally, or illegally overstay their visas, and then become legal by exploiting a now-expired loophole known as 245(i), the section in a 1994 federal law that allows an illegal alien to apply for a green card, stay permanently in the United States, and subsequently apply for citizenship. This amnesty loophole allowed aliens who broke our laws to pay a $1,000 fine and go to the head of the line in front of prospective immigrants who complied with our laws. U.S. law states that aliens must apply in their own countries to get permission to immigrate to the United States. A million of these loophole aliens have become legal residents since the law was passed. In 2000, these loophole aliens were 28.3 percent of new legal residents, in 1999 they were 25.4 percent, and in 1998 they were 29.4 percent. INS chief James Ziglar has no will to tackle the illegal-alien scandal. He recently told a Tucson audience that "it's not practical or reasonable to think that you're going to be able to round them all up and send them home." Loophole 245(i) expired in April 2001, but the open-borders lobby led by Senator Ted Kennedy has been hard at work to get it renewed. With the active support of the Bush Administration plus scheduling chicanery by the House leadership, renewal passed the House by one vote on March 12. Senator Robert Byrd then brought 245(i) extension to a screeching stop by calling it amnesty and "sheer lunacy." However, the amnesty push hasn't gone away. On May 14, President George W. Bush said, "I wanted a temporary extension of 245(i). . . . I intend to work with Congress to see if we can't get that done here pretty quick." The open-borders lobby is trying to claim that 245(i) is not amnesty, but the dictionary refutes their argument. The definition of amnesty is a general pardon for offenses against the government, and the purpose of the 245(i) loophole is to pardon illegal aliens for their offense in violating our immigration laws and to allow them to benefit by that violation. Section 245(i) applies to those who snuck across our border, intentionally overstayed a temporary visa, violated the terms of their visa, or entered the U.S. as an aircraft worker or ship crewman. It even applies to aliens who are deportable under 8 U.S.C. 1227(a)(4)(B), which includes any alien who "engages in any terrorist activity." Section 245(i) is not designed to address the problems of aliens whose cases have been snarled in the INS bureaucracy. They are taken care of by Section 245(a). Rabih Haddad, a co-founder of the Global Relief Foundation, which U.S. officials shut down because of suspicions it was helping to fund terrorist groups, is among those who have applications pending to get a green card under 245(i). The danger of amnesty is further indicated by the case of Mahmoud Abouhadimi, convicted of participating in the 1993 World Trade Center truck bombing, who received amnesty in 1990 under the big amnesty law of 1986. Despite all we know about the people who are plotting to kill Americans, the U.S. has issued 50,000 visas since 9/11 to non-Israeli visitors from the Middle East. Rep. Dave Weldon (R-FL) has introduced a bill to establish a temporary moratorium on visas issued in 15 countries that sponsor terrorism, the Terrorist Admission Prevention Act (H.R. 4010). When is Congress going to get serious about border security? Phyllis Schlafly column 6-26-02

[TigersEye]

Now you have to connect that to a specific employer to make your civil suit. I know the harm is obvious but that doesn't make it easy to prove the cause and effect (in legal terms) in order to sue someone.

[TheDon]

I think you are confusing the solutions to which I was referring. Let me try again. Perhaps you are confusing the problem of ongoing illegal immigration with that of existing illegal aliens? The solutions suggested in my post would certainly resolve the latter, but not the former.

[citizen]

Great list! BUMP...

I ain't voting for bush, I'm doing like my tagline sez...

[spodefly]

Bravo!

[OXENinFLA]

I really hope what is coming out of the Media is wrong.


Question: 2 part

Since it sounds like Pres. Bush is going to tell congress to act on this and congress is the one that will write this new law (as scary as that is), does anyone think it will pass this year?

And if congress does pass a law will it be anything like Pres. Bush requested?

[Travis McGee]

Aprenda Espanol hoy, evite la prisa manana.

[TigersEye]

I don't think your solutions would solve either. If they would we wouldn't have illegals here because we had an amnesty and we have cracked down on the borders. Amnesty simply instigated a flood that border enforcement couldn't stem.

[TheDon]

You are confusing ongoing illegal immigration with the large population of illegal aliens already in the country. Even if you could stop illegal immigration 100%, you still have to deal with millions of illegal aliens in the country. Either of the solutions I mentioned would resolve that problem.

[Scenic Sounds]

8: Seize the assets of businesses knowingly hiring Illegals under the RICO Act, as they are ongoing criminal enterprises. Prosecute executives who knowingly hire Illegals.

That measure alone would probably send 90% of them home if seriously enforced. Good job Saber!

I agree - this is both the solution and the problem.

It is the solution because the cost to employers of hiring illegal immigrants must be increased such that the rational decision for employers is to avoid hiring them.

It is the problem because these employers (industries) are politically well-connected and seem to have enough political clout to prevent our political leadership from even discussing this solution.