The problem with fining the employers is that they Illegal ladies can have a child and then the entire family stays on welfare benefits-Job or no Job.
True, but the employers would be taking a tremendous gamble in knowingly hiring an illegal in the first place.
I think removing the incentives: a job, government services, unelecting pandering Democrats, would help significantly.
Unfortunately however, career politicians of both stripes have had substantial incentive (largely campaign contributions) to do nothing to enforce the laws. The Republicans got donations from small business lobby, who enjoy the cheap labor. The Dems get donations from the lawyers and organized, public sector unions, who will provide services to the illegals.
Bush can do something now. Lame duck status means that he no longer needs to pander. He can do something very positive in his last few months in office, and use the bully pulpit to expose the politicians' motives for doing nothing. I guess I have gone idealistic again, and my bubble is bound to be burst. Again.