All here would, I think, agree that the current situation is unacceptable and we just can't do nothing.
How about this:
- the borders need to be properly controlled to prevent further illegal immigration
- the legal immigration system is a mess and needs to be fixed
- those illegal immigrants on welfare and other government programs must return to their homelands
- those in the US who are working and self-supporting get temporary work permits. If they want to stay long-term, they must get in line to apply for legal immigrant (green-card) status along with everyone else in the world who wants to immigrate to the US.
If you wish to call that amnesty, then I am in favor of it and ask "What is your solution?"
I like what you have suggested, other than I think that "controlling the border" is impossible, in practicality. It's too large, and the incentive for sneaking across it is too large. They will always find a way.
The only way to "close" the border is to stop providing incentives for crossing it illegally. Cut off the freebies (including medical care and education), and make it as difficult as possible to get a job, rent a house, drive a car, etc. and the incentive dries up. Unfortunately, completely eliminating the freebies would require a change in the Constitution, or at least a reinterpretation of the 14th amendment to eliminate "anchor babies".
I understand the appeal of "guest workers", but we have plenty of people that would like entry level jobs. Yes, there are many that don't want to work that hard, but without the illegal immigrant flood, wages will go up. There was an article a few days ago noting that entry level jobs at Wal-Mart were paying $17/hour in North Dakota, because it was the only way they could get applicants. Of course, we would risk more inflation, because they can't raise wages without raising prices. But, that money would stay in the US, rather than being remitted to Mexico.
The other suggestion I would make: no green card or guest worker permits if you are already in the US illegally. You go home and apply for one. If you are caught in the US while waiting for approval, you are excluded -- permanently.