I wonder what our Founders would think about America granting visas for people to come to do our work, never having a path to citizenship? I think the ones who supported slavery might think it was OK.
My simple plan: Crack down on the employers. Make them use instant verification (it's optional now). An employer who skirts the rules should be liable for criminal prosecution and serious fines. In other words, get rid of the honey pot. Secondly, for certain seasonal jobs, contract with foreign companies to provide labor. If the company "loses" too many employees, it loses its contract. Anyone on a work visa can't remain for more than six months at a time. Canada has a program something like this and it seems to work well. My suspicion is that there would be more than a little opposition from Republicans and Democrats, however.
“Crack down on the employers.”
That’s like locking the barn door after the horses have been stolen.
Once they are in the country it is much more difficult to get them out.
What should happen is this: anyone can pay 20k for a green card to enter and work in the US. They can then, if they choose to do so, remain in the country.
No access to welfare or to EBT cards, or any form of social assistance.
If you don’t pay at the border on entry, you can’t come in. If you’re caught on the other side without your card, you have to be immediately deported.
Any immigrant worth his salt would be able to pay that to enter, this would help pay for border security. If you want fewer people to immigrate, raise the price until you have the number of people that you want.
This is far better than the current system.