Immigration

Passing the citizenship testLegal immigration must be encouraged with emphasis and priority given to those who possess skills that are critically needed in America's workforce, who are financially self-sufficient, and who have no criminal record.

Illegal immigration must stop.  Immediate deportation for those apprehended must be efficient and effective.  Economic and security considerations demand nothing less.

The problem could be dealt with in these terms:

  1. Build the fence.  Congress allocated funds for this purpose, yet that money is neither accruing interest nor being utilized for its original purpose.  This will better secure the border.
  2. Properly utilize and honor our Border Patrol Agents.  They are not villains.
  3. Create a zero-tolerance policy for employers who hire illegal immigrants.  Fewer employers will be willing to offer work to illegals, and there will be less incentive to sneak across the border.  This will provide more job opportunities who are in our country legally.
  4. Stop sending money to Mexico for the purpose of "securing their side of the border."  It is not being used for that purpose, and we have no way of forcing them to do so.  It is a waste of our money.
  5. Finally, Congress must decree that amnesty will never be granted to any who immigrate here illegally.

By doing the above, we have secured our border and created jobs (Border Patrol Agents and increased availability of positions previously held by illegals).  When it becomes known that jobs are no longer easily available to illegals, the flow of job-seekers across the border will decrease, and it will be easier to pinpoint who is crossing the border for other purposes (i.e. drug trafficking or even terrorism).

However, it is extremely important that the road to legal citizenship be made easier and more accessible.  Money saved from stopping the flow of money in Mexican officials' hands could pay the salaries of Border Patrol Agents, and also increase those who facilitate and review applications for American citizenship, to speed the process for those doing it the right way.

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