It's about time we revamp our immigration laws. For instance, I propose a simple verification system for alien numbers in green cards or blue cards.
Both the new blue card (temporary work permit) proposed by Bush, or the current green card (permanent residency) used to identify aliens eligible to work must be linked to an online system. Each blue card or green card has a unique number that can be double-checked very quickly if the ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) Bureau will post the database online.
For instance, the other day I had to take my wife to a podiatrist. I asked my secretary to recommend me a doctor, and she told me about a good podiatrist she knew.
I entered the name of the recommended podiatrist in an online database of Florida doctors, and I found out that his license was on probation, because of several irregularities, such as falsifying liability insurance when he applied to join an HMO.
Needless to say, I went to another podiatrist. My secretary was shocked to learned about the doctor's record.
If green cards or blue cards information could be easily verified online against a government database of alien numbers, the verification process will be greatly simplified.
I understand that the immigration part of our federal government is the most inefficient branch of the executive branch, so this database will probably have to be farmed out to a private contractor both to create it and maintain it. Therefore, several issues need to be smooth out with Congress, but I think it's possible to work out an appropriate solution.
I think that's a very good idea. Also, since there is so much forgery of these documents, they would need to have a photo in the database also. It should apply to all types of visas.