The secret to the whole illegal mess is identification.
Most illegals have highly convincing fake ID and false Social Security numbers. Employers suspect they are fake, but actually face fines under current law by subjecting some employees to more scrutiny than others. Besides, their competitors hire hard working illegals as well and it just pays not to ask too many questions.
A verifiable, enforceable ID system and indemnifying employers so that they can accurately check validity could potential stop illegal immigration in its tracks.
With no jobs for them the illegals would no longer come here; simple as that.
I agreed with everything you wrote in your post but it still seemed like you missed my point.
The President and Chertoff keep talking about IDs for guest workers. That is not going to solve anything because if an illegal is not a guest worker they are going to keep on doing what they are right now which is using a fake Social Security Card.
Verifiable IDs for guest workers will not accomplish anything until the IDs of ALL prospective employees, including citizens, are verified. As you say, this is the secret to the whole illegal mess.