Actually, we don't. We don't have effective laws preventing employers from hiring illegals, and we don't have sufficient ways for them to check. IMO, that's the biggest problem.
We also don't have effective guest worker programs which make sure that the industries (primarily seasonal, but a few others like child care workers and computer programmers) can have the number of workers they need, but not more than the shortage of American workers requires.
We also don't have laws preventing illegal residents from getting welfare - including SSI, health care, EITC, etc.
In many states, illegals can get driver's licenses and even register to vote.
Our current laws (state laws) prevent police from turning illegals over to the Feds if they find that they are indeed illegal.
There's more, but isn't that enough to convince you that we need a change in Fed'l laws?
Yes we do, we lack enforcement of those laws.
"We also don't have effective guest worker programs which make sure that the industries (primarily seasonal, but a few others like child care workers and computer programmers) can have the number of workers they need, but not more than the shortage of American workers requires."
A "guest worker program" already exists, its called a work visa "green card". If we need more people, increase the number issued.
"We also don't have laws preventing illegal residents from getting welfare - including SSI, health care, EITC, etc."
False. These laws are in place. They are largely ignored.
"Our current laws (state laws) prevent police from turning illegals over to the Feds if they find that they are indeed illegal."
There are existing law and procedures, however these these laws and procedures have been gutted, rewritten and new laws put in place to negate the existing laws. We need to put the teeth back into the old laws.
"There's more, but isn't that enough to convince you that we need a change in Fed'l laws?"
I even more convinced we need enforcement of existing laws.