Lots of good points in your post that I agree with, Kyl/Cornyn is better legislatively than McCain/Kennedy though both of them imo would make the problem worse, we need to get operational control of the border and massive deportations would never fly.
But once the border was closed the government could at least begin the attrition process of deporting those they come in contact with. They won't even do that today and then they expect us to believe if they get their amnesty/guest worker program they'll suddenly doing it?
They have no credibilility on this issue and the way Bush is attempting to sneak in $247 for a program not even approved yet I think he knows they're not trusted to follow up with enforcement and so he's trying to ignore the justifiable criticism and ram it through.
Thanks for your reply. You sum up the linkage between comprehensive border and port security and controlling the illegal problem within the US.Some sort of carrot has to be offered those who are already here illegally to make them selves known to the government. US citizenship after completing the requirements of resident alien status AFTER completing a hefty period as a resident alien without most of the legal privileges seems to be the mechanism that has the best chance of working. In other words these people would have zero rights to appeal deportation during the first period of their alien residency if they commit any felony or even convictions for such things as DUI. While mass deportation is not politically feasible recognized illegals have to pay some price for being here illegally. To just amnesty them and give them a pass as a legally resident alien is a gross injustice to all those who played by the rules and are here legally and it is federal recognition of lawbreaking.
I really despair if there is even the political will to do the things necessary to control entry into the US and really erect a structured and enforced system to end the illegal problem internally.