I feel very strongly that the whole idea of amnesty/guest-worker plan/path-to-citizenship should not even be discussed until other steps have been taken to stem the flow of illegals into this country. Unfortunately, the mere fact that this is even being debated in this country will do nothing but embolden illegals who now believe that regardless of the immediate outcome of these discussions, amnesty will happen eventually just like it did 20 years ago. As far as tangible possible solutions, I think a fence would be a spectacular start. Complaints about cost (hey, it's worth it) and incorrect comparisons to the Berlin Wall notwithstanding, it would have an effect.
I would also like to see fairly harsh penalties levied against those who hire illegals. Right now, businesses who break the law by hiring illegals gain a sizeable advantage over their more ethical competition that hires American. Such hiring practices should not be rewarded in the marketplace. Some posters at FreeRepublic have admitted to hiring illegals themselves and consider it to be nothing more than good honest capitalism. This is a sickening stance, in my opinion.
As far as how this can actually happen...well it isn't rocket science. If there is the political will to do it, it will happen. But politicians have their own motives and their own benefactors, and most of them seem to want nothing more than to kick the can down the road another 20 years so they can pat themselves on the back, say they accomplished something, and leave it to our children to deal with later.
Ok, I generally agree with your sentiments and thank you very much for responding.
I would be happier with high tech solutions than an old fashioned fence...but I think the principle is the same. I also believe we need to put an emphasis on enforcement, but at the same time make sure that employers are not caught in a catch-22 between civil rights lawyers and false documents.
So...I think we have common ground.
Now, tell me how it differs from the Presidents plan. Second, how you respond to those who want to round illegals up and ship them out immediately or it's not good enough? Finally, with 4.9% unemployment, what steps can be taken to keep the economy from taking a monumental nose dive if they are forced to leave?
I seriously believe we have more in common here than not. But you say we need the political will to it. That starts with a plan and a step in the right direction, does it not?