This is WEIRD stuff. The ONLY rational immigration reform is to first make it clear that ANYONE in this country illegally, will stay illegal. Then you get rid of the goodies - welfare, education, etc. Then you deal with employers and punish the crap out of them.
At that point the illegals don’t have much reason to stick around (and the economy in Mexico, at least, is doing quite well) - most should go home. For the ones that do stick around, you deport them as you come across them. Go in to pay a parking ticket - you’re deported (if caught).
Then you have a guest worker program. You bring in whatever amount of guest workers make sense. You require they apply in their HOME COUNTRIES and ONLY they, not their families come here. Their passes are good for 3 years. Prior illegal status in the US is not considered in any way. Then, after 3 years, they go home and can apply again (and if they behaved, they get moved forward in line). If they sneak their family into the US for a visit, or to stay, then they are deported and never allowed in this country. If they behave well, after some period of time as guest worker, maybe 12 years, they can apply to bring in their families and get a green card.
We do need guest workers, since American high school graduates are basically lazy bums and are often functional illiterates, thanks to their parents actually believe public schools exist to educate their kids.
Which was what Romney’s position was as well. Put the squeeze on and they self-deport.
Arizona’s SB1070 proved it works beyond any shadow of doubt.