Agreed: We can’t have both welfare and open borders.
That is precisely why the anti-illegal focus should NOT be on those who work. It should be on those who seek welfare.
In 2016 an immigration clarity where Democrats favor welfare to immigrants and Republicans oppose it is a win for Republicans. But Republicans opposing immigrants who work is a loser for Republicans.
(I realize immigration needs more than just Karl Rove analysis. I’m not saying the above is complete; just that it is true.)
First, we are not going to take welfare away from the “Free Stuff Army.” No way, no how. They vote (or their precinct captain votes for them) and no politician is going to risk the accusation of “balancing the budget on the backs of the poor.” So welfare is NOT going away.
Second, the SCOTUS has determined that welfare, education, etc., cannot be denied to Illegal Aliens and their anchor babies because of their status. So you are not going to cut them off.
That leaves securing the borders and coming down like an avalanche on the illegals who are and those who give them work.
If I had a choice, I would legalize an employed illegal alien, complete with “path to citizenship” if I could deport a couple of long-term welfare recipients for each one legalized.
Of course, I’d still mercilessly deport any Illegals who were guilty of crimes, including stuff like identity theft and drunk driving, regardless of their status. This doesn’t seem to be considered in any version of Amnesty, though.