What we learn from history is it’s very difficult to take something that is legal/accepted and suddenly make it illegal. For 50 years American’s have relied on the work of illegal immigrants to pick their fruits, work at their restaurants and due the work most Americans are unwilling to do. To believe that American’s will just give up this lifestyle up is less likely then someone giving up their booze during prohibitions. Not only has the illegal immigrant been intertwined with our economies but also the communities that they have lived in.
We also must understand the way the media will portray even one of these deportation let alone thousands, will impact public opinion to stop this dead at a wall. That is why it would be near impossible for the 12 million illegal immigrant in our country to suddenly be deported as Mr. Trump has outlined in his immigration platform. Not only is this plan impractical but might be unconstitutional . We need a more sensible plan that not only makes good rhetoric but actually works here are a few steps (below) in this plan.
(1) SECURE THE BORDER– No action can be made on any changes to illegal immigration status until the wall is secure as approved by a bipartisan committee and the states representation that are nearest the borders.
(2) ENFORCE THE CURRENT LAWS– Laws on illegal immigration status should be strictly enforced as they stand. Any state or city that is unwilling to enforce the laws that are on the books maybe subject to penalties from the Federal Government.
(3) PURPLE CARD – Once the wall has been secure. Illegal Immigrants already in the country can apply for a purple card which allows them to work in this country but not receive any benefits that citizens are entitled to. They can not vote in elections, receive governmental aid but must pay into the social security system. An illegal immigrant who has been convicted of a felony will serve their sentence and be deported with no chance to come back into the country.
(4) PURPLE CARD-CITIZENS– Those illegal immigrants who prove that they have been in this country for over 5 years in good standings will have to pay a fine, learn English, serve in a national service for at least a year and then may apply for citizenship.
