This is Floyd Wynne with THE VIEW FROM HERE.

             Where does the immigration legislation stand now?

Apparently public pressure will force the Senate to re-open hearings on the bill, but what then?

Well it seems that the country is divided into two camps mostly.  One would round up the estimated 12 million illegal immigrants and bundle them into busses and send them back over the border.

Another group would simply issue green cards to all those in this country and give them opportunity to eventually become legal citizens.

Those two forces are making it very difficult to fashion any type of legislation on the issue.

There is one thing, though, that most agree on…..and that is the absolute need to close the border to Mexico so no more millions of illegal immigrants find their way into this country.

Apparently those in Congress feel that the issue of border safety is merely a part of the legislation while actually it is the one thing that most legal Americans want to occur. Instead of tying it to a host of proposals  that will only take months to iron out…..why not put the issue of the border first in line.   Deal with it and then proceed to other proposals.

Once the funds are available and the border is considered secure, then do two other things…...first set a registration date for all illegals to sign up at their local post offices and fill out a questionnaire about their situation here.

Who do they work for?  Have they paid taxes and other questions. Now, make it abundantly clear that those who don’t sign up are committing a felony and when found will be deported...put on a black list and never allowed back in the country.

Also...a measure must be put in place to require all employers to report any illegals working for them….or face major fines.  This would require that a tamper proof id card must be issued to those permitted to remain in this country on a special visa.

Of those who do register those who have a criminal record should be immediately deported.   Obviously they will be the ones who will not register, but if they have no place to work and can’t receive welfare or food stamps, they will head back home.

Those who register and are given work permits should b e given an opportunity over a period of time to qualify for citizenship as part of an annual quota on Mexican residents.    I don’t favor the idea of requiring them to pay up to as much as a $5,000 fine or even  fund back taxes.

If they sign up and qualify for a special visa that should be enough.

It’s all these extra requirements that is delaying any program.

This may be a form of amnesty, but requiring that those who qualify must also stand in line with the Mexican quota in order to get that citizenship, along with such requirements as learning English and also knowing the history of our Constitution and the history of our country.

To me this course of action makes common sense and, I feel, would be acceptable to most Americans.

It’s obvious that trying to put it all, including border security, into a single package will be a long, long time in finding its way through a Congress process.

Do the most important thing first…..secure the border now !

This is Floyd Wynne and that’s THE VIEW FROM HERE.

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Text Box:   This is Floyd Wynne with THE VIEW FROM HERE.              Where does the immigration legislation stand now? Apparently public pressure will force the Senate to re-open hearings on the bill, but what then? Well it seems that the country is divided into two camps mostly.  One would round up the estimated 12 million illegal immigrants and bundle them into busses and send them back over the border. Another group would simply issue green cards to all those in this country and give them opportunity to eventually become legal citizens. Those two forces are making it very difficult to fashion any type of legislation on the issue. There is one thing, though, that most agree on…..and that is the absolute need to close the border to Mexico so no more millions of illegal immigrants find their way into this country. Apparently those in Congress feel that the issue of border safety is merely a part of the legislation while actually it is the one thing that most legal Americans want to occur. Instead of tying it to a host of proposals  that will only take months to iron out…..why not put the issue of the border first in line.   Deal with it and then proceed to other proposals. Once the funds are available and the border is considered secure, then do two other things…...first set a registration date for all illegals to sign up at their local post offices and fill out a questionnaire about their situation here. Who do they work for?  Have they paid taxes and other questions. Now, make it abundantly clear that those who don’t sign up are committing a felony and when found will be deported...put on a black list and never allowed back in the country. Also...a measure must be put in place to require all employers to report any illegals working for them….or face major fines.  This would require that a tamper proof id card must be issued to those permitted to remain in this country on a special visa. Of those who do register those who have a criminal record should be immediately deported.   Obviously they will be the ones who will not register, but if they have no place to work and can’t receive welfare or food stamps, they will head back home. Those who register and are given work permits should b e given an opportunity over a period of time to qualify for citizenship as part of an annual quota on Mexican residents.    I don’t favor the idea of requiring them to pay up to as much as a $5,000 fine or even  fund back taxes. If they sign up and qualify for a special visa that should be enough. It’s all these extra requirements that is delaying any program. This may be a form of amnesty, but requiring that those who qualify must also stand in line with the Mexican quota in order to get that citizenship, along with such requirements as learning English and also knowing the history of our Constitution and the history of our country. To me this course of action makes common sense and, I feel, would be acceptable to most Americans. It’s obvious that trying to put it all, including border security, into a single package will be a long, long time in finding its way through a Congress process. Do the most important thing first…..secure the border now ! This is Floyd Wynne and that’s THE VIEW FROM HERE.      

Text Box: 6/19/07