Dear editor:
There are no simple answers to the continuing problem of repairing our broken immigration system. There was a time when there were enough Republican senators willing to compromise on a comprehensive immigration reform proposal which passed and was sent to the House of Representatives for their consideration. However, the recent comments by presidential candidate Donald Trump about illegal immigration has initiated a firestorm regarding this important issue.
Trump, like many others, offers simple solutions to a complex issue but fails to even look at the big picture. The immigration problem goes far beyond the issue of "illegals" coming into this country. That is just one of many issues facing our legislators as they attempt to find an acceptable solution. And no, Mr. Trump, building a 2,000-mile wall and fining the Mexican government $100,000 for every illegal border crosser does not begin to answer the problem. Trump's bombastic statements about Mexican immigrants could prove to be a significant cross for the GOP to carry as they prepare for the 2016 presidential election.
A sensible immigration reform bill was passed with bipartisan support nearly two years ago and it now languishes in the House of Representatives with Speaker Boehner refusing to bring the bill to the floor for debate, amendment and a vote. Here are a few suggestions that should be considered as part of the reform bill to get the process rolling:
• Put a temporary halt on all immigration until the system is repaired and manageable.
• Increase border security with additional personnel and electronic surveillance.
• For those who are already here, are gainfully employed and have not been convicted of a felony, issue them a work permit similar to the Bracero program in the '70s. As their seasonal work changes, they should be permitted to cross the border in either direction with the work permit.
• Those with work permits and other legal documents should be eligible for a state-issued driver's license, which would become their official identification.
• Once legal immigration is reinstituted, priority should be given to those who have skills needed in our nation's workforce and for those who already speak English. Those seeking family unification as their primary goal should not be given priority over the need for workers with specific job skills.
• The lengthy process of a constitutional amendment should begin in order to redefine the 14th Amendment which now provides automatic U.S. citizenship for anyone born in the United States.
• No business should be allowed to hire anyone without legal documentation.
• Finally, any comprehensive bill should include provisions both for legal status and a path to citizenship for those who have been in the country for a specified number of years (five?). The criteria for citizenship in the Senate bill now languishing in the House of Representatives seems to be a very fair process.
It's now time for our elected representatives to put aside partisan politics and do something right for the country.
Ray Warner
Hot Springs
Editorial on 07/28/2015