[Edward64]

Originally Posted by NobodyHere

I'll bite.

So Edward (or anyone for that matter), what would your idealistic Immigration bill look like?

See post above on my thoughts 4-5 years ago. I'd like the opportunity to amend as needed but it gives you a sense of where I'm coming from.

I assume below questions are geared towards illegals south of the border (other than for the visa question). I also assume you aren't really talking about felons and like, but just regular folks.

So under the assumption there is a holistic immigration reform compromise (e.g. so there are good/bad for everyone) including much better border control ...

What do we do with people here already illegally, whether they are adult or minor, or came across as adult or minor.

DACA, Dreamers - path to citizenship
Others - my compromise is to limit pathway to citizenship. Possible scenarios are (1) no citizenship but special class of permanent residency that allows them to stay & work legally, but will be kicked out if they commit a felony, no voting rights (2) pathway to citizenship for those that entered before XXXX year but not for others.

I personally would not be in favor for pathway to citizenship for all illegals.

What should we do with the people who have left their countries and are currently trying to enter our country?

My official answer is -- there are laws & rules. Let's follow & enforce them. Currently, Trump's "Remain in Mexico" is being played out and (I believe) the courts will allow Biden to stop the policy. Biden won the election so he gets to set whatever policies he wants (even if I don't agree with them). If one doesn't like what Biden/Trump etc. has done, and if it's important enough, factor that into elections.

My personal answer is I like the "Remain in Mexico" policy. Trump "bullying" Mexico into it arguably did more to stop illegal immigration than The (incomplete) Wall.

What do we do with people who have overstayed their Visas?

Assuming you mean overstay egregiously vs just want to extend my vacation another month. I say buy them a one way ticket home and note they are persona non-grata for X years. I'd think the majority of people that overstay their visa have some means vs south of the border.

The problem is there is no good way to track these situations currently. Immigration reform needs to address creating a system/database that can track/report/alert etc. I honestly don't know why this isn't already in place.

What penalties should people who knowingly employ illegal immigrants face?

I think the laws in place are okay. But think the problems are (1) not enforced consistently (2) there is a verification system and employer can check but it's not perfect.

For a first offense, a person may be fined $375 to $2,000 for each illegal employee hired. For a second offense, the fine increases to $3,200 to $6,500 for every illegal employee hired. If an employer has three or more offenses, they may be fined an amount of from $4,300 to $16,000 per illegal employee hired.

What relevant issues have I missed?

Even after an Immigration Reform is passed, illegal immigration will continue. A ramped up "guest worker" program is key.

For immigration in general - increase highly skilled immigrants significantly, get them a quick path to permanent residency/citizenship (especially those that come to US for school). Helps with our < 2.1 kids