No One Asked Me But… (November 28, 2018)

By DR. LARRY MOSES

No one asked me but… There is a major problem with illegal immigrantes coming into America. The most notable problem is the large number of illegal immigrants crossing our southern border.
However, there is also a portion of illegals from all over the world who have become illegals by over-staying a work visa. There are illegals who came to America on education visa, many who never show up at the university, or never left after they finished their education.

Republicans ran in 2016, on a pledge to solve the problem. For the two years they were in control of both Houses of Congress and the Presidency they failed to do so. For the eight years prior to the 2016 election, the Democrats controlled the federal government and not only ignored the problem, they actually encouraged the illegal immigrants to come to America.

The problem is we have over 7,000 South American immigrants working their way through Mexico. The first of these are now in Tijuana, Mexico, trying to get into the United States. They are very much aware of the fact that, under the eight-year rule of Democrats, if they placed a foot on American soil they would not be sent home without a hearing to determine if they qualify for political asylum.

Since the number is so large, it takes years for the immigration courts to hear their individual cases. So the Obama administration instituted the “catch and release” policy. If an illegal is caught, he/she is given a citation with a date to appear before a judge to determine their status. Then they are released to roam America as they see fit. Each year over 100,000 fail to appear for their hearings as scheduled.

It is time for the moderates in both parties to isolate their extremists and come up with a workable plan to deal with the issue. It is time for the right-wing extremists to stop crying wolf about the great numbers of criminals and terrorists sneaking into the country among those seeking asylum. It is also time for left wing extremist to stop screaming racism and heartlessness of those who would close the border to all but those who truly are in danger. It is time to stop the petty bickering among Republicans and Democrats and let cooler heads develop a program that will work.

Let me recommend a plan. I realize that any plan offered is a starting point and needs to be modified by people smarter than me. However, being old and retired, I thought I would have some fun and attempt a solution. At least it could start a conversation about issues rather than personalities.
So, for what is worth, here’s my plan.

There are seven states (California, Colorado, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Mexico, Oregon and Vermont) that have proclaimed themselves “sanctuary states” and refuse to allow federal immigration laws to be enforced within their borders. There are 18 other states that have a total of 100 counties or cities that have declared themselves sanctuaries for the illegal immigrants.

Since it has been determined that all illegal immigrants are, under the Constitution, entitled to a hearing to determine their status as asylum seekers, the federal government will establish special courts to be convened in sanctuary states the number determined by the need to process all claims within six months of the arrival of the illegal immigrant.

When the illegal immigrant is apprehended at the border, the border patrol agent would take them into custody and issue a citation to appear before an immigration judge. The illegal immigrant would then be transported to one of the sanctuary states where he would be instructed to remain within the border of that state or be subject to immediate deportation.

After the hearing where he/she is declared a legitimate asylum seeker, they would be issued a document stating so. They would then be assigned a volunteer sponsor from any one of the 100 sanctuary counties or states throughout the United States. It would be the responsibility of that individual to establish the immigrant within the sanctuary county or city. After seven years, if the immigrant has been a good productive citizen, they may apply for citizenship.

If the court decided that the illegal was not eligible for asylum and may present a possible danger to society the illegal immigrant would have the option of being deported or remaining within the confines of the sanctuary state.

Leaving the sanctuary state would lead to immediate deportation to the nation of origin. If they chose to remain, and after ten years of productive activity within the sanctuary state, they could apply for legal alien status. After another seven years, if they can show they have been a productive member of society, they could then apply for citizenship.

After the transportation to sanctuary states, all expenses including food stamps, medical, and housing expenses involved will be paid for by the sanctuary states, counties, cities, churches and other organization that support the sanctuaries.

One must now ask what about the 11,000,000 illegals that are already in the United States? I have a plan for them also. They will be given one year to appear before an immigration court to show that they have been a productive and law-abiding member of American society. If they have been here as such for ten or more years, they would be allowed to apply for citizenship. If less than five years, they would be deported to home of origin unless they were adjudicated a legitimate asylum case whereupon they would be issued a “green card” and after ten years they could apply for citizenship.

DACA kids should be given “green cards” allowing them to stay in the United States. If they prove themselves good contributing members of American society upon reaching the age of 25, they should be allowed to apply for citizenship. Those individuals who have come to America under a visa to go to school and do not enroll, or over-stay their visa, should be arrested and deported immediately.

Now all that being said, I do not believe these are any more than ideas of an old man who has more time on his hands than is good. My point is not that this is a definitive plan; my point is there can be a plan developed somewhere between razor wire and open borders. If those we have elected to lead this country would quit the political bickering and actually take into consideration what is best for America, an effective solution could be developed.

Thought of the week… “We asked for workers. We got people instead.”
― Max Frisch