David and I were talking about today’s big march, and kicking around ideas that could get both sides moving toward a solution somewhere in the middle. It appears ***Dave is of much the same opinion as we are: amnesty, easily obtainable worker visas and a clean slate, and then serious penalties for overstaying the term of the visa.

***Dave :: Immigration Day Stuff

1. Devise a guest worker program that is easily applied for (including from within the country, initially), is quickly processed, has a very high quota, has strong protections for workers and strict penalties for overstaying one’s welcome. The program should have provisions for good performers to apply for permanent citizenship.

Folks could apply for this from within the country (i.e., if you’re currently illegal, here’s your chance to get on the right side of the law). Yes, that’s an “amnesty.” Suck it up.

Once this program is in place for six months, then the following items would kick in.

2. Harsh penalties for companies that do hire illegals. That includes closing the “independent contractor” loophole, as well as companies bearing responsibility for what their subcontractors and subsubcontractors do.

3. Harsh penalties for illegal immigration. If there are reasonable avenues for folks to work here legally, then illegal workers can be justly punished. That includes deportatioin followed by escalating prison sentences in this country.

4. Improve border security — something short of Fortress America, but still more than what we currently have. Alternately (or perhaps more cheaply) improve enforcement of the above laws, checking on legality status of workers and prosecuting workers and businesses for violation of the law.

An additional idea: a worker visa could be obtained quickly and relatively cheaply at controlled border entry points. It would have to be a lot cheaper than paying $3000 to some coyote and risking death in the desert. Workers could walk across the line, then board charter buses waiting to take them to the desired destination indicated on their worker visa. The cost of bus fare would be covered by their entry fee. Or they would simply board scheduled buses in major cities in America; fares would include the worker visa fee and there would be just an ID check at the border. Returnees reverse the itineraries to exit. There should probably be a minimum stay requirement (hark at her, the travel agent!) before they can re-apply for another worker visa. Citizens of countries south of Mexico might have to obtain pre-approved visas that would operate like transit papers through that country.

And yes, I’m all for rewarding good workers with permanent residency and an easier shot at citizenship. This country needs people who are willing to work hard, and always has.

As long as this country has a demand for low-wage workers, they will come from outside our borders. We might as well make it safe and legal.