It is wrong for Obama to accuse Republicans of not having a plan to address illegal immigration.
From: The Way Forward: Renewing the American Idea, Paul Ryan
First, secure the border and enforce the laws we have on the books.
- Institute an effective visa tracking program.
- Institute an e-verify system for employers to electronically confirm an individual’s immigration status.
- Institute a guest worker program for temporary and seasonal workers to perform jobs “not being filled by Americans.”
- An independent third party must verify that the above border security and enforcement conditions have been successfully implemented.
Next, grant probationary legal status with specified conditions for undocumented immigrants.
- an admission that they entered the country unlawfully
- payment of a fine
- payment of back taxes
- a criminal background check
- learn English and civics
- must stay off any form of public assistance
After all the above have been satisfied, a probationary immigrant may leave probation and receive a non-immigrant work visa.
After another period of time, a holder of a non-immigrant work visa may get in line and apply for a green card.
Exceptions to the above:
- Illegal immigrants brought here as children and who are now pursuing advanced degrees or serving in the military should have an accelerated path [to be determined] to legal citizenship.
- Foreign students in STEM fields should be encouraged [to be determined] to remain in the U.S. after they complete their education.
