American Analysis: The Need for an Undocumented Immigrants Registration Program

Friday, October 18, 2024

The Need for an Undocumented Immigrants Registration Program

Food for Thought

The Need for an Undocumented Immigrants Registration Program

"The worst sin toward our fellow creatures is not to hate them

but to be indifferent to them: that's the essence of inhumanity."

George Bernard Shaw

The insistence by some on the granting of another amnesty for undocumented residents, number eight since 1986, without preventing future illegal entry, is disingenuous and divisive; it also prolongs the suffering of the millions living in the shadows. So, the impasse continues.

The all-important question is, how do we humanely manage the 20+ million undocumented residents already in our country? I propose the following:

Let's agree that all criminal aliens, as well as foreign freeloaders, should be deported, a.s.a.p.
Let's agree that we must continue bringing large numbers of immigrants through a legal process that must be expanded.
Let's agree that we should allow American businesses to recruit qualified personnel worldwide, provided those newcomers intend to become Americans rather than just live here.
Let's agree that those undocumented immigrants which our nation has invited to come with an open-border policy and who have become non-criminal, productive residents must be granted gradual legalization and eventual voting citizenship.
Let's agree that we must begin a program of massive national registration of undocumented residents with the involvement of government agencies, churches, and private organizations.

A set registration period should be established, with well-advertised national intake locations, for those undocumented immigrants who pledge to become Americans through a mandatory, gradual legalization program. Those adequately registered would be granted conditional work permits. When the authorities detect those who fail to register, they will be subject to rapid deportation. Employers providing work to unregistered immigrants would face stiff penalties, including potential imprisonment.

We must remain one nation under God, with a united population ruled by laws and transparent to each other. We are the sovereign United States of America in the global family of nations.