I don’t have an issue with people coming to the United States of America, still the greatest country in the world. Most of us have ancestors that traveled by boat across oceans to come to this great country. They hoped to have a better life than what they left back in the old country. But they never intended to mooch off the people who were already living here – they came to be legal citizens of America.
People from other countries, backgrounds, economies and religions make this country a fascinating place to live. In our not-so-small town, we have Indian, Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Mexican, and a host of other ethnic restaurants within a few mile radius. There are people from all areas of this world living in this community. But many of them, even in Washington State are not here legally; nor are they attempting to be here under the law.
There’s been a lot of talk about haters and racists and bigots and the like. I’m none of those things. I’m simply a United States citizen that works hard and pays taxes. I only ask that others living here be willing to do the same. Legally and lawfully.
I propose that we allow all illegal immigrants the chance to step up to the plate and prove that they actually want to be law-abiding citizens of this country. And that you’re not just here for a free ride. I don’t care what country you came from. I don’t care what language you speak, what religion you believe in or what type of job you’re willing to do. If you want to live here, there are some rules you must follow.
If you are here illegally, your goal is to be legal. To that end I propose:
• All people entering the United States will be required to show documentation proving their place of birth or citizenship in whatever country they are currently citizens of. If you cannot provide documentation that says you are a legal (or working to be legal) citizen of the US, you will be detained. Think about Ellis Island. If you don’t know about Ellis Island, I suggest you find a computer with internet or a history book and read about it.
• If you have been detained for lack of documentation you will be given an identification number and a short-term place to live. Short term is 60 days. That’s two months. Within that time you will be required to show your intent to become a legal citizen of the US.
• Intent to become legal means you will find a job. This job will be a legal job and you will be taxed like everyone else with a legal job. You may have to work more than one job to pay for your housing (not paid for by the government), transportation, food and other living necessities such as healthcare. All persons over the age of 18 will be required to find work.
• If after the 60 day period, you cannot prove that you have obtained legal employment and have been paying taxes; you and your family will be transferred to a housing site where you and your family may remain for an additional 10 months. In this time you will be required to hold a job, pay taxes and work on your citizenship status. You (and your family) may be returned to your country of residency at any time during this 12 month period.
• If we cannot find a reason you or any family member CANNOT become a citizen within 12 months; you will be given citizenship. This will be on a probationary period of three years. In this three years, you (and all family members of job-holding age) will be required to hold a job, pay taxes and prove that you are a worthy, law-abiding citizen-to-be.
• If within the first year (12 months) you or your family are here, we can find ANY reason you should not be granted citizenry in our country; you AND YOUR FAMILY will be sent back to the country you arrived from. No questions, no amnesty, no sanctuary.
• If you have a child that was born in the United States (and according to our current laws is therefore a LEGAL citizen of the US) you will be allowed to stay in the US until that child is 1 year old. If you have not obtained legal citizenship within that 12 month period, you will be sent back to the country you arrived from. Your legal, US citizen child will be provided a loving, caring and tax-paying home to be raised in. You chose to come to this country while pregnant (or became pregnant while here); assuming your citizenship would be granted within 21 years. No one is willing to pay for you or your family’s healthcare, education and other benefits for 21 years. If you are that dedicated to having your child receive the benefits of being a citizen, we have lots of families that will be willing to raise them as US citizens.
During the three year probationary period, your citizenry will be automatically revoked if you or a family member:
• Are involved in any way in criminal activity; including, but not limited to: Terrorism, drug use/abuse/distribution, tax evasion, or any criminal activity that lands you (or any family member) in jail or prison. You will be sent back to the country you came from originally and denied any future attempts at citizenry. Your family will also be sent back to their country of origin; their citizenry and all benefits revoked and they will be denied any future attempts at citizenry.
I realize this is harsh and simplistically stated. However, it’s a start and one I think the government and law enforcement are too soft to suggest. All people are welcome here. We all started as immigrants (with the exception of the Native Americans who lived here first) and have fought for the rights and benefits of this country with our lives.
If you are anxious to live here and give your family the benefits of our terrific country, you must be willing to pay the price of those benefits.
1 comment:
I particularly like the part where you suggest sending them back once their child is a year old. Would probably cut down on border crossings just to give birth. Maybe.
But, really, the entire gist of what you've said is true. If our country is so great (and it is!) that everyone wants to live here, why all the fuss and runaround? Just do it legally, or go home.
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