The 12 Million Dollar Question

An interesting comparison of all the plans on the list now, how they might work and what we have to do now. DP

What Will Happen with Illegal Immigrants?

By Jose Idler, a research fellow at AEI

AEI.org: The immigration debate is in the spotlight again this week as lawmakers are trying to carve out their own distinguishing brand of reform. Proposals range from nearly exclusive law enforcement (Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner) to guest workers with an added citizenship path (Sens. Ted Kennedy and John McCain).

But just as important as which bill will prevail in Congress is the question of what will happen with the roughly 12 million illegal immigrants already in this country. Most likely, they'll stay. The real question is how fast they'll be able to integrate and become Americans.

The status of currently illegal immigrants is a particularly contentious point. Everyone seems to agree that reforming the system is necessary, that a blind eye toward illegal residents erodes the rule of law and that increased border security is a matter of national interest.

But now the sour questions begin. Is a guest worker program necessary? And more importantly, what should happen with those currently living and working in the United States illegally?

On the one hand, as some bills propose, imagine that all illegal aliens are asked to leave the country, although they might be able to apply for a guest worker visa from their home countries. Options include mass deportations and voluntary provisions under which illegal aliens will be required, or have incentives, to come forward and sign up to return home.

Be sure to read the rest of this article! This is only a small part of it.